R5 RO Landscape Spec 329300 Planting.pdf

Region 5 Regional Office Landscape Renewal

32 9300-1 Planting

SECTION 329300

PLANTING

PART 1 – GENERAL

1.1 SUMMARY

A. The scope of work includes all labor, materials, appliances, tools, equipment, facilities, transportation and services necessary for, and incidental to performing all operations in connection with furnishing, delivery, and installation of plant (also known as "landscaping”) complete as shown on the drawings and as specified herein.

B. The scope of work in this section includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Locate, purchase, deliver and install all specified plants.

2. Water all specified plants.

3. Mulch, fertilize, stake, and prune all specified plants.

4. Maintenance of all specified plants until the beginning of the warranty period.

5. Plant warranty.

6. Clean up and disposal of all excess and surplus material.

1.2 CONTRACT DOCUMENTS

A. Will consist of specifications and general conditions and the construction drawings. The intent of these documents is to include all labor, materials, and services necessary for the proper execution of the work. The documents are to be considered as one. Whatever is called for by any parts will be as binding as if called for in all parts.

1.3 RELATED DOCUMENTS AND REFERENCES

A. Related Documents:

1. Drawings, statement of work, and general provisions of contract including general and supplementary conditions and Division I specifications apply to work of this section

2. Related Specification Sections

a. Section - Irrigation

B. References: The following specifications and standards of the organizations and documents listed in this paragraph form a part of the specification to the extent required by the references thereto. If the requirements of the following referenced standards and specification conflict with this specification section the requirements of this specification will prevail. If the requirements of any of the following referenced standards and specifications conflict with each other the more stringent requirement will prevail or as determined by the COR.

1. State of California, Department of Food and Agriculture, Regulations for Nursery Inspections, Rules and Grading.

2. ANSI Z60.1 American Standard for Nursery Stock, most current edition.

3. ANSI A 300 – Standard Practices for Tree, Shrub and other Woody Plant

Maintenance, most current edition and parts.

4. Seed establishment techniques and seeding specifications Arizona Technical

Note No. TN-PM-18-1-AZ.

5. Interpretation of plant names and descriptions will reference the following documents. Where the names or plant descriptions disagree between the several documents, the most current document will prevail.

a. USDA - The Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) http://www.ars- grin.gov/npgs/searchgrin.html

b. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants; Michael Dirr; Stipes Publishing, 32 9300-2

Champaign, Illinois; Most Current Edition.

c. The New Sunset Western Garden Book, Oxmoor House, most current edition.

6. Pruning practices will conform to recommendations “Structural Pruning: A Guide For The Green Industry” most current edition; published by Urban Tree Foundation, Visalia, California.

7. Glossary of Arboricultural Terms, International Society of Arboriculture, Champaign IL, most current edition.

1.4 VERIFICATION

A. All scaled dimensions on the drawings are approximate. Before proceeding with any work, the Contractor will carefully check and verify all dimensions and quantities and will immediately inform the COR of any discrepancies between the information on the drawings and the actual conditions, refraining from doing any work in said areas until given approval to do so by the COR.

B. In the case of a discrepancy in the plant quantities between the plan drawings and the plant call outs, list or plant schedule, the number of plants or square footage of the planting bed drawn on the plan drawings will be deemed correct and prevail.

1.5 PERMITS AND REGULATIONS

A. The Contractor will obtain and pay for all permits related to this section of the work unless previously excluded under provision of the contract or general conditions. The Contractor will comply with all laws and ordinances bearing on the operation or conduct of the work as drawn and specified. If the Contractor observes that a conflict exists between permit requirements and the work outlined in the contract documents, the Contractor will promptly notify the COR in writing including a description of any necessary changes and changes to the contract price resulting from changes in the work.

B. Wherever references are made to standards or codes in accordance with which work is to be performed or tested, the edition or revision of the standards and codes current on the effective date of this contract will apply, unless otherwise expressly set forth.

C. In case of conflict among any referenced standards or codes or between any referenced standards and codes and the specifications, the more restrictive standard will apply or COR will determine which will govern.

1.6 PROTECTION OF WORK, PROPERTY, AND PERSON

A. The Contractor will adequately protect the work, adjacent property, and the public, and will be responsible for any damages or injury due to his/her actions.

1.7 CHANGES IN THE WORK

A. The CO may order changes in the work, and the contract sum should be adjusted accordingly. All such orders and adjustments plus claims by the Contractor for extra compensation must be made and approved in writing before executing the work involved.

B. All changes in the work, notifications and contractor’s request for information (RFI) will conform to the contract general condition requirements.

1.8 CORRECTION OF WORK

The Contractor, at their own cost, will re-execute any work that fails to conform to the requirements of the contract and will remedy defects due to faulty materials or workmanship upon written notice from the CO, at the soonest as possible time that can be coordinated with other work and seasonal weather demands.

1.9 DEFINITIONS

32 9300-3

All terms in this specification will be as defined in the “Glossary of Arboricultural Terms” or as modified below.

A. Container plant: Plants that are grown in and/or are currently in a container including boxed trees.

B. Defective plant: Any plant that fails to meet the plant quality requirement of this specification.

C. End of Warranty Final Acceptance: The date when the COR accepts that the plants and work in this section meet all the requirements of the warranty. It is intended that the materials and workmanship warranty for Planting, Planting Soil, and Irrigation work run concurrent with each other.

D. Healthy: Plants that are growing in a condition that expresses leaf size, crown density, color; and with annual growth rates typical of the species and cultivar’s horticultural description, adjusted for the planting site soil, drainage and weather conditions.

E. Kinked root: A root within the root package that bends more than 90 degrees.

F. Maintenance: Actions that preserve the health of plants after installation and as defined in this specification.

G. Maintenance period: The time period, as defined in this specification, which the

Contractor is to provide maintenance.

H. Normal: the prevailing protocol of industry standard(s).

I. Contracting Officer (CO): The person appointed by the Owner to represent their interest in the review and approval of the work and to serve as the contracting authority with the Contractor. The CO may appoint other persons to review and approve any aspects of the work.

J. Contracting Officer Representative (COR): The person appointed by the Owner to represent their interest in the review and approval of the work.

K. Reasonable and reasonably: When used in this specification relative to plant quality, it is intended to mean that the conditions cited will not affect the establishment or long-term stability, health or growth of the plant. This specification recognizes that it is not possible to produce plants free of all defects, but that some accepted industry protocols and standards result in plants unacceptable to this project.

When reasonable or reasonably is used in relation to other issues such as weeds, diseased, insects, it will mean at levels low enough that no treatment would be required when applying recognized Integrated Plant Management practices.

This specification recognizes that some decisions cannot be totally based on measured findings and that professional judgment is required. In cases of differing opinion, the COR’s expert will determine when conditions are judged as reasonable.

L. Root ball: The mass of roots including any soil or substrate that is shipped with the tree within the root ball package.

M. Root collar (root crown, root flare, trunk flare, flare): The region at the base of the trunk where the majority of the structural roots join the plant stem, usually at or near ground level.

N. Shrub: Woody plants with mature height approximately less than 15 feet.

O. Stem: The trunk of the tree.

P. Substantial Completion Acceptance: The date at the end of the Planting, Planting Soil, and Irrigation installation where the COR accepts that all work in these sections is complete, and the Warranty period has begun. This date may be different than the date of substantial completion for the other sections of the project.

32 9300-4

Q. Stem girdling root: Any root more than ¼ inch diameter currently touching the trunk, or with the potential to touch the trunk, above the root collar approximately tangent to the trunk circumference or circling the trunk. Roots will be considered as Stem Girdling that have, or are likely to have in the future, root to trunk bark contact.

R. Structural root: One of the largest roots emerging from the root collar.

S. Tree: Single and multi-stemmed plants with mature height approximately greater than 15 feet.

1.10 SUBMITTALS

A. See contract general conditions for policy and procedure related to submittals.

B. Submit digital planting plan including seed quantity calculations to COR for review two weeks after notice to proceed.

C. USFS will review and provide comments within ten business days after receipt.

D. Contractor will have two weeks to review as needed and implement updates or corrections to planting plan.

E. Contractor to resubmit planting plan, if required, and USFS will review and respond within ten business days.

F. Submit all product submittals 4 weeks prior to installation of plantings.

G. Product data: Submit manufacturer product data and literature describing all products required by this section to the COR for approval.

H. Plant growers’ certificates: Submit plant growers’ certificates for all plants indicating that each meets the requirements of the specification, including the requirements of tree quality, to the COR for approval.

I. All seeds – submit seed tags with a current (less than one year old) analysis for purity and germination for approval. Tags must list the percentage of species by weight in a mix and the percentage germination of any species.

J. All seeds – submit official seed analysis reports for approval.

K. Samples: Submit samples of each product and material where required by the specification to the COR for approval. Label samples to indicate product, characteristics, and locations in the work. Samples will be reviewed for appearance only. Compliance with all other requirements is the exclusive responsibility of the Contractor.

L. Plant sources: Submit sources of all plants COR for approval.

M. Close out submittals: Submit to the COR for approval.

1. Plant maintenance data and requirements.

N. Warranty period site visit record: If there is no maintenance during the warranty period, after each site visit during the warranty period, by the Contractor, as required by this specification, submit a written record of the visit, including any problems, potential problems, and any recommended corrective action to the COR for approval.

1.11 OBSERVATION OF THE WORK

A. The COR may observe the work at any time. They may remove samples of materials for conformity to specifications. Rejected materials will be immediately removed from the site and replaced at the Contractor's expense. The cost of testing materials not meeting specifications will be paid by the Contractor.

B. The COR will be informed of the progress of the work so the work may be observed at the following key times in the construction process. The COR will be afforded sufficient time to schedule visit to the site. Failure of the COR to make field observations will not relieve the Contractor from meeting all the requirements of this

32 9300-5 specification.

1. SITE CONDITIONS PRIOR TO THE START OF PLANTING: review the soil and drainage conditions.

2. COMPLETION OF THE PLANT LAYOUT STAKING: Review of the plant layout.

3. PLANT QUALITY: Review of plant quality at the time of delivery and prior to installation. Review tree quality prior to unloading where possible, but in all cases prior to planting.

4. COMPLETION OF THE PLANTING: Review the completed planting.

1.12 PRE-CONSTRUCTION CONFERENCE

A. Schedule a pre-construction meeting with the COR a minimum seven (7) business days before beginning work to review any questions the Contractor may have regarding the work, administrative procedures during construction, and project work schedule.

1.13 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Substantial Completion Acceptance - Acceptance of the work prior to the start of the warranty period:

1. Once the Contractor completes the installation of all items in this section, the COR will observe all work for Substantial Completion Acceptance upon written request of the Contractor. The request will be received at least ten calendar days before the anticipated date of the observation.

2. Substantial Completion Acceptance by the COR will be for general conformance to specified size, character and quality and not relieve the Contractor of responsibility for full conformance to the contract documents, including correct species.

3. Any plants that are deemed defective as defined under the provisions below will not be accepted.

B. The CO will provide the Contractor with written acknowledgment of the date of Substantial Completion Acceptance and the beginning of the warranty period and plant maintenance period (if plant maintenance is included).

C. Contractor’s Quality Assurance Responsibilities: The Contractor is solely responsible for quality control of the work.

D. Installer Qualifications: The installer will be a firm having at least 5 years of successful experience of a scope similar to that required for this work, including the handling and planting of large specimen trees in urban areas. The same firm will install planting soil (where applicable) and plant material.

1. The bidders list for work under this section will be approved by the CO.

2. Installer Field Supervision: When any planting work is in progress, installer will maintain, on site, a full-time supervisor who can communicate in English with the

COR.

3. Installer’s field supervisor will have a minimum of five years’ experience as a field supervisor installing plants and trees of the quality and scale of the proposed project, and can communicate in English with the COR.

4. The installer’s crew will have a minimum of 3 years experienced in the installation of Planting Soil, Plantings, and Irrigation and interpretation of planting plans and irrigation plans.

5. Submit references of past projects, employee training certifications that support that the Contractors meets all of the above installer qualifications and applicable licensures.

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1.14 PLANT WARRANTY

A. Plant Warranty:

1. The Contractor agrees to replace defective work and defective plants. The COR will make the final determination if plants meet these specifications or that plants are defective.

Plants warranty will begin on the date of Substantial Completion Acceptance and continue for the following periods, classed by plant type:

a. Trees – one year.

b. Shrubs – one year.

c. Ground cover and perennial flower plants – one year.

2. When the work is accepted in parts, the warranty periods will extend from each of the partial Substantial Completion Acceptances to the terminal date of the last warranty period. Thus, all warranty periods for each class of plant warranty, will terminate at one time.

3. All plants will be warrantied to meet all the requirements for plant quality at installation in this specification. Defective plants will be defined as plants not meeting these requirements. The COR will make the final determination that plants are defective.

4. Plants determined to be defective will be removed immediately upon notification by the COR and replaced without cost to the Owner, as soon as weather conditions permit and within the specified planting period.

5. Any work required by this specification or the COR during the progress of the work, to correct plant defects including the removal of roots or branches, or planting plants that have been bare rooted during installation to observe for or correct root defects will not be considered as grounds to void any conditions of the warranty. If the Contractor decides that such remediation work may compromise the future health of the plant, the plant or plants in question will be rejected and replaced with plants that do not contain defects that require remediation or correction.

6. The Contractor is exempt from replacing plants, after Substantial Completion Acceptance and during the warranty period, that are removed by others, lost or damaged due to occupancy of project, lost or damaged by a third party, vandalism, or any natural disaster.

7. Replacements will match adjacent specimens of the same species. Replacements will be subject to all requirements stated in this specification. Make all necessary repairs due to plant replacements. Such repairs will be done at no extra cost to the Owner.

8. The warranty of all replacement plants will extend for an additional one-year period from the date of their acceptance after replacement. If a replacement plant is not acceptable during or at the end of the said extended warranty period, the COR may elect one more replacement items or credit for each item. These tertiary replacement items are not protected under a warranty period.

9. During and by the end of the warranty period, remove all tree wrap, ties, and guying unless agreed to by the COR to remain in place. All trees that do not have sufficient caliper to remain upright, or those requiring additional anchorage in windy locations, will be staked or remain staked, if required by the COR.

B. End of Warranty Final Acceptance - Acceptance of plants at the end of the warranty

32 9300-7 period.

1. At the end of the warranty period, the COR will observe all warranted work, upon written request of the Contractor. The request will be received at least ten calendar days before the anticipated date for final observation.

2. End of Warranty Final Acceptance will be given only when all the requirements of the work under this specification and in specification sections Planting Soil and Irrigation have been met.

1.15 SELECTION AND OBSERVATION OF PLANTS

A. The COR may review all plants subject to approval of size, health, quality, character, etc. Review or approval of any plant during the process of selection, delivery, installation and establishment period will not prevent that plant from later rejection if the plant quality changes, or previously existing defects become apparent that were not observed.

B. Plant Selection: The COR reserves the right to select and observe all plants at the nursery prior to delivery and to reject plants that do not meet specifications as set forth in this specification. If a particular defect or substandard element can be corrected at the nursery, as determined by the COR, the agreed upon remedy may be applied by the nursery or the Contractor provided that the correction allows the plant to meet the requirements set forth in this specification. Any work to correct plant defects will be at the contractor’s expense.

1. The COR may make invasive observation of the plant’s root system in the area of the root collar and the top of the root ball in general in order to determine that the plant meets the quality requirements for depth of the root collar and presence of roots above the root collar. Such observations will not harm the plant.

2. Corrections are to be undertaken at the nursery prior to shipping.

C. The Contractor will bear all cost related to plant corrections.

D. All plants that are rejected will be immediately removed from the site and acceptable replacement plants provided at no cost to the Owner.

E. Submit to the COR, for approval, plant sources including the names and locations of nurseries proposed as sources of acceptable plants, and a list of the plants they will provide. The plant list will include the botanical and common name and the size at the time of selection. Observe all nursery materials to determine that the materials meet the requirements of this section.

F. Trees will be purchased from the growing nursery. Re-wholesale plant suppliers will not be used as sources unless the Contractor can certify that the required trees are not directly available from a growing nursery. When Re-wholesale suppliers are utilized, the Contractor will submit the name and location of the growing nursery from where the trees were obtained by the re-wholesale seller. The re-wholesale nursery will be responsible for any required plant quality certifications.

G. The Contractor will require the grower or re-wholesale supplier to permit the COR to observe the root system of all plants at the nursery or job site prior to planting including random removal of soil or substrate around the base of the plant.

Observation may be as frequent and as extensive as needed to verify that the plants meet the requirements of the specifications and conform to requirements.

H. Each tree will have a numbered seal applied by the Contractor. The seal will be placed on a lateral branch on the north side of the tree. The seal will be a tamper proof plastic seal bearing the Contractors name and a unique seven-digit number embossed on the

32 9300-8 seal.

1. Do not place seals on branches that are so large that there is not sufficient room for the branch growth over the period of the warranty.

I. The COR may choose to attach their seal to each plant, or a representative sample.

Viewing and/or sealing of plants by the COR at the nursery does not preclude the COR’s right to reject material while on site. The Contractor is responsible for paying any up charge for the COR to attach their seal to specific plants.

J. Where requested by the COR, submit photographs of plants or representative samples of plants. Photographs will be legible and clearly depict the plant specimen. Each submitted image will contain a height reference, such as a measuring stick. The approval of plants by the COR via photograph does not preclude the COR's right to reject material while on site.

1.16 PLANT SUBSTITUTIONS FOR PLANTS NOT AVAILABLE

A. Submit all requests for substitutions of plant species, or size to the COR, for approval, prior to purchasing the proposed substitution. Request for substitution will be accompanied with a list of nurseries contacted in the search for the required plant and a record of other attempts to locate the required material. Requests will also include sources of plants found that may be of a smaller or larger size, or a different shape or habit than specified, or plants of the same genus and species but different cultivar origin, or which may otherwise not meet the requirements of the specifications, but which may be available for substitution.

1.17 SITE CONDITIONS

A. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to be aware of all surface and sub-surface conditions, and to notify the COR, in writing, of any circumstances that would negatively impact the health of plantings. Do not proceed with work until unsatisfactory conditions have been corrected.

1. Should subsurface drainage or soil conditions be encountered which would be detrimental to growth or survival of plant material, the Contractor will notify the CO in writing, stating the conditions and submit a proposal covering cost of corrections.

If the Contractor fails to notify the CO of such conditions, he/she will remain responsible for plant material under the warranty clause of the specifications.

B. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to be familiar with the local growing conditions, and if any specified plants will conflict with these conditions. Report any potential conflicts, in writing, to the COR.

C. This specification requires that all Planting Soil and Irrigation work be completed and accepted prior to the installation of any plants.

1. Planting operations will not begin until such time that the irrigation system is completely operational for the areas to be planted, and the irrigation system for that area has been preliminarily observed and approved by the COR.

D. Actual planting will be performed during those periods when weather and soil conditions are suitable in accordance with locally accepted horticultural practices.

1. Do not install plants into saturated or frozen soils. Do not install plants during inclement weather, such as rain or snow or during extremely hot, cold or windy conditions.

1.18 PLANTING AROUND UTILITIES

A. Notification of DigAlert, call 811 or 800-422-4133, is required for all planting areas:

The Contractor is responsible for knowing the location and avoiding utilities that are not

32 9300-9 covered by DigAlert. https://www.digalert.org/safe-digging.

B. Contractor will carefully examine the civil, record, and survey drawings to become familiar with the existing underground conditions before digging.

C. Determine location of underground utilities and perform work in a manner that will avoid possible damage. Hand excavate as required. Maintain grade stakes set by others until parties concerned mutually agree upon removal.

PART 2 – PRODUCTS

2.1 PLANTS: GENERAL

A. Standards and measurement: Provide plants of quantity, size, genus, species, and variety or cultivars as shown and scheduled in contract documents.

1. All plants including the root ball dimensions or container size to trunk caliper ratio will conform to ANSI Z60.1 “American Standard for Nursery Stock” latest edition, unless modified by provisions in this specification. When there is a conflict between this specification and ANSI Z60.1, this specification section will be considered correct.

2. Plants larger than specified may be used if acceptable to the COR. Use of such plants will not increase the contract price. If larger plants are accepted the root ball size will be in accordance with ANSI Z-60.1. Larger plants may not be acceptable if the resulting root ball cannot be fit into the required planting space.

3. If a range of size is given, no plant will be less than the minimum size and not less than 50 percent of the plants will be as large as the maximum size specified. The measurements specified are the minimum and maximum size acceptable and are the measurements after pruning, where pruning is required.

B. Proper Identification: All trees will be true to name as ordered or shown on planting plans and will be labeled individually or in groups by genus, species, variety and cultivar.

C. Compliance: All trees will comply with federal and state laws and regulations requiring observation for plant disease, pests, and weeds. Observation certificates required by law will accompany each shipment of plants.

D. Plant Quality:

1. General: Provide healthy stock, grown in a nursery and reasonably free of die-back, disease, insects, eggs, bores, and larvae. At the time of planting all plants will have a root system, stem, and branch form that will not restrict normal growth, stability and health for the expected life of the plant.

2. Plant quality above the soil line:

a. Plants will be healthy with the color, shape, size and distribution of trunk, stems, branches, buds and leaves normal to the plant type specified. Tree quality above the soil line will comply with the project Crown Acceptance details and the following:

1.) Crown: The form and density of the crown will be typical for a young specimen of the species or cultivar pruned to a central and dominant leader.

a.) Crown specifications do not apply to plants that have been specifically trained in the nursery as topiary, espalier, multi-stem, clump, or unique selections such as contorted or weeping cultivars.

2.) Leaves: The size, color, and appearance of leaves will be typical for the time of year and stage of growth of the species or cultivar. Trees will not show

32 9300-10 signs of prolonged moisture stress or over watering as indicated by wilted, shriveled, or dead leaves.

3.) Branches: Shoot growth (length and diameter) throughout the crown should be appropriate for the age and size of the species or cultivar. Trees will not have dead, diseased, broken, distorted, or otherwise injured branches.

a.) Main branches will be distributed along the central leader not clustered together.

They will form a balanced crown appropriate for the cultivar/species.

b.) Branch diameter will be no larger than two-thirds (one-half is preferred) the diameter of the central leader measured 1 inch above the branch union.

c.) The attachment of the largest branches (scaffold branches) will be free of included bark.

4.) Trunk: The tree trunk will be relatively straight, vertical, and free of wounds that penetrate to the wood (properly made pruning cuts, closed or not, are acceptable and are not considered wounds), sunburned areas, conks (fungal fruiting bodies), wood cracks, sap leakage, signs of boring insects, galls, cankers, girdling ties, or lesions (mechanical injury).

5.) Temporary branches, unless otherwise specified, can be present along the lower trunk below the lowest main (scaffold) branch, particularly for trees less than 1 inch in caliper. These branches should be no greater than 3/8-inch diameter.

Clear trunk should be no more than 40% of the total height of the tree.

b. Trees will have one central leader. If the leader was headed, a new leader (with a live terminal bud) at least one-half the diameter of the pruning cut will be present.

1.) All trees are assumed to have one central leader trees unless a different form is specified in the plant list or drawings.

c. All graft unions, where applicable, will be completely closed without visible sign of graft rejection. All grafts will be visible above the soil line.

d. Trunk caliper and taper will be sufficient so that the lower five feet of the trunk remains vertical without a stake. Auxiliary stake may be used to maintain a straight leader in the upper half of the tree.

3. Plant quality at or below the soil line:

a. Plant roots will be normal to the plant type specified. Root observations will take place without impacting tree health. Root quality at or below the soil line will comply with the project Root Acceptance details and the following:

1.) The roots will be reasonably free of scrapes, broken or split wood.

2.) The root system will be reasonably free of injury from biotic (e.g., insects and pathogens) and abiotic (e.g., herbicide toxicity and salt injury) agents. Wounds resulting from root pruning used to produce a high quality root system are not considered injuries.

3.) A minimum of three structural roots reasonably distributed around the trunk (not clustered on one side) will be found in each plant. Root distribution will be uniform throughout the root ball, and growth will be appropriate for the species.

a.) Plants with structural roots on only one side of the trunk (J roots) will be rejected.

32 9300-11

4.) The root collar will be within the upper 2 inches of the substrate/soil. Two structural roots will reach the side of the root ball near the top surface of the root ball. The grower may request a modification to this requirement for species with roots that rapidly descend, provided that the grower removes all stem girdling roots above the structural roots across the top of the root ball.

5.) The root system will be reasonably free of stem girdling roots over the root collar or kinked roots from nursery production practices.

a.) Plant Grower Certification: The final plant grower will be responsible to have determined that the plants have been root pruned at each step in the plant production process to remove stem girdling roots and kinked roots, or that the previous production system used practices that produce a root system throughout the root ball that meets these specifications. Regardless of the work of previous growers, the plant’s root system will be modified at the final production stage, if needed, to produce the required plant root quality. The final grower will certify in writing that all plants are reasonably free of stem girdling and kinked roots as defined in this specification, and that the tree has been grown and harvested to produce a plant that meets these specifications.

6.) At time of observations and delivery, the root ball will be moist throughout.

Roots will not show signs of excess soil moisture conditions as indicated by stunted, discolored, distorted, or dead roots.

E. Submittals: Submit for approval the required plant quality certifications from the grower where plants are to be purchased, for each plant type. The certification must state that each plant meets all the above plant quality requirements.

1. The grower’s certification of plant quality does not prohibit the COR from observing any plant or rejecting the plant if it is found to not meet the specification requirements.

2.2 CONTAINER (INCLUDING ABOVE-GROUND FABRIC CONTAINERS AND BOXES)

PLANTS

1. Provide plants will be established and well rooted in removable containers.

2. Container class size will conform to ANSI Z60.1 for container plants for each size and type of plant.

2.3 PLANTING SOIL

A. Planting Soil as used in this specification means the soil at the planting site, or imported as modified and defined in specification Section Planting Soil. If there is no Planting Soil specification, the term Planting Soil will mean the soil at the planting site within the planting hole.

2.4 MULCH

A. Mulch will be "Walk on" grade, coarse, ground, from tree and woody brush sources.

The size range will be a minimum (less than 25% or less of volume) fine particles 3/8 inch or less in size, and a maximum size of individual pieces (largest 20% or less of volume) will be approximately 1 to 1-1/2 inch in diameter and maximum length approximately 4 to 8". Pieces larger than 8 inch long that are visible on the surface of the mulch after installation will be removed.

1. It is understood that mulch quality will vary significantly from supplier to supplier and region to region. The above requirements may be modified to conform to the

32 9300-12 source material from locally reliable suppliers as approved by the COR.

B. Submit supplier’s product specification data sheet and a one gallon sample for approval.

2.5 TREE STAKING AND GUYING MATERIAL

A. Tree guying to be flat woven polypropylene material, 3/4 inch wide, and 900 lb. break strength. Color to be Green. Product to be ArborTie manufactured by Deep Root Partners, L.P. or approved equal.

B. Stakes will be lodge pole stakes free of knots and of diameters and lengths appropriate to the size of plant as required to adequately support the plant.

C. Below ground anchorage systems to be constructed of 2 x 2 dimensional untreated wood securing (using 3 inch long screws) horizontal portions to 4 feet long vertical stakes driven straight into the ground outside the root ball.

D. Submit manufacturer’s product data for approval.

PART 3 – EXECUTION

3.1 SITE EXAMINATION

A. Examine the surface grades and soil conditions to confirm that the requirements of the Specification Section – Planting Soil - and the soil and drainage modifications indicated on the Planting Soil Plan and Details (if applicable) have been completed.

Notify the COR in writing of any unsatisfactory conditions.

3.2 SITE PREPARATION

A. Clear all areas in scope of work by removing existing weeds and grass by digging or tilling no deeper than four inches. Level soil.

3.3 DELIVERY, STORAGE AND HANDLING

A. Protect materials from deterioration during delivery and storage. Adequately protect plants from drying out, exposure of roots to sun, wind or extremes of heat and cold temperatures. If planting is delayed more than 24 hours after delivery, set plants in a location protected from sun and wind. Provide adequate water to the root ball package during the shipping and storage period.

1. All plant materials must be available for observation prior to planting.

2. Using a soil moisture meter, periodically check the soil moisture in the root balls of all plants to assure that the plants are being adequately watered. Volumetric soil moisture will be maintained above wilting point and below field capacity for the root ball substrate or soil.

B. Do not deliver more plants to the site than there is space with adequate storage conditions. Provide a suitable remote staging area for plants and other supplies.

1. The COR or Contractor will approve the duration, method and location of storage of plants.

C. Provide protective covering over all plants during transporting.

3.4 PLANTING SEASON

A. Planting will only be performed when weather and soil conditions are suitable for planting the materials specified in accordance with locally accepted practice. Install plants during the planting time as described below unless otherwise approved in writing by the COR. If the Contractor request planting outside the dates of the planting season, approval of the request does not change the requirements of the warranty.

1. Trees and shrubs plant before wildflower seeding – October

2. Wildflower seeds – mid to late October

3.5 ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS

32 9300-13

A. No planting will take place during extremely hot, dry, windy or freezing weather.

3.6 COORDINATION WITH PROJECT WORK

A. The Contractor will coordinate with all other work that may impact the completion of the work.

B. Prior to the start of work, prepare a detailed schedule of the work for coordination with other trades.

C. Coordinate the relocation of any irrigation lines, heads or the conduits of other utility lines that conflict with tree locations. Root balls will not be altered to fit around lines.

Notify the COR of any conflicts encountered.

D. All plants shall be installed as per details.

E. All plants shall be set plumb unless otherwise specified.

F. Extreme care shall be taken not to compact earth with in the planting areas after soil is prepared with compost and tilled. Care shall be taken not to operate equipment or store materials with the planting areas. If this area should become compacted, aerate the soil immediately after construction.

G. The planting hole shall be at least two times wider than the root ball. The plants shall be set on firm subsoil to prevent settling. The root flare shall be set flush to grade or an inch higher.

H. Do not allow air pockets to form when backfilling.

I. Thoroughly soak the tree root ball and adjacent prepared soil planting with water twice during the first 24-hour period after planting. All plants shall be watered weekly if necessary, during the first growing season.

3.7 LAYOUT AND PLANTING SEQUENCE

A. Relative positions of all plants and trees are subject to approval of the COR.

B. Notify the COR, one (1) week prior to layout. Layout all individual tree and shrub locations. Place plants above surface at planting location or place a labeled stake at planting location. Layout bed lines with paint for the COR’s approval. Secure the COR’s acceptance before digging and start of planting work.

C. Plant trees before other plants are installed.

D. It is understood that plants are not precise objects and that minor adjustments in the layout will be required as the planting plan is constructed. These adjustments may not be apparent until some or all of the plants are installed. Make adjustments as required by the COR including relocating previously installed plants.

3.8 SOIL PROTECTION DURING PLANT DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION

A. Protect soil from compaction during the delivery of plants to the planting locations, digging of planting holes and installing plants.

1. Where possible deliver and plant trees that require the use of heavy mechanized equipment prior to final soil preparation and tilling. Where possible, restrict the driving lanes to one area instead of driving over and compacting a large area of soil.

2. Till to a depth of 6 inches, all soil that has been driven over during the installation of plants.

3.9 SOIL MOISTURE

A. Volumetric soil moisture level, in both the planting soil and the root balls of all plants, prior to, during and after planting will be above permanent wilting point and below field capacity for each type of soil texture within the following ranges.

Soil type Permanent wilting Field

32 9300-14 point capacity

Sand, Loamy sand, Sandy loam

5-8% 12-18%

Loam, Sandy clay, Sandy clay loam

14-25% 27-36%

Clay loam, Silt loam 11-22% 31-36% Silty clay, Silty clay loam 22-27% 38-41%

1. Volumetric soil moisture will be measured with a digital moisture meter. The meter will be the Digital Soil Moisture Meter, DSMM500 by General Specialty Tools and Instruments, or approved equivalent.

B. The Contractor will confirm the soil moisture levels with a moisture meter. If the moisture is too high, suspend planting operations until the soil moisture drains to below field capacity.

3.10 INSTALLATION OF PLANTS: GENERAL

4 The day prior to planting, the location of all trees and shrubs shall be staked for the approval of COR or designated inspector.

5 All plants shall be installed as per details.

6 All plants shall be set plumb unless otherwise specified.

7 After rough grading and prior to planting, till planting area to a minimum depth of 8 inches and amend with 4-6 inches of composed leaves or composted sawdust as approved by landscape architect, till again.

8 Extreme care shall be taken not to compact earth with in the planting areas after soil is prepared with compost and tilled. Care shall be taken not to operate equipment or store materials with the planting areas.

If this area should become compacted, aerate the soil immediately after construction.

9 The planting hole shall be at least two times wider than the root ball. The plants shall be set on firm subsoil to prevent settling. The root flare shall be set flush to grade or an inch higher.

10 Do not allow air pockets to form when backfilling.

11 Thoroughly soak the tree root ball and adjacent prepared soil planting with water twice during the first 24-hour period after planting. All plants shall be watered weekly if necessary, during the first growing season.

12 Trunk wrappings should not be used, as they may shelter insect infestations and hold moisture around the bark causing fungus or disease.

13 Staking should be avoided. Where sites are unusually windy or specimens are too large to be stable initially, staking may be required until the plant can support itself but should be removed after the first growing season.

13.1 A. Observe each plant after delivery and prior to installation for damage of other characteristics that may cause rejection of the plant. Notify the COR of any condition observed.

B. No more plants will be distributed about the planting bed area than can be planted and watered on the same day.

C. The root system of each plant, regardless of root ball package type, will be observed by the Contractor, at the time of planting to confirm that the roots meet the requirements for plant root quality in Part 2 Products: Plants General: Plant Quality. The Contractor will undertake at the time of planting, all modifications to the root system required by the COR to meet these quality standards.

1. Modifications, at the time of planting, to meet the specifications for the depth of the

32 9300-15 root collar and removal of stem girdling roots and circling roots may make the plant unstable or stress the plant to the point that the COR may choose to reject the plant rather than permitting the modification.

2. Any modifications required by the COR to make the root system conform to the plant quality standards outlined in Part 2 Products: Plants General: Quality, or other requirements related to the permitted root ball package, will not be considered as grounds to modify or void the plant warranty.

3. The resulting root ball may need additional staking and water after planting. The COR may reject the plant if the root modification process makes the tree unstable or if the tree is not healthy at the end of the warranty period. Such plants will still be covered under the warranty.

4. The Contractor remains responsible to confirm that the grower has made all required root modifications noted during any nursery observations.

D. Container Root Ball Shaving: The outer surfaces of ALL plants in containers, including the top, sides and bottom of the root ball will be shaved to remove all circling, descending, and matted roots. Shaving will be performed using saws, knives, or other suitable equipment that is capable of making clean cuts on the roots. Shaving will remove a minimum of one inch of root mat or up to 2 inches as required to remove all root segments that are not growing reasonably radial to the trunk.

E. Exposed Stem Tissue after Modification: The required root ball modifications may result in stem tissue that has not formed trunk bark being exposed above the soil line.

If such condition occurs, wrap the exposed portion of the stem in a protective wrapping with a white filter fabric. Secure the fabric with biodegradable masking tape.

DO NOT USE string, twine, green nursery ties or any other material that may girdle the trunk if not removed.

F. Excavation of the Planting Space: Using hand tools excavate the planting hole into the Planting Soil to the depth of the root ball measured after any root ball modification to correct root problems, and wide enough for working room around the root ball or to the size indicated on the drawing or as noted below.

1. For trees and shrubs planted in soil areas that are NOT tilled or otherwise modified to a depth of at least 12 inches over a distance of more than 10 feet radius from each tree, or 5 feet radius from each shrub, the soil around the root ball will be loosened as defined below or as indicated on the drawings.

a. The area of loosening will be a minimum of 3 times the diameter of the root ball at the surface sloping to 2 times the diameter of the root ball at the depth of the root ball.

b. Loosening is defined as digging into the soil and turning the soil to reduce the compaction. The soil does not have to be removed from the hole, just dug, lifted and turned. Lifting and turning may be accomplished with a tracked mini excavator, or hand shovels.

2. If an auger is used to dig the initial planting hole, the soil around the auger hole will be loosened as defined above for trees and shrubs planted in soil areas that are NOT tilled or otherwise modified.

3. The measuring point for root ball depth will be the average height of the outer edge of the root ball after any required root ball modification.

4. If motorized equipment is used to deliver plants to the planting area over exposed planting beds or used to loosen the soil or dig the planting holes, all soil that has

32 9300-16 been driven over will be tilled to a depth of 6 inches.

5. For trees to be planted in prepared Planting Soil that is deeper than the root ball depth, compact the soil under the root ball using a mechanical tamper to assure a firm bedding for the root ball. If there is more than 12 inches of planting soil under the root ball excavate and tamp the planting soil in lifts not to exceed 12 inches.

G. Set top outer edge of the root ball at the average elevation of the proposed finish. Set the plant plumb and upright in the center of the planting hole. The tree graft, if applicable, will be visible above the grade. Do not place soil on top of the root ball.

H. The COR may request that plants’ orientation be rotated when planted based on the form of the plant.

I. Backfill the space around the root ball with the same planting soil or existing soil that was excavated for the planting space. See Specification Section Planting Soil, for requirements to modify the soil within the planting bed.

J. Brace root ball by tamping Planting Soil around the lower portion of the root ball. Place additional Planting Soil around base and sides of ball in six-inch (6") lifts. Lightly tamp each lift using foot pressure or hand tools to settle backfill, support the tree and eliminate voids. DO NOT over compact the backfill or use mechanical or pneumatic tamping equipment. Over compaction will be defined as greater than 85% of maximum dry density, standard proctor or greater than 250 psi as measured by a cone penetrometer when the volumetric soil moisture is lower than field capacity.

1. When the planting hole has been backfilled to three quarters of its depth, water will be poured around the root ball and allowed to soak into the soil to settle the soil. Do not flood the planting space. If the soil is above field capacity, allow the soil to drain to below field capacity before finishing the planting. Air pockets will be eliminated and backfill continued until the planting soil is brought to grade level.

K. Where indicated on the drawings, build a 4 inch high, level berm of Planting Soil around the outside of the root ball to retain water. Tamp the berm to reduce leaking and erosion of the saucer.

L. Thoroughly water the Planting Soil and root ball immediately after planting.

M. Remove all nursery plant identification tags and ribbons as per COR instructions. The COR’s seals are to remain on plants until the end of the warranty period.

N. Remove corrugated cardboard trunk protection after planting.

O. Follow additional requirements for the permitted root ball packages.

13.2 GROUND COVER AND PERENNIAL PLANTS

A.…