The extreme weather during the week of February 14, 2021, has caused significant damage to the right-of-way (ROW) landscaping through the City. 

In an effort to get expert advice on the condition of the plant material and recommended next steps, staff contracted with Dr. Todd Watson to conduct an assessment of the cold weather impacts.  Dr. Watson is a highly qualified and respected master arborist, horticulturist, and adjunct professor at Texas A&M. The City has worked with Dr. Watson on horticulture recommendations in the past. 

Dr. Watson recommended cutting back all fig ivy to just above the ground.  The City has fig ivy along 12,000 linear feet of walls along many ROWs, including US59, US90A, SH6, and Eldridge.   The hope is that the roots survived the freeze, and the ivy will begin to regrow. 

City Staff was able to complete the removal of ivy from the Eldridge wall and has begun removal on SH6, but needs assistance with the larger walls on US59 and US 90A. This will allow City staff to complete plant rehab on Dulles, replace damaged plant material on other roadways, and begin mowing weekly. 

Staff has recently received the bids for the ivy wall removal along the four major roadways.  Staff drafted the bid document so that each roadway could be awarded individually based on pricing.  Staff received bids from five companies, and the following are the lowest bids per roadway.

Urban Foresters originally was the low bidder for US59, but when discussing the project, they stated they did not bid on the entire project and would not be able to honor that price.  Westco Grounds Maintenance, LLC was deemed the lowest responsible bidder for US59.

Staff has previously worked with both companies and had positive outcomes.

Public Works is requesting authorization of a contract with Westco Grounds Maintenance, LLC for Ivy Trimming and Removal of US59 for $28,012.58 and Green Sage Services, LLC for Ivy Trimming and Removal on US90A for $22,507.14.