RFP for Landscape Zone 1

Location:	Minnesota
Posted:	Mar 9, 2026
Due:	Mar 30, 2026
Agency:	Washington County
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	F - Natural Resources and Conservation Services
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

Attachment Preview

Request for Proposals (RFP) for

Landscape Services Zone 1

RFP release date: March 9, 2026

Submission due date: March 30, 2026

Government Center | 14949 62nd Street North | P. O. Box 6 | Stillwater, MN 55082-0006

P: 651-430-6001 | F: 651-430-6017 | TTY: 651-430-6246

www.washingtoncountymn.gov

Washington County is an equal opportunity organization and employer

Table of Contents

1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 3

1.1. Background Information................................................................................................................. 3

1.2. County Authorized Representative.................................................................................................. 3

1.3. Schedule........................................................................................................................................ 3

2. Scope of Services ................................................................................................................................... 4

2.1. Mandatory Services........................................................................................................................ 4

Lawn Care.................................................................................................................................................. 4

Shrub, Evergreen, Groundcover, and Perennial Beds.................................................................................... 5

Rain Gardens.............................................................................................................................................. 5

Design-Build Installations............................................................................................................................ 5

Miscellaneous............................................................................................................................................ 6

General...................................................................................................................................................... 6

2.2 Optional Services.................................................................................................................................. 7

3. Proposal Content ................................................................................................................................... 7

3.1. Cover Letter................................................................................................................................... 7

3.2. Qualifications and Experience......................................................................................................... 8

3.3. Fee Schedule ................................................................................................................................. 8

3.4. References..................................................................................................................................... 8

3.5. Appendix A – County’s Standard Terms and Conditions.................................................................... 8

3.6. Conflict of Interest ......................................................................................................................... 8

4. Proposal Submittal................................................................................................................................. 8

5. Proposal Evaluation and Selection........................................................................................................... 9

5.1. Evaluation Committee.................................................................................................................... 9

5.2. Evaluation Criteria.......................................................................................................................... 9

5.3. Interview/Presentation .................................................................................................................. 9

5.4. Final Selection................................................................................................................................ 9

5.5. Conditions of this RFP..................................................................................................................... 9

6. Proposal Questions .............................................................................................................................. 10

Page |2

Landscaping Services, Zone 1

1. Introduction

The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is for Washington County to secure services for landscaping

services for facilities in the South region of Washington County. The County is seeking a five-year contract.

These services will go through the RFP solicitation process every five (5) years at minimum. The contract

shall not exceed $175,000.

1.1. Background Information

Washington County, Minnesota is the fifth most populous county in Minnesota with a diverse population,

including longtime residents, young professionals and families, and new immigrant communities. Over the

last 20 years, Washington County has experienced rapid growth from a rural, farming community to an

expanding urban area.   

The County was established in 1849 and has the powers, duties, and privileges granted counties by state

law, codified in Minn. Stat. § 373. The County serves an area of 423 square miles, with an estimated

population of 262,748. The County’s fiscal year begins on January 1 and ends on December 31. The County is

governed by a five-member County Board of Commissioners representing separate districts. In addition, the

Offices of County Attorney and Sheriff are elected on a countywide basis. 

The County offers a full range of services including property tax administration, law enforcement and

corrections, public works, parks, solid waste management, library, community health, county extension,

human resources, courts, and general administration. The County employs approximately 1,400 employees. 

It is the intend of the County to present attractive buildings and grounds by utilizing professional lawn care

services that promote curb appeal and neat, orderly landscapes that reflect a professional image.

1.2. County Authorized Representative

The County Authorized Representative for this RFP is:

Christina Mastro

christina.mastro@washtingtoncountymn.gov

1.3. Schedule

Washington County anticipates the following schedule:

Schedule

RFP Release Date

Questions Due

Addendum Release Date

Proposals Due

Notification of Award

Commencement Date

Completion Date

Due Date

3/9/2026

3/16/2026

3/19/2026

3/30/2026

4/2/2026

5/1/2026

4/30/2031

Page |3

Landscaping Services, Zone 1

2. Scope of Services

The successful Contractor will have the ability to perform all the functions below. Contractors who cannot

provide the full range of requested services may submit a proposal, but must clearly note any services listed

in this request which would not be provided. Contractors are also encouraged to highlight any services for

which they possess particularly notable qualifications.

2.1. Mandatory Services

The successful Contractor will have the ability to perform all the functions under mandatory services.  

This contract will serve the following locations. Additional sites may be added and sites may be deleted over

the course of the contract. Washington County employs a small grounds crew. During the term of this

contract, services and sites may be added or subtracted from the scope of work based off of the capacity of

our internal crew.

Forest Lake Transit Center

19987 Fitzgerald Trail N.

Forest Lake, MN

Forest Lake Service Center / Headwaters Library

19955 Forest Road N.

Forest Lake, MN 55025

Northern Environmental Center

6065 Headwaters Parkway

Forest Lake, MN 55025

The scope of work includes turf maintenance, flower and shrub bed maintenance, shrub pruning and

fertilization, rain garden maintenance, landscape design and installation, and general consulting services

regarding law care management practices.

Lawn Care

2.1.1. Turf shall be cut at an average height of 3” as conditions dictate. Mowing shall be

done frequently enough so that no more than 1/3 of the grass blade is removed per

cutting. Mowing equipment and patterns shall be employed to permit recycling of

clippings where possible, and to present a neat appearance. Excess clippings shall be

removed from major entryway sidewalks within one hour and secondary surfaces before

crews leave the site. Blades on all equipment shall be sharp to prevent the tearing of grass

blades. All non-turn areas shall be power blown clean of grass clippings after each

mowing.

2.1.2. A pre-emergent crabgrass control shall be applied to all turn in the spring to prevent

crabgrass seeds from sprouting

2.1.3. A pre-emergent crabgrass control shall be applied to all turn in the spring to prevent

crabgrass seeds from sprouting

Page |4

Landscaping Services, Zone 1

2.1.4. A quality turf fertilizer shall be applied four (4) times providing a total of three (3) pounds

of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet. Timing, frequency and rate of application shall be

adjusted to meet horticultural conditions.

2.1.5. All turn should be sprayed to control broadleaf weeds in the spring.

2.1.6. Another two (2) applications of a broadleaf weed control shall be made no later than

September.

2.1.7. Leaves shall be removed from all turn in autumn. In instances where trees do not drop

their leaves until winter, leaves shall be removed as soon as possible in the spring. Care

should be taken in the spring not to damage turf due to wet conditions

2.1.8. Turf adjacent to curbs and walkways shall be mechanically edged two (2) times to

present a neat, clean appearance. All debris shall be power blown or swept away.

2.1.9. Building Services staff should be notified at least 2 business days prior to any application

of weed control or fertilizer so staff and guests can be informed to stay off the grass.

Shrub, Evergreen, Groundcover, and Perennial Beds

2.1.10.

All beds shall be cultivated and/or weeded weekly to present a neat and weed

free appearance.

2.1.11.

All shrub and evergreen beds shall be pruned two (2) times to remove seasonal

growth and broken or damaged branches. Timing of pruning shall be at the

horticulturally appropriate time, typically after the shrub has flowered.

2.1.12.

A pre-emergence weed control shall be applied to all beds.

2.1.13.

A post-emergent herbicide shall be applied to all beds as necessary.

2.1.14.

Fertilizer shall be applied to all beds two (2) times per season

2.1.15.

Turf adjacent to beds shall be edged where appropriate two (2) times to prevent

encroachment of turn and present a neat appearance.

2.1.16.

Leaves shall be removed from all beds in the autumn. In instances where trees do

not drop their leaves until winter, leaves shall be removed as soon as possible in the

spring. Care shall be taken in the spring not to damage beds due to wet conditions

2.1.17.

Perennial beds will be maintained as necessary and dead foliage and flowers cut

back in the autumn.

Rain Gardens

2.1.18.

All rain gardens shall be maintained in a timely manner utilizing industry standard

best management practices. The Contractor shall be responsible for understanding the

type of environment and the nature of the plants in the rain garden and employing their

industry knowledge on proper maintenance schedules.

2.1.19.

Remove all debris, leaves and sediment as needed to promote healthy plants and

a neat appearance.

Design-Build Installations

2.1.20.

On an as needed basis the Contractor shall have the ability to perform design-

build services and to install the proposed work. Such projects must

be submitted to Washington County and approved prior to the installation. Installation

shall be scheduled in advance with Washington Count

2.1.21.

All design-build work shall be on a time and material basis.

Page |5

This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

Bid Title:	RFP for Landscape Zone 1
Category:	Washington County Public Works
Status:	Open