HomeMy WebLinkAboutSkyview Tree Experts 2025-06-23REQUEST FOR BID
City of Ukiah
SPECIFICATION E37591
CLAY STREET TREE TRIMMING
MAY 22, 2025
Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting
Wednesday, 2PM, June 4th, 2025
City Parking Lot, 411 W Clay St Ukiah CA 95482
Bid Due Date
2:00 PM JUNE 18, 2025
I. Introduction
City of Ukiah is seeking bids from qualified Contractors to provide all necessary materials, equipment
and labor for the trimming of 5 trees located along West Clay Street adjacent to the Ukiah Civic Center at 300
Seminary Avenue, Ukiah.
II. Bid Procedure
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: This Request for Bid (RFB) is issued as an open market purchase under
Section 1522 of the Ukiah City Code. This is not a formal or informal bid under the provisions of state law
governing RFB’s for Public Projects. The procedures governing open market purchases are at the discretion
of the Purchasing Officer and may vary from bid to bid, depending on the City’s needs. The City Code
encourages the Purchasing Officer to use modern communications, including the telephone, e-mail and the
internet, to obtain the lowest possible price, consistent with the City’s needs. The Purchasing Officer does
use City bidder’s lists when soliciting bids. You may contact the Purchasing Officer if you would like to be
placed on the City’s bidder’s list.
III. Contact Person
The City has designated Myles Fisette, Purchasing Manager, as the contact person for questions
related to the work requested. Questions are to be submitted in writing and can be done so by e-mail at
mfisette@cityofukiah.com.
IV. Examination of the Site
The Contractor should familiarize himself with the local conditions of the project sites, and shall be
responsible for having acquired full knowledge of the job and all problems affecting it. Failure to do so will
in no way relieve him/her of the responsibility for performing any of the work or operations required as part
of this contract.
V. Bid Submittal Instructions
Bids can be submitted in hardcopy, fax, or by email. Bids are due on or before 2:00 PM JUNE 18,
2025 to:
City of Ukiah Purchasing Department
Attn: Myles Fisette
411 West Clay Street
Phone: (707) 463-6225
Email: mfisette@cityofukiah.com
It will be the sole responsibility of the bidders to have their bids delivered to the City before the
closing hour and date. Late bids will not be considered and will be returned unopened to the sender. The City
will not be responsible for any cost incurred by the Contractor in preparation of their bid response.
VI. Scope of Work
The City of Ukiah requests bids that include all necessary materials, equipment and labor to remove
all dead, dying, broken, or otherwise hazardous limbs from five (5) redwood trees located on Clay St adjacent
to the City Civic Center at 300 Seminary Avenue in Ukiah CA.
The five redwood trees, pictured in Attachment A, requiring service will be clearly marked on the day
of the mandatory pre-bid meeting, allowing bidders to assess the scope accurately. These trees will also be re-
City of Ukiah SPEC # E37591 CLAY STREET TREE TRIMMING - RFB
3
marked prior to the start of work to ensure consistency and alignment with the bid. The contractor is
responsible for identifying and removing all dead, dying, broken, or otherwise hazardous limbs and ensuring
that all debris is removed from the site daily unless otherwise approved.
Tree trimming work shall include all brush chipped. Total clean-up is required, including all wood chips
and debris. Resulting stump holes to be filled by City crews.
All work performed must following the City of Ukiah Tree Management Guidelines, provided here as
Attachment B.
It is the contractor’s responsibility to notify Underground Service Alert (USA) to identify any
underground utility issues within the area of the work. Dial (toll free) 1 (800) 642-2444.
Upon completion of work, the area shall be cleaned to a condition at least equal to that which existed
prior to the commencement of the work.
Undergrowth and adjacent structures sustaining damage or injury due to the work shall receive corrective
action – after discussion and approval of City of Ukiah. Contractor shall be solely responsible for any and all
damages extending from the tree removal. Contractor shall restore all damaged property to its original
condition at his/her own expense.
Contractor will be responsible, in accordance with Construction Safety Orders of the Division of
Industrial Safety, State of California, to ensure the least possible obstruction to traffic and inconvenience to
the general public, and adequate protection of persons and property in the vicinity of the work.
Work will not be considered complete until final inspection has been made by the City supervisor, and
work has been completed to his/her satisfaction.
VII. Measurement and Payment
The bid price for this work shall be lump sum, and consist of all labor, materials, equipment,
applicable fees, including tax (8.875%) and freight necessary to perform the work as described in this bid
specification.
VIII. Terms
The City asks that vendors specify their desired payment preferences in their bid response. The actual
payment terms of the contract will be open for negotiation during the contract phase. If no special payments
are requested prior to issuing the work, the City will assume net 30 terms.
The City reserves the right to award to the lowest, responsible bidder. The City also reserves the right
to waive any irregularities and technicalities and request rebids should it be deemed in its best interests to do
so. The price, terms, delivery point, and delivery date may individually or collectively be the basis of the
awarding of the bid. In addition, the City reserves the right to make the selection of specific parts of a bid, or
multiple proposals that will best meet the needs of the City as defined in this RFB. In addition, the City
reserves the right to reject any or all bids. The awarded contractor will enter a “Short Form Construction
Contract”, Attachment C.
City of Ukiah SPEC # E37591 CLAY STREET TREE TRIMMING - RFB
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IX. Addenda
If it becomes necessary to revise any part of this Request for Bid (RFB) after it has been issued, the
City will issue an addendum to the RFB containing the revision. All addenda will be posted on the City’s
website at www.cityofukiah.com/purchasing with the rest of the RFB documents. Anyone who intends to
submit a bid in response to the RFB must check the website frequently for any posted addenda. Anyone
submitting a bid will be deemed to have seen and agreed to be bound by the posted addenda.
X. Warranty
Unless otherwise indicated, the Contractor must provide a 1 year workmanship warranty from the
date of final acceptance. The Contractor shall replace promptly and at his own expense any materials and/or
workmanship which fail during this warranty period.
XI. Bidder Qualifications
The City will satisfy itself that the potential contractors are reputable firms with a proven track record
and a proven product. Contractors are asked to provide the information requested under Work Performance
History Capability. References are to be those who you have performed similar scope of work as asked for in
this RFB. References are to include the contact name and phone number. A minimum of three references are
requested.
XII. Insurance Requirements
Bidder’s attention is directed to the insurance requirements – see Attachment E. Contractors shall
furnish to the City, upon award of contract, certificates of insurance covering full liability under Worker’s
Compensation laws of the State of California, Comprehensive General Liability and Business Auto Insurance
with policy limits of not less than $2,000,000 naming the City as an additional insured party.
It is highly recommended that contractors confer with their respective insurance carriers or brokers to
determine in advance of bid submission the availability of insurance certificates and endorsements as
prescribed and provided herein. If an apparent awarded contractor fails to comply with the insurance
requirements, that contractor may be disqualified from award of the contract. If you have questions regarding
the City’s requirements, please contact the City’s Risk Manager at 707-463-6287.
XIII. License and Additional Requirements
1) Compliance with Laws and Regulations: All materials, parts and equipment furnished pursuant to
these specifications shall be in compliance with the laws and regulations of the State of California and OSHA.
The contractor shall, if requested by the City, supply certification and evidence of such compliance.
2) Payment Bond: As per California Civil Code Section 9550, a direct contractor that is awarded a
public works contract involving an expenditure in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) shall,
before commencement of work, give a payment (material and labor) bond to and approved by the officer or
public entity by whom the contract was awarded. Please refer to Attachment D for a copy of the sample
forms.
3) Legal Requirements and Permits: The contractor agrees to fully comply with all local, City, State and
Federal laws, regulations and ordinances governing performance of contractual services required, and it will
be the responsibility of the contractor to obtain any and all necessary licenses, permits or clearances,
including the actual cost of licenses.
4) License Requirements: Bidder/Contractor must possess a current State of California contractor’s
license and a City of Ukiah business license. (For information business license, please contact Kathy
Norris, City of Ukiah Finance Department at 707-463-6202.)
a) The Contractor shall possess a valid State of California Class D-49 license. Bidder shall provide proof
of possession of the proper licenses and certificates of registration necessary to perform the work.
City of Ukiah SPEC # E37591 CLAY STREET TREE TRIMMING - RFB
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Employees actually performing the tasks shall provide proof of proper certificates of registration for
same.
b) The bidder shall keep in force a City of Ukiah business license for the extent of the project.
c) Where subcontractors/jobbers are used, bidder shall provide the City with proof of proper
licenses, certificates and proof of insurance for work performed.
5) Notice to Bidders – Contractor Registration and Prevailing Wages –No contractor or
subcontractor may be listed on a bid proposal for a public works project unless registered with
the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5 [with limited
exceptions from this requirement for bid purposes only under Labor Code section 1771.1(a)]. No
contractor or subcontractor may be awarded a contract for public work on a public works
project unless registered with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to Labor Code
section 1725.5. The prime contractor shall be responsible for posting job site notices as
prescribed by regulation. This project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by
the Department of Industrial Relations.
Public Works Small Project Exemption: Small project exemption means that contractors who
work exclusively on small projects are not required to register as public works contractors or file
electronic certified payroll reports for those projects. However, prevailing wages must still be
paid on projects with small project exemption. Contractors are still required to maintain certified
payroll records on a continuous basis, and provide those records to the Labor Commissioner’s
Office upon request. Small project exemption is applied based on the amount of the entire
project, not a contractors subcontracted amount of the project. Small project exemption applies
for all public works projects that do not exceed: $25,000 for new construction, alteration,
installation, demolition or repair; and $15,000 for maintenance.
Each laborer or mechanic of Contractor or any subcontractor engaged in work on the project
under this contract shall be paid, pursuant to provisions of Section 1770, including amendments
thereof, of the Labor Code of the State of California, the Director of the Department of Industrial
Relations, State of California, has ascertained the general prevailing rate of wages for straight
time, overtime Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays including employer payment for health and
welfare, vacation, pension and similar purposes, copies of the General Prevailing Wage
Determination (applicable to the work), for the locality in which the work is to be done can be
reviewed at Website: www.dir.ca.gov/dlsr/pwd/northern.html .
The Labor Commissioner through the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) may at
any time require contractor and subcontractors to furnish electronic certified payroll records
directly to DLSE. For projects that do not meet the “Public Works Small Project Exemption”,
contractors and subcontractors must furnish electronic certified payroll records directly to the
DLSE.
Attachment A
CITY OF UKIAH
TREE MANAGEMENT
GUIDELINES
TREE MANAGEMENT POLICIES FOR THE PROTECTION,
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF CITY PROPERTY
Adopted 12-01-10 & Revised 11-19-14
Attachment B
2 City of Ukiah Tree Management Guidelines
TREE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES AND POLICIES
FOR THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF CITY
PROPERTY
1.0 PURPOSE STATEMENT
The purpose of this document is to provide policy guidelines for the preservation, maintenance and
enhancement of the urban forest in parks and other areas maintained by the staff and contractors of the
City of Ukiah. These guidelines are based on policy from the City of Ukiah General Plan Growth
Management Program adopted by the City Council December 6, 1995 and amended June 16, 2004 and the
City of Ukiah Community Forest Management Plan, adopted by the City Council on November 3, 1993.
“ Trees are a precious legacy which improve our quality of life and enhance our community image and
pride. Trees enrich air and water quality, provide wildlife habitat, increase aesthetic value, reduce soil
erosion, and help us to maintain a sense of rural community.”
Community Forest Management Plan Vision Statement
2.0 DEPARTMENTS AFFECTED
2.1 Community Services Department
2.2 Public Works Department
2.3 Electric Utility Department
2.4 Planning and Community Development Department
2.5 Ukiah Municipal Airport
3.1 RESPONSIBILITY
The department directors shall be responsible for the implementation of these polices and
guidelines and all staff shall be trained and shall abide by these guidelines and policies as
outlined in this document. City Council shall approve any significant amendments or changes to
the Tree Management Guidelines and Policies proposed by staff and community partners
before they are adopted.
3.2 The Directors of the departments are responsible for the preservation, care and
maintenance of trees as follows:
3.2.1 Community Services Department is responsible for all trees in public parks
including the Commemorative Program trees.
3.2.2 Public Works Department is responsible for all trees in the public right of way and
creeks.
3.2.3 Electric Utility Department is responsible for trimming of trees to maintain
clearance from primary electric lines and facilities
3.2.4 Planning and Community Development Department is responsible for oversight of all
landscaping plans filed by the applicant.
3.3 Partnerships: Volunteers and/or community groups shall be important partners to achieve
objectives for urban forestry.
3 City of Ukiah Tree Management Guidelines
TREE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES AND POLICIES
FOR THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF CITY
PROPERTY
4.0 TRAINING
City staff shall receive training on all procedures listed in this document, including on-site classes and/or
training provided by Mendocino College and assorted qualified arboricultural professionals on a regular
schedule to ensure that proper methods are utilized.
All City of Ukiah staff performing tree care duties within the City’s urban forest shall attend a minimum
of two training workshops annually.
A workshop for dormant care of trees will be held in the Fall/Winter months. A second workshop will
occur in the Spring/Summer to train for the growing season. Workshops will include, but not limited to:
proper seasonal maintenance; best practices for soil conditioning; proper pruning techniques; and plant
identification. Workshops will generally be held in the field and last about two hours and will be run by a
qualified arboricultural professional with expertise in best practices for urban forest care.
5.0 POLICY GOALS
The Tree Management Guidelines focus on long-term protection of the City’s trees and have been
developed for the preservation, planting, care, removal or disposition of trees, replacement planting in parks,
along streets and in other public areas.
The City of Ukiah intends that these guidelines and policies shall remain in effect, however, they will be
subject to change based upon arboricultural standards, community input and staff recommendations.
Suggestions for changes to the Guidelines must be submitted in writing to a department director. They
will then be discussed with community partners and staff and then submitted to the City Council for
approval.
6.1 GUIDELINES FOR TREE CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Staff and contracted professionals shall utilize International Society of Arboriculture’s Best
Management Practices (ISA BMP) and/or American National Standards Institute (ANSI). A
Glossary of terms is included in Section 9.0.
Specific criteria as detailed in the ISA BMP shall be established and applied to for the removal and/or
pruning of trees located in or on City property. The same criteria shall be used to evaluate the overall
public benefit of the proposed work. In all cases, safety concerns shall receive priority. In addition,
priority will be given to limiting removal, increasing forest canopy, and preserving appropriate
vegetation on park property.
6.2 Tree Preservation: The health and physical state of trees shall be maintained and protected
whenever possible. Instances not specifically covered elsewhere in this policy include:
4 City of Ukiah Tree Management Guidelines
TREE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES AND POLICIES
FOR THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF CITY
PROPERTY
6.2.1 Conservation of Landmark Trees: These are individual trees that are considered unique
because of size, species, historical significance, and shall be given extra protections and
consideration for retention. Refer to the Glossary of Terms.
6.2.2 Conservation of Commemorative Program Trees: These are individual trees or groves
purchased by someone from the City of Ukiah to memorialize an individual or group.
Refer to the Glossary of Terms.
6.2.3 Existing Trees: Staff shall change use patterns in root zones whenever practical. For
example: Vehicles parked or materials stored in the root zone shall be subject to an
education and/or enforcement campaign to reverse the damage to the tree roots;
pathways causing excessive compaction around tree roots shall be relocated if other
options are deemed insufficient. Fencing, boulders, logs and landscaping are reasonable
deterrents to reduce further damage and shall be used whenever practical. Refer to ISA
BMP Integrated Vegetation Management.
6.2.4 Special consideration shall be given for unique situations. Every effort shall be made
to protect trees growing near underground streams.
6.1.5 Storm water flooding and sedimentation of drainage areas shall be properly
considered before tree removal.
6.1.6 The relationship of vegetation to slope stability will be a primary consideration in all
proposed vegetation management on slopes.
6.1.7 Diseased or Infested Plants That Pose Risk to Trees: Action shall be taken to
effectively decrease risk to other trees from pests and diseases. This may include
removal and destruction of affected materials, pesticide treatments and/or alternative
cultural practices. Other qualified experts shall be consulted as needed. Refer to ISA
BMP Integrated Pest Management; City of Ukiah Integrated Pest Management Plan.
6.1.8 Damage, Vandalism and Illegal Cutting: Action shall be taken whenever possible to
investigate and prosecute vandalism and illegal cutting of city-owned trees.
Compensation for damages shall be sought based on the appraised value in accordance
with The Guide for Plant Appraisal as authored by the Council of Tree and Landscape
Appraisers.
6.2 Planting: Planning before planting can ensure that the right tree is planted in the right location.
Proper tree selection and placement prevents tree damage and costly maintenance like trimming.
Consideration of water requirements and climate and surrounding infrastructure such as sidewalks,
sewer lines and overhead/underground power lines shall improve the chances for optimum growth
potential. Refer to the City of Ukiah’s Master Tree List; City of Ukiah Tree Planting and
Maintenance Recommendations; ISA BMP Tree Planting; and ISA BMPTree Support Systems.
6.3 Root Environment and Tree Root Zones: Refer to the Glossary of Terms. Whenever feasible, a
pro-active program of cultural practices shall be implemented to maintain the health and vitality of
City trees. Refer to ISA BMP Tree and Shrub Fertilization.
6.3.1 Trees in parks, fields and all other areas both developed and undeveloped:
5 City of Ukiah Tree Management Guidelines
TREE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES AND POLICIES
FOR THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF CITY
PROPERTY
6.3.1.1 Soil Compaction: Every effort shall be made to avoid the compaction
of soil in root zones and to encourage penetration of rainfall deep into
the soil.
6.3.1.2 Mulch: Organic material such as mulch and leaves shall not be
removed
under the tree canopy.
6.3.1.3 Crews shall, when feasible and practical, establish and maintain the
areas under tree canopies free of turf and invasive plant species. The
use of native grasses and plants are encouraged, as are plants associated
with the trees above them. Special consideration shall be given to oak
trees and the use of drought tolerant plants near them.
6.3.1.4 Parking: Vehicles and equipment should be parked on paved areas,
streets and parking lots.
6.3.1.5 Pavement: The use of pavement within park and garden areas shall be
limited as much as possible, especially under tree canopies. Whenever
pavement is necessary the use of permeable materials is preferred.
Remove the affected curb and damaged or cracked pavement due to
root uplift when feasible. Level the section with mulch, chips, sand, or
gravel rather than replacing the area with impervious materials.
6.3.1.6 Leaf Blowers: The use of leaf blowers is discouraged. Leaf
blowers should not be used to blow debris with native soil.
6.3.1.7 Pesticides: The use of pesticides is discouraged. Please refer to the
City
Integrated Pest Management policy.
6.3.1.8 Stakes: In the unusual situation when stakes are needed they should be
driven in outside the root ball. ISA BMP Tree Support Systems shall
be followed.
6.4 Construction around Trees: Protection devices shall be installed to protect the tree and root
zones when near or within construction zones. The root system extends at least to the edge of the
canopy or drip line of the tree with most of the fine feeder roots active in the top few inches of the
soil. These roots need air to stay healthy in order to provide the tree with nutrients and water.
This root zone shall be protected from compaction, changes in soil grade, digging, or other
disturbances.
Protective fencing and warning signage will be required around the root zone. All tree protection
devices shall be visible, well-anchored, and approved in the field by the Supervisor or designee
prior to clearing, grading, or beginning of construction and shall remain in place and maintained
until the project is completed. Refer to ISA BMP Managing Trees During Construction and
ANSI Construction Management and Standard.
6 City of Ukiah Tree Management Guidelines
TREE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES AND POLICIES
FOR THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF CITY
PROPERTY
6.5 Consultation with a Qualified Arboricultural Professional: When planning and designing
a public improvement project the City shall seek the appropriate qualified expert when the
project involves or is near a tree or trees.
6.6 Pruning Standards: The latest pruning standards established by the International Society of
Arboriculture shall be used in the maintenance of trees and are detailed in the ISA Best
Maintenance Practice booklets. Refer to ISA BMP Tree Pruning; ISA BMP Utility Pruning of
Trees. Such maintenance will include:
6.6.1 General pruning for clearance to prevent injuries and to facilitate maintenance and
vehicle clearance.
6.6.2 Pruning dead, dying, and diseased sections to improve the health and
appearance of the tree and to prevent accidents.
6.6.3 Pruning for clearance around lighting and overhead lines.
6.6.4 Pruning back for authorized passage on service roads, walkways and
paths.
6.6.5 Pruning requested by a private property owner. Such requests do not obligate
the Department to prune trees, shrubs, and/or vegetation. It is the responsibility of the
business owner to plan their signage so that visibility is not affected by growing trees.
6.6.6 Pruning in park areas identified as places of illegal or inappropriate activity in order
to improve general visibility and increased police surveillance.
6.7 Birds and Nesting: Except in emergencies nesting birds or nests shall not be disturbed or
harassed by pruning or removal activities. To avoid nesting season such activities shall occur
between September 1st and March 31st. Fish and Game Code 3503: "It is unlawful to take,
possess, or needlessly destroy the nest or eggs of any bird..." The Migratory Birds Treaty Act of
1918 also applies.
6.8 Unnecessary Wounding: Because “topping” of trees can cause permanent damage by promoting
decay, as well as unnatural, dense and weak branching structure, topping shall not be practiced or
permitted except under special circumstances. Not only can a tree sustain wounds to the branches
or top, it can also sustain wounds to the trunk. Therefore, these policies shall reinforce the
protection of the trunk area from wounds associated with a lawn mower or other equipment.
6.9 Hazardous Tree Management: Public health, safety and general welfare will be maintained
through the use of generally accepted professional practices of evaluation and treatment to reduce
risks to people and property from hazardous trees. Attention to proper selection, planting and
maintenance of new trees shall also be pursued to achieve long- term risk reduction.
6.9.1 The City of Ukiah shall assess and manage the risk of tree failure within the
limits of available fiscal and human resources. Priority shall be given to locations and
situations with high probability of failure and high potential damage or injury that may
result.
7 City of Ukiah Tree Management Guidelines
TREE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES AND POLICIES
FOR THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF CITY
PROPERTY
6.9.2 Notwithstanding an immediate hazard to safety and/or property, the City shall utilize a
written tree risk assessment methodology established by the ISA (ISA Basic Tree Risk
Assessment Form or equivalent) to evaluate the likelihood that part or all of a tree will
fail and cause damage and/or injury by a qualified arboricultural professional. The
components of the assessment shall include tree health, species profile, site factors,
history of failures, tree defects/conditions, target assessment, risk categorization,
mitigation options and recommend inspection intervals when warranted.
6.9.3 Corrective action for high hazard rated trees shall be reasonable and prudent and may
include:
•Moving any at-risk structures, equipment, fixtures or recreational sites;
•Correction of the defect by pruning, cabling and bracing, or tree removal;
•Closure of the area
7.1 Tree Removal: The City shall provide 72 hours of advance notice of the intended tree or trees that
shall be removed by posting a sign at the work site when feasible. The sign shall contain the reason
for the removal of the tree and the appropriate city department’s telephone number that the public
may contact for further information. Tree removal will include:
7.1.1 Trees that pose substantial risk or hazard to the public, adjacent properties or to public
facilities.
7.1.2 Dead, dying or diseased trees.
7.1.3 Removal from properties being improved or developed under an approved design,
however, prior consideration to retention shall be given whenever possible.
Preference is to retain existing healthy trees when designing any development rather
than attempting mitigation.
7.1.4 Trees that block trails, drains or otherwise obstruct the use and function of
infrastructure elements.
7.1.5 Trees on sites that were over planted by design or are crowded from natural
competition. As the landscape grows, the Supervisor with consultation with a
qualified expert shall selectively remove trees on a site to maintain spacing for optimal
tree growth and function.
7.1.6 Removal requested by a private property owner. However, such requests do not obligate
the City of Ukiah to remove or allow removal of any trees, shrubs, and/or vegetation.
7.1.7 Consideration shall be given for providing trunk and limbs for service projects such
as constructing benches and picnic tables. The use of wood chips for mulching
material around trees and vegetation in the parks is encouraged.
7.1.8 Any person aggrieved or impacted by a decision to remove a tree may appeal the
decision during the noticing period. A letter stating the reason(s) for the
8 City of Ukiah Tree Management Guidelines
TREE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES AND POLICIES
FOR THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF CITY
PROPERTY
appeal must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office. An appeal automatically stops
any action or non-action on the tree until the responsible Department Director has an
opportunity to review and consider the appeal. When feasible, the Director will
consult with the City’s Tree Advisory Committee for additional input. The Director’s
decision on an appeal is the final administrative determination.
The Director’s final determination may be appealed to the City Council. The appeal
must be filed with the City Clerk’s Office within 10 days of the Director’s
determination and must be accompanied by supporting documentation from a qualified
arboricultural professional using the same tree risk assessment methodology
established by the ISA as detailed in Section 6.9.2.
7.2 Tree Replacement: At least one tree shall be planted for every tree that is removed from City
property. Replacement tree species shall be selected so that overall mature canopy volume will be
maintained or increased. It is preferable to plant the replacement tree in close proximity to the
original tree’s location. The replacement tree may be located elsewhere, if local conditions
contributed to the previous tree’s failure (See Section 6.2). New locations should be found on the
same site or in the same neighborhood at a location of similar or greater value. Preference shall be
given for planting native trees whenever feasible.
7.3 Replacement Plantings: The City shall undertake the task of replacement plantings to mitigate
the effects of vegetation removal and to reestablish the landscape and increase overall mature
forest canopy. The City shall determine the species of tree to be planted on City property and the
planting location. Every effort shall be made to select a species compatible with the existing tree
plantings on the street, the neighborhood identity, the maturity of the trees, space available for
growth, the presence of underground and overhead utility lines, utility poles, streetlights,
driveway approaches and fire hydrants.
7.4 Phasing: The City of Ukiah when appropriate shall consider a phased approach to vegetation
management to reduce potential short-term negative aesthetic and/or wildlife habitat impacts
(associated with such actions).
7.5 Wildlife and Habitat: Trees and forested areas are recognized as important habitat for native
wildlife and providing vital wildlife corridors. Trees, undeveloped landscapes and creeks will be
managed to optimize them for wildlife habitat. Refer to the City of Ukiah Creeks Maintenance
Policies and Procedures.
8.0 SUMMARY
These guidelines are set in place to enhance the urban forest within the City of Ukiah. As industry
standards change in regard to tree care, this document shall remain flexible to incorporate needed
changes.
9.1 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
For additional definitions, refer to the International Society of Arboriculture Best Management
Practices
9 City of Ukiah Tree Management Guidelines
TREE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES AND POLICIES
FOR THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF CITY
PROPERTY
9.2 Commemorative Program Tree Program provides an opportunity for the public in
celebrating an event or memorializing a loved one by the planting of a young tree or trees
while improving the appearance and canopy of City parks. A tree or grove is purchased
from the City of Ukiah to honor or memorialize an individual or group. Such tree(s) are
identified and recorded by the City of Ukiah with the name of the tree species, dedicated
individual or group and the name of the donor.
9.3 Developed landscape is property that has been graded and/or planted, and contains
plantings that are distinct from typical native forest. These active and/or passive
recreational landscape areas are routinely maintained by park staff for public use.
Developed landscapes shall include, but are not limited to: lawns, athletic fields,
boulevards, golf courses including pitch and putt, lawn bowling greens, play areas,
squares, places, triangles, and swimming beaches.
9.4 Hazardous Tree is a tree that can be predicted to fail and has a high
probability of striking people or property causing injury or damage.
9.5 Invasive exotic vegetation consists of species of plants that are not native to our region
and exhibit aggressive growth to the exclusion of native or planted landscapes and
wildlife.
9.6 Landmark Trees are individual trees that have been designated as unique because of
size, historical/commemorative association, and distinct form, as an outstanding specimen
or are important for wildlife habit. Such trees will be given extra protection and
consideration for retention. Rules and regulations for landmark trees are defined in the
City’s Landmark Tree Program and/or Downtown Zoning Code.
9.7 Topping is the removal of the terminal shoot of a tree to a stub or lateral branch that is
not sufficiently large enough to assume a terminal role or cannot be expected to achieve
wound closure to inhibit decay.
9.8 Tree Failure is the breaking and falling of a tree or any substantial part of a tree.
This does not include falling leaves or fruit.
9.9 Tree Root Zone is the area from the trunk to the drip line or the edge of the unpruned
canopy around a mature, uninjured tree or the anticipated root zone of a young tree.
9.10 Qualified Arboricultural Professional is a tree care professional with a minimum of
two years of experience in the evaluation and care of trees in combination with a
professional license or certification that measures minimum competency in relevant
subjects, including protection of public health, safety and welfare. Acceptable titles
include Certified Arborist, Registered Consulting Arborist, Registered Professional
Forester, and Landscape Architect.
9.9.1 Undeveloped Landscape is property that contains native or volunteer (self-
propagated) plants and is not intended for recreational use except along designated
trails. Undeveloped landscapes are (usually) not as intensively maintained as
developed landscapes.
10 City of Ukiah Tree Management Guidelines
TREE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES AND POLICIES
FOR THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF CITY
PROPERTY
10.0 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Additional City and other tree-related documents that incorporate tree guidelines are available
electronically through the Intranet. The Department Director shall provide the The International Society
of Arboriculture Best Management Practice booklets, American National Standards Institute related
documents and Mendocino County ReLeaf materials to their employees.
These documents are:
•Municipal Code Article 2, Chapter 5, Number 5420 Street Tree Policy, Purpose and Intent
(Ordinance 869, adopted 1987)
•Community Forest Management Plan
•Tree Protection and Enhancement Policy
•Tree Planting and Maintenance Recommendations
•Master Tree List
•Integrated Pest Management Plan, Community Service Department
•Creek Maintenance Policies & Procedures
•Form Based Zoning Preservation Tree List
•General Plan, Open Space and Conservation Element, adopted 12/6/1995; amended
6/16/2004
•Landscaping and Streetscape Design Guidelines
•Commercial Development Design Guidelines
•International Society of Arboriculture Best Management Practices (ISA BMP): Managing Trees
During Construction; Tree Pruning; Integrated Pest Management; Tree Support Systems; Utility
Pruning of Trees; Tree and Shrub Fertilization; Tree Planting; Tree Inventories; Integrated
Vegetation Management
•American National Standards Institute (ANSI): Construction Management Standards
•Mendocino County ReLeaf Tree Care Guide
•Hillside Ordinance 9135