11-329100 - PLANTING SOILS SPEC.pdf

PLANTING SOILS

City of St. George | Downtown Cemetery Columbarium Plaza

329100 - 1 October 2026

SECTION 329100 – PLANTING SOILS

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1 RELATED DOCUMENTS

A. City of St. George Standard Specifications for Construction, latest edition.

1.2 SUMMARY

A. The work covered by this section consists of furnishing all labor, materials, equipment and supplies in performing all operations in connection with providing and installing planting soils in strict accordance with this section and applicable drawings. Work includes providing planting soils, hauling, providing and mixing required amendments, placement of soils, finish grading, leaching, and soil preparation.

B. Any minor items of labor or materials not specifically noted on the drawings or specifications but necessary for the proper completion of the work, shall be considered incidental to and are to be included in the work.

C. Work under this section shall include coordination of all work with all other sections of these specifications.

D. Section Includes:

1. Soil analysis and recommendations

2. Soil amendments

3. Existing in-place surface soil

4. Imported planting soil

5. Soil leaching

E. Related Sections:

1. Earthwork requirements are found in city of St. George Standard Specifications for

Construction, latest edition.

2. Division 32 Section 329200 “Turfgrass”

3. Division 32 Section 329300 "Plants"

4. Division 33 Section 334600 "Subdrainage"

1.3 DEFINITIONS

A. Final Acceptance: When the City of St. George accepts the project as fully complete and takes ownership and maintenance responsibility.

B. Finish Grade: Elevation of finished surface of planting soil.

C. Manufactured Topsoil: Soil produced off-site by homogeneously blending mineral soils or sand with stabilized organic soil amendments to produce topsoil or planting soil.

D. Planting Soil: Standardized topsoil; existing, native surface topsoil; existing, in-place surface soil; imported topsoil; or manufactured topsoil that is modified with soil amendments and perhaps fertilizers to produce a soil mixture best for plant growth.

329100 - 2 October 2026

E. Sub-grade: Surface or elevation of subsoil remaining after excavation is complete, or top surface of a fill or backfill before planting soil is placed.

F. Subsoil: All soil beneath the topsoil layer of the soil profile and typified by the lack of organic matter and soil organisms.

G. Surface Soil: Soil that is present at the top layer of the existing soil profile at the Project site. In undisturbed areas, the surface soil is typically topsoil, but in disturbed areas such as urban environments, the surface soil can be subsoil.

H. Topsoil: The soil ordinarily moved in tillage or its equivalent in uncultivated soil. The “A” horizon which is the mineral horizon at the surface. This horizon is the one in which living organisms are most active and therefore is marked by the accumulation of humus.

I. Weed: Any plant other than that specified for the project in the area where a specific plant is designated.

1.4 SUBMITTALS

A. Product Certificates: For soil amendments and fertilizers, from manufacturer.

B. Material Test Reports: For standardized ASTM D 5268 topsoil, existing native surface topsoil, existing in-place surface soil and imported or manufactured topsoil. Material Test Reports shall also provide amendment recommendations with minimum quality standards and volumes.

1.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Installer Qualifications: The Landscape Contractor shall meet state and local license, insurance and bonding requirements, and certification requirements per section 10-23-1(B)(1) of the City of St. George Landscape Ordinance and is able to show proof of such upon demand.

1. Installer's Field Supervision: Require Installer to maintain an experienced full-time supervisor fluent in English on Project site when work is in progress. Irrigation installation shall be supervised by an individual certified by the City of St. George as an Irrigation Contractor.

B. Soil-Testing Laboratory Qualifications: An independent laboratory with the experience and capability to conduct the testing indicated and that specializes in types of tests to be performed.

1. Wallace Laboratories 365 Coral Circle El Segundo, CA 90245

(310) 615-0116

2. Environmental Analytical Lab

-4105 LSB

Plant & Wildlife Sciences Brigham Young University Provo, UT 84602

(801) 422-2147

3. USU Analytical Laboratory

9400 Old Main Hill Logan, UT 84322-9400

(435) 797-2217

4. QA Consulting and Testing, LLC P.O. Box 627 645 South 240 East Salem, UT 84653

(801) 372-7177

329100 - 3 October 2026

C. Soil Analysis: For each un-amended soil type, furnish soil analysis and a written report by a qualified soil-testing laboratory stating percentages of organic matter; gradation of sand, silt, and clay content; mineral and plant-nutrient content of the soil (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, S, Z, Mn, Cu, Fe, B) cation exchange capacity; sodium absorption ratio; soluble salts, deleterious material (including but not limited to problem salts, minerals, heavy metals, etc.); pH; and mineral and amendment recommendations.

1. Soil samples shall be taken per the instructions of the soil-testing laboratory;

with depth, location, and number of samples to be taken. A minimum of three representative samples shall be taken from varied locations for each soil to be used or amended for planting purposes.

2. Report suitability of tested soil for plant growth.

a. Based upon the test results, state recommendations for soil treatments and soil amendments to be incorporated. State recommendations in weight per volume per

cu. yd. for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash nutrients and soil amendments to be added to produce satisfactory planting soil suitable for healthy, viable plants.

b. Report presence of problem salts, minerals, or heavy metals, including aluminum, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, lithium, and vanadium. If such problem materials are present, provide additional recommendations for corrective action.

D. Where toxic levels are reported and leaching of the material is required to reach acceptable levels, provide a work plan to leach soils. After leaching provide a second soil analysis confirming that toxic elements have been lowered to acceptable levels.

E. Amendment Analysis: Where amendment is required by soils analysis test results verifying qualities specified in soils analysis.

F. Pre-installation Conference: Conduct conference with City of St. George Park Planning Project Manager and staff, and other City representatives as required at City of St. George Millcreek Facility Conference Room; 390 North 3050 East, St. George, Utah. Call (435) 627-4530 to schedule.

1.6 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING

A. Bulk Materials:

1. Do not dump or store bulk materials near structures, utilities, walkways and pavements, or on existing turf areas or plants to be preserved.

2. Provide erosion-control measures to prevent erosion or displacement of bulk materials, discharge of soil-bearing water runoff, and airborne dust reaching adjacent properties, water conveyance systems, or walkways.

3. Accompany each delivery of bulk fertilizers, and soil amendments with appropriate certificates.

329100 - 4 October 2026

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.1 INORGANIC SOIL AMENDMENTS

A. Based on soil analysis one or more of the following inorganic amendments may be required.

1. Sulfur

2. Iron Sulfate

3. Aluminum sulfate

4. Perlite

5. Agricultural Gypsum

6. Utelite E-Soil® Products (expanded shale aggregate products) – for use in high traffic areas, heavy clay soils, backfill and raised planters etc.

a. Utelite E-Soil® Soil Conditioner for heavy clay or compacted soils

2.2 ORGANIC SOIL AMENDMENTS

A. Based on soil analyses one or more of the following organic soil amendments may be required.

B. Compost: Well-composted, stable, and weed-free organic matter, pH range of 5.5 to 8; moisture content 35 to 55 percent by weight; 100 percent passing through 1/2-inch sieve; soluble salt content of less than 4 decisiemens/m; not exceeding 0.5 percent inert contaminants and free of substances toxic to plantings; and as follows:

1. Organic Matter Content: 20 percent of dry weight.

2. For turf applications (sodded or seeded), all organic amendments shall be tilled to a depth of 9 inches into the finished topsoil grades.

C. Wood Derivatives: Decomposed, nitrogen-treated sawdust, ground bark, or wood waste; of uniform texture and free of chips, stones, sticks, soil, or toxic materials.

1. In lieu of decomposed wood derivatives, mix partially decomposed wood derivatives with ammonium nitrate at a minimum rate of 0.15 lb/cu. ft. of loose sawdust or ground bark, or with ammonium sulfate at a minimum rate of 0.25 lb/cu. ft. of loose sawdust or ground bark.

D. Manure: Well-rotted, unleached, stable or cattle manure containing not more than 25 percent by volume of straw, sawdust, or other bedding materials; free of toxic substances, stones, sticks, soil, weed seed, and material harmful to plant growth.

E. Nutri-Mulch® All Purpose Compost

F. For Estimating and Bidding Purposes

1. Provide 20% by volume organic compost.

2.3 FERTILIZERS

A. Based on soil analyses one or more of the following fertilizer components may be required.

1. Bonemeal

2. Superphosphate

329100 - 5 October 2026

3. Commercial Fertilizer

4. Slow-Release Fertilizer

5. Chelated Iron

6. Composition: Nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium in amounts recommended in soil reports from a qualified soil-testing laboratory.

B. For Estimating and Bidding Purposes

1. For the preparation on a volume basis, homogenously blend the following materials into clean soil. Rates are expressed per cubic yard:

a. Triple Phosphate (0-45-0) – ¼ pound

2.4 PLANTING SOILS

A. Planting Soil: Existing, in-place surface soil or native surface topsoil formed under natural conditions with the duff layer retained during excavation process and stockpiled on-site. Verify suitability of native surface topsoil to produce viable planting soil through required soil analysis.

Clean soil of roots, plants, sod, stones, clay lumps, and other extraneous materials harmful to plant growth.

1. Supplement with approved imported planting soil when quantities are insufficient.

2. Mix existing, native surface topsoil with the soil amendments and fertilizers per the soil analysis results to produce planting soil:

a. Ratio of Organic Compost to Topsoil by Volume: 20%.

b. pH: 6.5 – 7.8

c. Soluble Salts: <4 ds/m or mmho/cm

d. Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR): 3-7

e. Sand: 20-70

f. Silt: 20-70

g. Clay: 10-20

B. Planting Soil: Imported topsoil or manufactured topsoil from off-site sources. Obtain topsoil displaced from naturally well-drained construction or mining sites where topsoil occurs at least 4 inches deep; do not obtain from bogs or marshes.

1. Additional Properties of Imported Topsoil or Manufactured Topsoil: Screened and free of stones 1 inch or larger in any dimension (maximum 5% rock in total volume); free of roots, plants, sod, clods, clay lumps, pockets of coarse sand, paint, paint washout, concrete slurry, concrete layers or chunks, cement, plaster, building debris, oils, gasoline, diesel fuel, paint thinner, turpentine, tar, roofing compound, acid, and other extraneous materials harmful to plant growth; free of weeds and invasive plants, not infested with nematodes, grubs, other pests, pest eggs, or other undesirable organisms and disease-causing plant pathogens;

friable and with sufficient structure to give good tilth and aeration. Continuous, air-filled, pore-space content on a volume/volume basis shall be at least 15 percent when moisture is present at field capacity. Soil shall have a field capacity of at least 15 percent on a dry weight basis.

2. Mix imported topsoil or manufactured topsoil with the following soil amendments per the soil analysis results to produce planting soil:

a. Ratio of Organic Compost to Topsoil by Volume: 20%.

b. pH: 6.5 – 7.8

329100 - 6 October 2026

c. Soluble Salts: <4 ds/m or mmho/cm

d. Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR): 3-7

e. Sand: 20-70

f. Silt: 20-70

g. Clay: 10-20

C. Lightweight On-Structure Planting Soil: Mix produced by modifying planting soil.

1. Utelite E-Soil® Products per manufacturer’s recommendations.

a. Utelite E-Soil® Root Zone Mix for backfill around trees and shrubs, planter mix and raised garden beds.

2.5 WATER FOR LEACHING

A. Culinary water or reclaimed water with very low soluble salts.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.1 EXAMINATION

A. Examine areas to receive planting soil for compliance with required grades, adjacent finished grades and coordination with other site work.

1. Verify that no foreign or deleterious material or liquid such as paint, paint washout, concrete slurry, concrete layers or chunks, cement, plaster, oils, gasoline, diesel fuel, paint thinner, turpentine, tar, roofing compound, or acid has been deposited in areas to receive planting soil.

2. Do not mix or place soils or soil amendments in frozen, wet, or muddy conditions.

3. Suspend soil spreading, grading, and tilling operations during periods of excessive soil moisture until the moisture content reaches acceptable levels to attain the required results.

4. Uniformly moisten excessively dry soil that is not workable and which is too dusty.

B. If contamination by foreign or deleterious material or liquid is present in subgrade soil within a planting area, remove the soil and contamination as directed by Park Planning and replace with new planting soil.

C. Proceed with planting soil installation only after unsatisfactory conditions have been corrected.

3.2 PREPARATION

A. Protect structures, utilities, sidewalks, pavements, and other facilities, existing trees, shrubs, and plantings from damage caused by planting soil placement operations.

1. Protect grade stakes set by others until directed to remove them.

B. Install erosion-control measures to prevent erosion or displacement of soils and discharge of soil-bearing water runoff or airborne dust to adjacent properties and walkways.

C. Soil Leaching

1. High levels of soluble salts, high SAR levels and other elements will require leaching and follow-up agronomic testing to verify results prior to planting.

329100 - 7 October 2026

2. The landscape contractor will present a plan for the leaching process. Success of the leaching process will be confirmed by a soils analysis prior to acceptance of the soil for planting by the Park Planning Division.

D. Clearing and Grubbing

1. Remove obstructions, trees, shrubs, and other vegetation to permit installation of new construction.

a. Do not remove trees, shrubs, and other vegetation indicated to remain.

b. Grind down stumps and remove roots, obstructions, and debris to a depth of 18 inches below exposed sub-grade.

c. Use only hand methods for grubbing within protection zones.

d. Dispose of grubbed materials at an approved off-site location. The City of St.

George Reuse Center; 575 East Brigham Road. (435) 627-4028 may accept the grubbed materials with the exception of excluded items as posted at the Reuse Center.

E. Grading/Soil Placement

1. General: Uniformly grade areas to a smooth surface and free of irregular surface changes.

Comply with compaction requirements and grade to cross sections, lines, and elevations indicated on construction plans.

a. Provide a smooth transition between adjacent existing grades and new grades.

b. Insure positive surface drainage in all finish grading.

F. Newly Graded Sub-grades: Loosen sub-grade to a minimum depth of 12 inches. Remove stones larger than 2 inches in any dimension and sticks, roots, rubbish, and other extraneous matter and dispose of them at an approved off-site location.

1. Thoroughly blend planting soil with amendments off-site before spreading or spread planting soil, apply soil amendments and fertilizer on the surface per soil testing recommendations, and thoroughly blend together by tilling.

a. Delay mixing fertilizer with planting soil if planting will not proceed within a few days.

2. Spread planting soil per the construction plan cross sections, lines, and elevations. Do not spread if planting soil or sub-grade is frozen, muddy, or excessively wet.

G. Finish Grading: Slope grades to direct water away from buildings and to prevent ponding. Grade to within plus or minus 2 inches of adjacent finish surface to accommodate rock or bark mulch.

H. Moisten prepared area before planting if soil is dry. Water thoroughly and allow surface to dry before planting. Do not create muddy soil.

I. Before planting, obtain Park Planning’s acceptance of finish grading; restore planting areas if eroded or otherwise disturbed after finish grading.

J. During the contractor’s maintenance period apply fertilizer that will provide actual nitrogen of at least 1 lb./1000 sq. ft. to turf area during the summer months.

329100 - 8 October 2026

3.3 CLEANUP AND PROTECTION

A. During planting soil placement, keep adjacent paving, construction, and work area clean and in an orderly condition.

B. Protect any existing or newly planted materials from damage due to planting soil placement operations and operations of other contractors or trades. Maintain protection during installation and maintenance periods. Treat, repair, or replace damaged plantings.

C. Promptly remove soil overspill and debris created by planting soil placement from paved areas.

Clean wheels of vehicles before leaving site to avoid tracking soil onto roads, walks, or other paved areas.

D. Remove non-degradable erosion-control measures at the Final Acceptance of the project.

END OF SECTION 329100