Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure tree pruning services at the Empangeni Swimming Pool to promote tree health, structural integrity, safety, and clearance for infrastructure and public access. The work aims to reduce hazards, remove dead wood, and ensure the trees' longevity and safety for pedestrians, vehicles, and municipal assets.

Scope

The scope includes:

• Pruning, trimming, shaping, crown lifting, and hazard reduction of trees at the specified swimming pool location.
• Removal of dead, diseased, broken, or dying branches.
• Collection, removal, chipping, or proper disposal of all branches, logs, and debris resulting from pruning.
• Specific pruning instructions such as achieving clearance heights (e.g., 4.5m for roads, 2.4m for pedestrian pathways) and selective branch removal to improve safety and aesthetics.
• Hazard reduction pruning to address immediate safety risks.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements specify that:

• Pruning must promote tree health, longevity, and structural integrity.
• Pruning cuts should be clean, smooth, and made outside the branch collar, following arboriculture best practices.
• No branch stubs or flush cuts are permitted.
• Large limbs must be removed using the three-cut method to prevent bark tearing.
• Climbing must utilize approved arborist techniques; spikes/spurs are prohibited except during complete tree removal.
• Use of bucket trucks or aerial lifts is permitted where accessible.
• All pruning must avoid damage to tree bark, roots, or structural tissues and prevent damage to nearby infrastructure.
• Debris must be collected and disposed of at approved sites; on-site chipping is allowed if noise and safety regulations are met.

Skills Requirements

The contractor must employ qualified personnel with:

• Certified arborists or trained tree-workers.
• Chainsaw operators with valid competency certificates.
• Staff equipped with appropriate PPE: helmets, goggles, gloves, chainsaw trousers, safety boots.
• Properly maintained equipment that complies with legal safety standards.

Additionally, personnel must adhere to health and safety regulations, including occupational health and safety acts, hazard assessments, traffic control, and fall protection measures.