Case Study: Guaranteed Day Rate – WSDOT Bainbridge Ferry Division
Client:
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) – Bainbridge Ferry Division
Location:
Bainbridge Island, WA
Date of Service:
05-24-2025
Service Model:
Guaranteed Day Rate
ClearTree provided a full-service, one-day arboricultural operation under a guaranteed flat day rate. This model ensured predictable budgeting for WSDOT while delivering high-quality, efficient tree care.
Crew & Equipment Provided
- Chip Truck
- Chipper
- (2) Ground Crew Members
- (1) ISA Certified Arborist (Sam Bryant)
- 92’ Man Lift
Project Timeline
- Total Time on Site: 6.5 hours
- Service Time: 5 hours
- Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Scope of Work & Deliverables
1. Crown Raising (Complete Care)
- Location: 3x Scouler/Locust trees along the bike lane
- Specification: Removed the lower 10–20% of limbs overhanging the bike lane
- Purpose:
- Improve visibility
- Ensure bike lane clearance
- Manage long-term growth
Service Included:
✔ Chipping branches
✔ Raking small debris
2. Tip Weight Reduction
- Location: 1x Locust tree on downhill side of bike lane
- Specification: Reduced tip weight on 5–10 limbs by 10–30%
- Purpose:
- Reduce risk of limb failure
- Improve tolerance for snow, wind, and rain loads
Service Included:
✔ Chipping branches
✔ Raking small debris
3. Clearance Pruning (Foot Traffic Entrance)
- Location: 1x Cherry tree on SE side of foot traffic entrance
- Specification: Pruned to increase pedestrian clearance by 4’–7’
- Purpose:
- Mitigate pest issues
- Reduce fire risk
- Improve safety for insurance compliance
Service Included:
✔ Chipping branches
✔ Raking small debris
4. Clearance Pruning (Motorcycle Parking Area)
- Location: 5x trees on SE side of motorcycle parking
- Specification: Pruned to create 4’–7’ of walkway clearance
- Purpose:
- Pest management
- Fire risk reduction
- Insurance safety compliance
Service Included:
✔ Chipping branches
✔ Raking small debris
5. Tree Removal (Complete Care)
- Location: 1x Dying Madrona tree on uphill side of motorcycle parking
- Specification: Removed to a low stump
- Purpose:
- Eliminate hazard
- Free up space and improve aesthetics
Service Included:
✔ Chipping branches
✔ Wood hauling
✔ Raking small debris
Logistics & Coordination
- ISA Certified Arborist Sam Bryant was on-site and involved in all key operations.
- Madrona removal required temporary clearing of 5–6 parking spaces.
- The bike lane was cleared for approximately 2 hours to allow for safe crown raising and tip reduction work.
Outcome
ClearTree completed all mandated services within the guaranteed day rate and time frame. The project enhanced pedestrian and bike safety, reduced fire and pest risks, and improved long-term tree health and aesthetics for the Bainbridge Ferry terminal area. WSDOT benefited from a turnkey solution delivered with efficiency, clarity, and professionalism.





Contact:
Sam Bryant, ISA Certified Arborist
ClearTree, LLC
📞 (360) 890-3124