IRON MOUNTAIN — A tree removal project at Iron Mountain’s Cemetery Park may get more bang for the buck than anticipated.

Funded by a $41,000 state grant, the removal was estimated at $35,000 for 15 trees, but the low bid accepted Monday by the city council came in at $25,000.

St. Vincent Tree Service of Aurora, Wis., is willing to take out additional trees if the city agrees to “a reasonable rate,” City Manager Jordan Stanchina said. The council agreed to allow for it, up to the maximum of $35,000.

The trees being removed are mostly dead and too large for city crews to handle. Under a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Program grant, they will be replaced with small- to medium-size trees.

St. Vincent’s work will include tree cutting, stump grinding and removal of all wood. The city will offer in-kind labor and equipment for the tree planting, but no cash match is required.

Joshua Isaac, Dickinson Conservation District forester, has assisted Iron Mountain Tree Board in planning for the grant.

The other bidders were 1st Down Tree Service of Iron Mountain at $36,500 and All American Tree Service of Battle Creek at $50,000. The bids were opened March 18 and St. Vincent was contacted to make sure the project was fully understood.

The “ultimate list” of trees ready for removal at the cemetery could be near 30, Stanchina said.

Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-3500 ext. 226 or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.