Council authorizes up to $210,000 for 2026 street‑tree planting program

Rochester Hills City Council authorized a blanket purchase order for street tree planting on Jan. 12, approving a contract to Michigan Lawn Maintenance Inc., d/b/a Sherman Nursery Farms, not to exceed $210,000 for 2026.

Parks/DPS staff said the program is funded entirely from the city’s tree fund, which receives contributions from developers when tree removals exceed preservation thresholds. Staff estimated the $210,000 would typically plant roughly 400 trees (about $350 per tree) and described a maintenance program that includes tree guards and five‑year inspections.

Council members questioned deer protection and tree sizes; staff said planted stock is roughly 10 feet tall and about 2‑inch DBH and that guards are used to protect young trees. The resolution authorizes the procurement manager to execute the agreement contingent on an acceptable written contract.

Next steps: procurement staff to finalize agreement and schedule plantings with residents who request trees through the parks department program.