14-O. 2024 Landscape Construction Standards.pdf

Landscape Construction Standards to be used on all city-funded construction

(Capital Improvement and/or Maintenance Funding).

Revision 17, January 2024

City of Charlotte General Services

Landscape Management Division

Landscape

Construction Standards

LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT

Table of Contents

Revision 17, 2024 January Table of Contents Page 1 Landscape Construction Standards

STANDARD SPECIFICATION ……………………………………………………………….. Pages 1‐7

SECTION 01000 – TREE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION ……………….. Pages 1‐9

SECTION 02000 – LANDSCAPE GRADING AND DRAINAGE …………………. Pages 1‐8

SECTION 02100 – SOILS …………………………………………………………………….. Pages 1‐5

SECTION 03000 – LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION SYSTEM …………………………. Pages 1‐10

SECTION 04000 – SHRUB AND GROUNDCOVER PLANTING ………………. Pages 1‐13

SECTION 04100 – TREE PLANTING ……………………………………………………. Pages 1‐15

SECTION 04200 – SEEDING AND SODDING TURFGRASS ..…………………. Pages 1‐9

SECTION 04300 – PRUNING AND REMOVAL OF ESTABLISHED TREES... Pages 1‐8

SECTION 04400 – FERTILIZATION OF ESTABLISHED TREES………………… Pages 1‐5

SECTION 04500 – GROWTH REGULATOR TREATMENT ON ESTABLISHED

TREES…………………………………………………………………... Pages 1‐7

SECTION 04600 – PNEUMATIC SOIL EXCAVATION…………………………... Pages 1‐9

Standard Specifications and Guidelines

Revision 17, 2024 January Introduction Page 1

STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS

AND GUIDELINES

Revision 17, 2024 January Introduction Page 2 Landscape Construction Standards

Table of Contents

Page 2 List of Referenced Professional Organizations

Page 3 Referenced Professional Organizations’ Acronyms

Definition of Terms

Page 7 Use of Street Right‐Of‐Ways

Revision 17, 2024 January Introduction Page 3 Landscape Construction Standards

STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS AND GUIDELINES

All material furnished by the contractor to be installed on the project shall conform to the minimum requirements of the latest revisions in effect on the date of the Standard Specifications published by the described organizations unless other requirements are stated in these Specifications.

The latest revisions of the following standard specifications shall govern all of the work, except where amended in the City of Charlotte Landscape Construction Standards or specific project contract.

1. Standard Specifications for Roads and Structures, North Carolina Department of Transportation (stated above).

2. City of Charlotte Soil Erosion Control Ordinance

3. Charlotte Land Development Standards Manual

4. American National Standards Institute A300 for Tree Care Operations‐ Tree, Shrub, and

Other Woody Plant Maintenance – Standard Practices

5. American Standards for Nursery Stock. American Association of Nurserymen, Inc.

(ANSI Z60.1)

6. Tree and Shrub Transplanting Manual. International Society of Arboriculture

7. Standardized Plant Names. American Joint Committee on Horticultural Nomenclature.

8. Guide for Establishing Values of Trees and Other Plants, International Society of

Arboriculture.

9. Chapter 21 of City Code entitled Trees and Administrative Guidelines

10. Crop Fertilization Based on NC Soil Tests; NCDA

11. North Carolina Irrigation Contractors Licensing Board (NCICLB) Minimum Standards, Chapter 23.

Revision 17, 2024 January Introduction Page 4 Landscape Construction Standards

Other standard specifications may be combined with those listed above under a single caption whenever referred to in the Specifications as follows:

AAN………American Association of Nurserymen

AASHTO…American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

AIA……..…American Institute of Architects

ANSI………American National Standards Institute, Inc.

ASLA……..American Society of Landscape Architects

ASTM…….American Society of Testing and Materials

AWWA….American Water Works Association

CLDS……..Charlotte Mecklenburg Land Development Standards Manual (As stated above, latest version)

FSS…….…Federal Specifications and Standards, General Services Administration

GS…..……General Statutes of North Carolina

ISA…..…..International Society of Arboriculture

TCIA …… Tree Care Industry Association

UL……….Underwriters’ Laboratories

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Whenever the following terms are used in the Standard Specifications, in any of the contract documents, or in the plans, the intended meaning of such terms shall be as follows:

“Owner” or “Engineering Department” shall be replaced by the words “City of Charlotte”

“Engineer” or “Resident Engineer” shall be replaced by the words “City Engineer or his duly authorized representative.”

“City Arborist” shall be replaced by the words “City Arborist or his duly authorized representative.”

Revision 17, 2024 January Introduction Page 5 Landscape Construction Standards

The following definitions will apply:

Anti‐desiccant: Material applied to plant surfaces for retarding excessive loss of plant moisture and inhibiting wilt. It shall be an approved emulsion, which will provide a film over plant surfaces permeable enough to permit transpiration.

Branch Collar: Wood tissue that forms around the base of a branch between the main stem and the branch. Usually, as a branch begins to die, the branch collar begins to increase in size.

Caliper: Diameter of a tree six inches (6”) above the ground for trees less than four inches (4”) in diameter and twelve inches (12”) above the ground for trees greater than four inches (4”) in diameter.

Cambium Layer: Growing point between the bark and sapwood.

Closure: Refers to the roll of the wound wood growth around the wounded area.

Critical Root Zone (CRZ): Area of undisturbed ground, which contains sufficient roots to preserve a tree’s health. Determined by calculating the area with a radius in feet equal to one foot in length for each one inch of trunk diameter measured at Breast Height (4.5 feet above grade). When an area of ground cannot be protected in a circle of this radius, the CRZ area may be defined as an asymmetrical shape of the same size.

Cut, The: The exposed wood area that remains after the branch has been removed.

Cut Back: Specified reduction of the overall size of the tree or individual branches but may include the overall reduction of the sides as well as the top of the tree.

D.B.H.: Diameter of a tree four and a half feet (4 ½’) above the average ground line.

Dormant: A condition of non‐active growth. Deciduous trees are considered to be dormant from the time the leaves fall until new foliage begins to appear.

Elevating: The removal of lower branches for under‐clearance.

Girdling Roots: Located above or below ground level; circular growth around the base of the trunk or over the individual roots applies pressure to the bark area, thereby choking or restricting the flow of sap.

Heading Back: The cutting back of terminals of a temporary limb or branch to a lateral branch or bud to slow its growth, while allowing it to produce food resources for the tree. This is a common nursery practice.

Parent Stem: The main trunk system of the tree.

Revision 17, 2024 January Introduction Page 6 Landscape Construction Standards

Planting Medium, Acceptable: A soil developed by amending the existing soil or removing the existing soil and replacing with new soil (as defined in Section 02100 – SOILS). Soil shall be of uniform composition throughout, with admixture of subsoil. Soil shall be free of manmade materials, stones, lumps, live plants and their roots, sticks, and other extraneous matter. Soil shall be capable of sustaining vigorous plant growth and shall meet the definition for topsoil/planting mix found in section 02001.

Precut or Pre‐cutting: The removal of the branch at least 6” beyond the finished cut to prevent splitting into parent stem or branch.

Pruning: The removal of dead, dying, diseased, or live, interfering, objectionable and weak branches in a scientific manner.

Sap Flow: The definite course assumed by sap in its movement through a tree.

Scars or Injuries: Natural or man‐made lesions of the bark in which wood is exposed.

Suckers: Abnormal growth of small branches usually not following the general growth pattern of the tree.

Temporary Limb: A limb left on a small tree to provide for tree growth until permanent scaffold limbs and adequate top limbs are developed. If large, they are headed back to prevent their challenging the desired terminal for dominance.

Thinning Out: The removal of live branches to reduce wind resistance and to create more space.

Topping: Any pruning practice that results in more than one‐third of the foliage and limbs being removed. This includes pruning that leads to the disfigurement of the normal shape of the tree.

Tracing: Careful cutting of the bark along the lines of sap flow to encourage wound closure.

Tree Training: Pruning young trees in a specified manner to shape their growth in keeping with their genetically determined natural form and the urban requirements immediately surrounding them.

Trimming: The same as pruning.

Water Breaker: A hose end device used to diffuse a stream of water.

Wound Wood: New growth made by the cambium layer around all of a wound.

Revision 17, 2024 January Introduction Page 7 Landscape Construction Standards

USE OF STREET RIGHT‐OF‐WAY:

The closure of any portion of the street right‐of‐way (whole street, travel lane(s) or sidewalk, etc.) Requires a Hold Harmless Agreement executed through the Development Services Division of the Utility Right of Way Management Program Standards and Provisions of the Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT). All requests and proposed schedules for Right– Of–Way use must be reviewed and approved by CDOT in advance as follows:

• 10 working days for street closures; and

• 5 working days for travel lanes and sidewalk closures

Contractors must provide necessary warning devices and authorized personnel for safety instructions to pedestrian and vehicular traffic within the Project area. All traffic safety procedures shall be in accordance with the current edition of the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD). http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/

The Charlotte Department of Transportation Work Area Traffic Control Handbook (WATCH) may be used for reference purposes only.

No Work may be performed on any right‐of‐way that impedes or restricts traffic flow during the hours of 7:00 to 9:00 AM and 4:00 to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Park on side streets and not on major thoroughfares during the performance of the Work. Parking on roadway medians is prohibited.

Work shall proceed in accordance with Charlotte‐Mecklenburg Utilities Water Usage Requirements as regulated.

END OF SECTION

Section 01000 Tree Preservation and Protection

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 01000 Page 1

Section 01000

TREE PRESERVATION AND

PROTECTION

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 01000 Page 2

Associated Standard Details

Page 4 GENERAL - Related Documents

Description of Work

Work Included in This Section

Related Work Specified elsewhere

PRODUCTS ‐ Non‐Woven Textile Fabric

Page 5 Woven Textile Fabric

Tree Protection Barricade Fencing

EXECUTION - Introduction

Page 6 Boring & Trenching

Curb & Gutter Repair & Construction

Sidewalk Repair & Construction

Page 7 Barricade Fencing

Trunk Protection

Temporary Access

Root Zone Protection

Fill Around Existing Trees

Page 8 Clearing Within Critical Root Zone

Tree Damage

Discontinuance of Work

Root Pruning

Page 9 Pruning and Thinning of Existing Trees

Tree Preservation

Cleanup

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 01000 Page 3

STANDARD DETAILS

Standard Number Title

40.02 Tree Protection Detail

40.11 Bridging Tree Roots

40.12 Temporary Tree Protection Detail

40.13 Asphalt Curb Placement at Existing Trees

40.14 Rock Chimney

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 01000 Page 4

SECTION 01000‐ TREE PRESERVATION AND

PROTECTION

PART 01 – GENERAL

A. Related Documents

The General Provisions of the Contract, including General and Supplementary Conditions and General Requirements, apply to the work specified in this Section.

B. Description of Work:

Purpose: The purpose of this section is to provide protection for existing trees on public and/or private property during City sponsored construction projects. Where City Code Chapter 21 “Trees” apply, that shall take jurisdiction; in all other cases, these specifications shall dictate the application of tree protection practices and procedures on city sponsored projects.

C. Work Included in this Section:

Construction of Tree Protection Barricades, Replacement of Damaged Trees, Pruning, Curb and Gutter Repair, Replacement and Construction, and Sidewalk Repair and Construction.

D. Related Work Specified Elsewhere:

Landscape Grading, Drainage & Bed Preparation (Section 02000) Pruning and Removal of Existing Trees (Section 04300) Fertilization of Existing Trees (Section 04400)

PART 02 – PRODUCTS

A. Non‐Woven Textile Fabric:

A needle‐punched nonwoven geo‐textile composed of polypropylene fibers that form a network that does not allow the fibers to shift. Examples of this type include Mirafi 140 NL, Thrace‐LINQ 130 EX, or an approved equal. Fabric must be UV stabilized and resistant to most chemicals found in the soil, mildew and insect damage. Samples must be submitted and approved by the Engineer. Product Physical Properties:

Weight ………………………………….. Minimum 4 oz/yd2

Thickness ………………………………. Minimum 35 mils

Grab Tensile Strength …………… Minimum 90 lbs

UV Resistance ………………………. 70% (at 500 hrs)

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 01000 Page 5

B. Woven Textile Fabric:

Woven geo‐textile fabric with a minimum tensile strength of 200 lbs. shall be used under 6 inches of washed stone or suitable alternative whenever construction traffic must pass over the root systems of existing trees in unpaved areas. Landscape Filter Fabric shall be Type 2 Filter Fabric as specified in Section 1056 of NCDOT Standard Specifications for Roads and Structures.

Samples of Filter Fabric shall be submitted to the Engineer for approval prior to installation.

Product Specification:

Type: 100% Polyester

Minimum Tensile Strength: 200 lb

Elongation: 15% Min.

Minimum Burst Strength: 400 psi

Minimum Puncture Strength: 80 lb

AOS (min/max): 30/130

Minimum Ultra Violet Exposure Strength: 140 lb

Fungus Resistance: No Growth

Tree Protection Barricade Fencing:

Barricades shall be constructed of wood, in accordance with Part 03 B of these specifications. Orange safety fencing, three feet high, or a suitable alternative, may be used in lieu of wood rails if approved by the Engineer. The installation of orange construction fencing in the right‐of‐way shall not inhibit driver and/or pedestrian vision at driveways and/or street intersections.

PART 03 – EXECUTION

Trees designated for Tree Protection on city‐funded or city‐sponsored construction projects shall have their critical root zone protected by tree barricades installed according to 40.02 Tree Protection detail and where applicable, by the use of details 40.11 Bridging Tree Roots, 40.12 Temporary Tree Protection and 40.13 Curb Placement at Existing Tree.

When trees are located within the street right‐of‐way or on City property, they shall be protected from damage and/or removal per the City of Charlotte Tree Ordinance. Any proposed construction adjacent to Public Right‐of‐Way involving trees or root system shall require a permit from the City Arborist. Signature of a representative of Landscape Management on final construction plans and documents constitutes the express approval of the City Arborist. This includes the following: storm drainage, underground utilities, driveways, sidewalks, etc.

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 01000 Page 6

A. Boring and Trenching:

Open trenching, including pilot and/or receiving holes, closer to a tree than:

Trees Diameter (D.B.H.) Radial Distance (feet)

Less than 6 Limb spread

6” ‐ 9” 5’

10” ‐ 14” 10’

15” ‐ 19” 12’

20” ‐ 30” 15’

Over 30” 20’ will be considered harmful to the trees unless a boring construction method is performed.

Any exceptions must be approved by the Engineer in coordination with the City Arborist.

Utilities may be tunneled in the root zone at a 6’ minimum depth providing that plans are approved showing the location and method.

B. Curb and Gutter Repair and Construction:

When working to install curb and/or guttering within 10 feet of any tree (12 inches or larger in diameter), plywood forms or suitable alternative will be used. Clearing, grading, or digging will not be allowed beyond 6 inches from the proposed back of curb unless the City Arborist has provided approval. Root pruning will be in accordance with Tree Preservation and Protection Standards, Part 03‐L, entitled “Root Pruning”. If any portion of the trunk and/or root flare extends over the section being replaced, it cannot be damaged during construction even if a small portion of the old structure must be left in place.

C. Sidewalk Repair and Construction:

When working within 10 feet of any tree 12 inches or larger in diameter, plywood forms or suitable alternative will be used. Clearing, grading, or digging will not be allowed beyond 6 inches from the proposed edge of the sidewalk unless the City Arborist has provided approval. Root pruning will be in accordance with Tree Preservation and Protection Standards, Part 03‐L entitled “Root Pruning.” If any portion of the trunk and/or root flare extends over the section being replaced, it cannot be damaged during construction even if a small portion of the old structure must be left in place. Narrow sections of sidewalk will be constructed in accordance with directions from the Engineer and no less than 48 inches in width. Bridging of large roots will be in accordance with Standard Detail (CMLDS 40.11).

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 01000 Page 7

D. Barricade Fencing:

Barrier fences shall extend around trunk as shown on Landscape Standards CMLDS 40.02 to encompass the Critical Root Zone. So defined, it shall encompass the trees with a radius of not less than one foot (1’) for every one inch (1”) of trunk diameter (critical root zone) unless otherwise detailed in plans. When a circular or nearly circular area of this radius cannot be protected due to project design constraints, then an asymmetrical Critical Root Zone area shall be enclosed by the barricade fencing and shall be constructed around the tree which encompasses an equal area (square footage) of critical root zone. Barricade fencing shall not be placed closer than four feet (4’) from the tree trunk flare. Deviations from this must be approved on an individual basis by the Engineering Department and the City Arborist.

All tree protection barriers shall be installed prior to any grading or other land disturbing activity. They shall be constructed from any material substantial enough to designate the protected area and to protect the roots, trunk, and crown of the tree. Example: 2 x 4 standards and 1 x 4 rails; 3’ high orange safety fencing, etc.

E. Trunk Protection:

See CMLDS 40.12. Batter boards and sandbags will be installed when working within 10 feet of any tree 12 inches or larger. The purpose of these items will be to protect the trunk or root flare from damage during construction.

F. Temporary Access:

Permits shall be issued to allow temporary (30 days) access across the critical root zone

(CRZ)

Mulch 8 to 12 inches deep with woven geo‐textile as specified in “Tree Preservation and Protection,” Part 02 – Products, or approved equivalent laid underneath, shall be required in these areas to act as a cushion to prevent soil compaction. Mulch and fabric shall be removed after construction is complete. If soil conditions, equipment type, or volume of traffic across the CRZ is such that mulch is deemed to provide insufficient protection from soil compaction or root damage, then additional load‐displacement groundcover mats shall be employed.

G. Root Zone Protection:

Do not store materials or machinery in any portion of the critical root zone.

H. Fill Around Existing Trees to Remain:

No Fill dirt greater than two inches (2”) in thickness shall be allowed over the critical root zone of the tree. Deviations from this must be approved on an individual basis by the Engineering Department and the City Arborist.

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 01000 Page 8

I. Clearing within Critical Root Zone:

In the critical root zone, the removal of any portions of old sidewalk, driveway, and/or curb shall be done with extreme care so as not to damage any portion of the branches, trunk, or roots.

In the critical root zone, any stumps, dead trees and shrub growth to be removed shall be cut flush or ground out. Stump grinding will be accomplished with equipment and methods per Section 04300 PRUNING AND REMOVAL OF ESTABLISHED TREES, PART 3 H, Stump Grinding. All holes will be backfilled completely the same day of the operation.

Stumps to be ground out will be designated by the Engineer. No grubbing is permitted in the critical root zone areas.

J. Tree Damage:

Any tree damage caused by the Contractor is to be repaired immediately at no additional expense and to the satisfaction of the City. Any damages resulting in the disfigurement and/or shortened life expectancy of a tree will be evaluated by the City Arborist. The entire value of the tree will be pro‐rated by the loss of life expectancy and that value assessed to the Contractor. Trees damaged beyond repair, as judged by the City Arborist, are to be removed at no expense to the City and replaced by trees of size and species designated at no additional expense to the City; or the dollar value of such damaged trees as determined by the City Arborist is deducted from the monies owed the Contractor. The tree values will be determined by using the guidelines in the Tree Evaluation Guide by The International Society of Arboriculture. Climbing irons, spurs or spikes shall not be used on trees to be pruned and are only allowed on trees to be removed.

A MINIMUM FINE OF $50 WILL BE ASSESSED FOR EACH INCIDENT OF BARK AND

CAMBIUM DAMAGE OF 4” WIDTH OR LESS WHERE RESTRICTIONS ARE VIOLATED. IF

DAMAGE IS LARGER, DAMAGES WILL BE ASSESSED USING I.S.A. TREE EVALUATION GUIDE

PROCEDURES.

K. Discontinuance of Work:

Any practice obviously hazardous to people or harmful to the trees, as determined by the City, shall be immediately discontinued by the Contractor upon receipt of either written or oral notice to discontinue such practice.

L. Root Pruning:

Root pruning shall be kept to an absolute minimum. In no case shall any root be pruned that is 1 ½ inches in diameter or greater without the express permission of the Engineer or City Arborist. All roots proposed to be cut shall be located in advance at a point 6‐12” outside the proposed cut by using a shovel, a probe, a high‐pressure stream of water, air excavation tool or other approved method. The cut is to be made no more than 6” behind the back of the curb, wall, or other structure to be built. The cut shall be made only to the minimum depth required for the structure. The roots shall be cut cleanly leaving a smooth surface. Root pruning equipment shall be kept sharp to ensure that roots are cut cleanly and are not broken or torn by dull or unsuitable equipment.

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 01000 Page 9

M. Pruning and Thinning of Existing Trees:

All pruning shall be in accordance with The Pruning and Removal of Existing Trees Standards and ANSI A300 for Tree Care Operations‐ Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance – Standard Practices.

N. Tree Preservation:

The City Arborist must approve all tree removals from city‐owned property. Signature of a representative of Landscape Management on final construction plans and documents constitutes the express approval of the City Arborist.

O. Clean Up:

Remove all barriers upon completion of project and fill the holes left by vertical posts of fencing with suitable soil. Restore area to original condition.

Section 02000 Landscape Grading, Drainage & Bed Preparation

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 02000 Page 1 Landscape Construction

Section 02000

LANDSCAPE GRADING,

DRAINAGE & BED

PREPARATION

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 02000 Page 2 Landscape Construction

Table of Contents

Page 3 Associated Standard Details

Page 4 GENERAL ‐ Related Documents

Description of Work

Work Included in This Section

Related Work Specified Elsewhere

Existing Conditions

Protection of Benchmarks & Monuments

Protection of Existing Work Remaining

Page 5 Tree Preservation & Protection

PRODUCTS ‐ Topsoil & Planting Mix

Non‐Woven Textile Fabric

Woven Textile Fabric

Page 6 Surplus Material

EXECUTION - Inspection

Laboratory Testing of Soil

Quality Control Testing During Construction

Page 7 Soil Preparation – Type 1

Soil Preparation – Type 2

Page 8 Soil Preparation – Type 3

Soil Preparation – Type 4

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 02000 Page 3

Standard Number

Title

40.01 Tree Planting Detail

40.03 Large and Small Tree Pit with Grate in Sidewalk (Plan)

40.03A Large and Small Tree Pit with Grate in Sidewalk (Section)

40.03B Large and Small Tree Pit with Grate in Sidewalk (Section)

40.03C Large and Small Tree Pit with Grate in Sidewalk (Section)

40.05A Shrub Planting Bed

40.05B Individual Small Shrub / Tree Planting

40.06 6’ Tree Planting Strip UMUD Only

40.08A Median Greater Than 120” Wide – Excavation, Drainage & Backfill

40.08B 73” to 120” Wide Median ‐ Excavation, Drainage & Backfill

40.08C 48” to 72” Wide Median ‐ Excavation, Drainage & Backfill

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 02000 Page 4 Landscape Construction

SECTION 02000 – LANDSCAPE GRADING, DRAINAGE

& BED PREPARATION

The General Provisions of the Contract, including General and Supplementary Conditions and General Requirements, apply to the work specified in this Section.

B. Description of Work:

Work Included in this Section:

Stripping, stockpiling, and redistribution of topsoil, rough grading, rock removal, excavation of the soil and landscape bed construction.

Related Work Specified Elsewhere:

NCDOT Division 2 ‐ Earthwork

Soils (Section 2100) Shrub and Groundcover Planting (Section 04000)

Tree Planting (Section 04100)

Seeding and Sodding Turfgrass (Section 04200)

C. Existing Conditions:

Contractor shall accept actual conditions at the project site and do work specified without additional compensation for possible variation from grades and conditions shown, whether surface or subsurface. All grading work shall be unclassified except for rock removal as described herein.

D. Protection:

Benchmarks and Monuments:

Maintain carefully all benchmarks, monuments and other reference points. If disturbed or destroyed, replace as directed. If found at variance with the drawings, notify the Engineer before proceeding to lay out the work.

Protection of Existing Work Remaining:

All existing curbs, sidewalks, driveways and paving damaged in performance of this work shall be restored, without additional cost to the Owner in the manner prescribed by authorities having jurisdiction.

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 02000 Page 5 Landscape Construction

Tree Preservation and Protection:

During all phases of earthwork and site grading, the Contractor shall comply with Section 01000.

PART 02 – PRODUCTS

A. MATERIALS:

Topsoil and Planting Mix:

Topsoil and Planting Mix shall be defined in Section 02100 SOIL.

Non‐Woven Textile Fabric:

A needle‐punched nonwoven geo‐textile composed of polypropylene fibers that form a network does not allow the fibers to shift. Examples of this type include Mirafi 140 NL, Thrace‐ LINQ 130 EX, or an approved equal. Fabric must be UV stabilized and resistant to most chemicals found in the soil, mildew and insect damage. Samples must be submitted and approved by the Engineer.

Product Physical Properties:

Weight ………………………………….. Minimum 4 oz/yd2

Thickness ………………………………. Minimum 35 mils

Grab Tensile Strength …………… Minimum 90 lbs

UV Resistance ………………………. 70% (at 500 hrs)

Woven Textile Fabric:

Woven geo‐textile fabric with a minimum tensile strength of 200 lbs. shall be used under 6 inches of washed stone or suitable alternative whenever construction traffic must pass over the root systems of existing trees in unpaved areas. Landscape Filter Fabric shall be Type 2 Filter Fabric as specified in Section 1056 of NCDOT Standard Specifications for Roads and Structures.

Samples of Filter Fabric shall be submitted to the Engineer for approval prior to installation.

Product Specification

Type:

100% Polyester

Minimum Tensile Strength:

200 lb

Elongation: 15 % Min.

Minimum Burst Strength 400 psi

Minimum Puncture Strength 80 lb

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 02000 Page 6

AOS (min/max): 30/130

Minimum Ultraviolet Exposure Strength: 140 lb

Fungus Resistance: No Growth

B. Surplus Material:

Contractor shall remove unsuitable materials and surplus excavated materials from the site and legally dispose of it.

PART 03 – EXECUTION

A. Inspection:

Examine the areas and conditions under which earthwork and site grading is to be performed and notify the Engineer in writing of conditions detrimental to the proper and timely completion of the work. Do not proceed with the work until unsatisfactory conditions have been corrected in an acceptable manner.

B. Testing:

Laboratory:

The owner shall utilize services of a testing laboratory to perform tests required under this section.

Quality Control Testing During Construction:

It is the responsibility of the Contractor to notify the Engineer at appropriate times when Testing is required. Field density tests shall be performed in accordance with ASTM D‐698.

C. Soil Preparation:

A sample of the proposed topsoil or planting mix to be used in beds shall be submitted to the Engineer 30 calendar days prior to installation and be approved prior to installation.

Soil preparation for planting areas is divided into four categories depending on the situation.

Soil and Planting Media shall not be handled or spread when moisture content is excessively high.

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 02000 Page 7 Landscape Construction

Type 1

The “Type I” planting bed preparation is intended for areas in which the existing soil is of sufficient quality that it can be retained and amended to achieve the specifications for an Acceptable Planting Media.

Where vegetation currently exists, it shall be removed by scraping away the top 3”‐ 4” of existing grade. This material shall be hauled away and disposed of in accordance with the contract provisions.

The Contractor shall install a sufficient quantity of soil to achieve the desired/specified final grade and soil specification. Soil shall be added in an amount sufficient to account for natural settling of the final soil product and provide slight positive drainage from the middle of the bed to the sides of the bed.

All planting beds and areas to be mulched shall have a 4” V‐cut trench installed at the perimeter of the planting bed and adjacent to concrete walks, curbing, and grassed areas. The V‐cut trench shall form the bed line edge. Trench depth and width shall be consistent and uniform throughout the installation.

All planting beds shall be tilled to a depth of at least 8” below the final finished grade. All soil amendments shall be mixed thoroughly and completely with the existing soil.

Type 2

The “Type 2” planting bed preparation is intended for areas in which the existing soil is to be removed to a depth of 18” and replaced with soil meeting the plant mix specification. This preparation also includes the tilling or loosening of the remaining material in order to provide aeration and lessen compaction.

The top 18 inches of existing soil shall be removed and disposed of in accordance with the contract provisions. The remaining material shall be tilled in place to a 6” depth.

The Contractor shall install a sufficient quantity of approved plant mix to achieve the desired/specified grade. Add soil in an amount sufficient to account for natural settling. Unless otherwise specified, the plant bed shall be graded as follows:

− Roadway medians & Planting beds – crown height in inches shall be equal to median width in feet with a maximum height of 6 inches.

− Roadway plant strips‐achieve positive drainage from front of walk to back of curb − Plant beds in turf areas or around buildings – 6” above surrounding grade at center of bed, 2” above grade at edge of bed.

All planting beds and areas to be mulched shall have a 4” V‐cut trench installed at the perimeter of the planting bed and adjacent to concrete walks, curbing, and grassed areas. The V‐cut trench shall form the bed line edge. Trench depth and width shall be consistent and uniform throughout the installation.

All work shall be achieved from the sides of the planting bed areas. The contractor shall not allow equipment to operate on the loosened soil or plant mix.

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 02000 Page 8

Type 3

The “Type 3” planting is intended for individual tree and individual/group shrub planting where no soil replacement is required unless specified by the engineer or a representative of Landscape Management.

The tree and shrub planting procedures, including preparation of backfill and planting hole are found under: TREE PLANTING – Section 4100 and SHRUB AND GROUNDCOVER PLANTING Section 04000. For trees installation follow Standard Detail 40.01 “Tree Planting”.

Type 4

The “Type 4” planting is intended for individual tree planting in medians and roadside planting strips and shoulders.

The preparation for installation of the trees shall include the tilling of a 10’x10’area centered on the new tree location. The existing soil shall be broken up to a depth of 18” within that 10’x10’ area and one cubic yard of composted soil conditioner shall be thoroughly mixed throughout. Soil in the bottom of the tree pit shall be firmly tamped to reduce settling.

Section 02100 Soil

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 02100 Page 1

Section 02100

SOIL

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 02100 Page 2

Associated Standard Details

GENERAL -

Related Documents

Work Included in This Section

Related Work Specified elsewhere

PRODUCTS ‐ Soil Types – Topsoil

Soil Types – Planting Mixes

Soil Types – Soil Conditioner

Page 4 EXECUTION Soil Specifications

Page 5 Pre-Approved Soils List

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 02100 Page 3

SECTION 02100‐ SOIL

The General Provisions of the Contract, including General and Supplementary Conditions and General Requirements, apply to the work specified in this Section.

B. Description of Work:

Work Included in this Section:

Provide or create soil mixes for planting that meets or exceeds the standards contained herein.

Related Work Specified Elsewhere:

Landscape Grading & Drainage (Section 02000)

Shrub and Groundcover Planting (Section 04000)

Tree Planting (Section 04100)

Seeding and Sodding Turfgrass (Section 04200)

A. Soil Types:

Topsoil:

Topsoil is the surface layer of the soil profile, generally characterized as darker than the subsoil due to enrichment with organic matter. It is the major zone of root development and biological activity. Microorganisms that enhance plant growth thrive in this layer.

Topsoil can usually be differentiated from subsoil by texture as well as color. Clay content usually increases in the subsoil. The topsoil layer may be quite variable.

Native soil on site or natural soil harvested from another site may have the texture and composition to meet the specification described above.

Planting mix:

A planting mix may be developed that will be an Acceptable Planting Media by amending the existing soil or by removing the existing soil and replacing it with new planting mix.

The planting mix shall have uniform composition throughout, with a mixture of subsoil.

It shall be free of stones, lumps, live plants and their roots, sticks, and other extraneous

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 02100 Page 4 Landscape Construction Standards matter. It shall contain no man‐made materials unless otherwise specified. Planting mix shall not be used while in a frozen or muddy condition.

Unless otherwise specified in the contract documents, the Acceptable Planting Media shall contain the following specified percentages of constituents:

CLAY Minimum 10%/ Maximum 40% SAND Minimum 20%/ Maximum 50% SILT Minimum 20%/ Maximum 50% ORGANIC MATTER Minimum 5%/ Maximum 10%

Organic Matter is defined as compost/humus such as sawdust or leaf mold that has completed the decomposition process. Percentage of organic matter shall be determined by loss on ignition of moisture free samples dried at 65 degrees.

APM shall have a have an acidity range of pH 5.5 to 7.0.

APM shall have a Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) from 5 to 25 cmol +/kg(meq/100g)

APM shall have normal contents of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and proper micronutrient levels. Nutrient levels must satisfy growing needs (as recommended by lab report) of the existing or planned plant material.

B. Soil Conditioner:

Work covered in this special provision includes supplying and applying composted soil conditioner. Soil conditioner is an organic soil additive that is mixed with the soil in order to improve its internal drainage, structure, nutrient holding capacity or to improve organic matter composition. Composted soil conditioner must be thoroughly mixed and tilled into the existing soil in all areas to be planted.

Soil conditioner shall be composted and aged pine bark or approved material, screened to be 9/16” size or smaller. It shall be black in color, not be fresh, have no pine bark smell and have a acidity of pH 5.8 to 6.0. A sample of the composted soil conditioner must be submitted to the City for approval prior to installation.

PART 03 – EXECUTION

A. Approval of Soil/Planting Media: Soil/Planting Media supplied must meet the specifications detailed in Section 2100 Part 2 ‐ Products.

B. Lab Testing Soils/Planting media testing shall be performed by a lab/facility that is a participant in the North American Proficiency Testing Program (NAPT) a program of the Soil Science Society of America.

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 02100 Page 5

C. Pre‐Approved Soils List

Planting mix may be placed on a pre‐approved list by The City of Charlotte’s Landscape Management Division. A supplier must demonstrate that they have the ability to provide the planting mix as described above and be consistent with the product. The City of Charlotte Landscape Management updates this list annually. New vendor’s products can be tested (and if approved) added throughout the year and placed on the list at the contractor’s or vendor’s request. Thirty calendar days for approval is required.

Section 03000 Landscape Irrigation Systems

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 03000 Page 1

Section 03000

LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION

SYSTEMS

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 03000 Page 2

Page 3 Associated Standard Details

Page 4 GENERAL ‐ Related Documents

Description of Work

Quality Assurance

Submittals

Existing Conditions

Preservation of Existing Trees

Page 5 PRODUCTS ‐ PVC Pipe and Fitting

Risers and Swing Joint Nipples, Irrigation Valves

Backflow Preventers, Meters

Page 6 Sprinkler Heads, Valves, Sleeves & Boxes

Drainage Backfill

Automatic Control System

Exterior Control Enclosure, Control Lines

Page 7 Electrical Installation

Drip Irrigation

EXECUTION- Inspection of Work in Progress

Marking of Sprinkler Locations

Excavation

Page 8 Boring & Backfilling

Installation of System Main & Lateral Lines

Page 9 Sprinkler Heads & Control Lines

Control Equipment, Value Boxes, Drains, etc.

Testing System & Operational Testing

Page 10 Final Grades at Heads

Notice of Completion

Final Inspection with Engineer

Record Plan Acceptance

Training of Maintenance Personnel

Guarantee

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 03000 Page 3

40.04 Typical Valve and Valve Box Installation

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 03000 Page 4 Landscape Construction Standards

Section 03000 -Landscape Irrigation Systems

PART 01 – GENERAL

A. Related Documents

The General Provisions of the Contract, including General and Supplementary Conditions and General Requirements, apply to the work specified in this Section.

Work Included in this Section: The work of this section shall consist of providing and installing the underground sprinkler system as specified on the drawings and as specified herein.

C. Quality Assurance:

Manufacturing Qualifications:

Provide underground sprinkler system as a complete unit produced by a single manufacturer for all portions of work, including heads, drip lines, valves, piping circuits, controls, and accessories, unless otherwise noted specifically on the drawings.

D. Submittals:

Product Data:

Submit manufacturer’s technical data, cut sheets, and installation and maintenance instructions for underground sprinkler systems.

E. Existing Conditions:

Verification of Underground Utilities:

The Contractor shall be responsible for verifying the exact location of all underground utilities prior to any excavation.

F. Preservation of Existing Trees:

The Contractor shall comply with the Tree Preservation and Protection Standards.

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 03000 Page 5

A. PVC Pipe and Fittings:

Pipe specified shall be virgin high‐impact Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipe having a minimum working pressure rating of Class 200 up to and including 1¼” and Class 160 for pipe above 1¼”. All PVC pipe shall be continuously and permanently marked with manufacturer’s name, material size, and schedule. Pipe shall conform to US Department of Commerce Commercial Standard CS207‐60 or latest revision. Material shall conform to all requirements of Commercial Standard (CS256‐63), or latest revision(s). Fittings to be used on specified PVC pipe shall be Schedule 40 PVC, Type 1, and must be of domestic manufacture. All fittings shall be identified as to pressure rating or schedule.

Solvent for use on PVC pipe and fitting shall be of a type approved by the manufacturer of the pipe. Primer shall be purple primer by the same manufacturer as solvent. Solvent and primer application shall be in accordance to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Excessive solvent and primer within and outside of the pipe is unacceptable.

B. Risers and Swing Joint Nipples:

All pipe risers ¾” to 1” shall be non‐plasticized polyvinyl chloride. Schedule 80 threaded pipe.

Fittings on risers shall be PVC Schedule 80 threaded elbows. If the plan shows a non‐PVC riser, compatible fittings to the riser specified shall be used.

C. Irrigation Valves:

Irrigation valves shall be molded valves with 24-volt solenoid as per the Equipment List noted on the drawings. Valves shall be globe type operated by low‐voltage solenoids normally closed, manual flow adjustment.

D. Backflow Preventers:

Backflow preventers shall be the responsibility of the Irrigation Contractor. Irrigation point of connection is downstream side of the meter. Backflow preventer shall be installed by a licensed plumber or Irrigation Contactor and shall comply with state and local codes.

Backflow preventer selection and installation is to meet or exceed local and state codes, and manufacturer’s recommendations.

E. Meters:

Irrigation Contractor shall coordinate with Charlotte Mecklenburg Utilities for the installation of the irrigation meter(s) and shall be responsible for all costs and fees associated. All meters & valves installed in public Right‐of‐Way shall be installed per Charlotte Mecklenburg Utilities requirements.

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 03000 Page 6 Landscape Construction Standards

F. Sprinkler Heads:

All full and part circle sprinklers shall be of the fixed spray or gear driven variety as is specified on the plans. These sprinklers shall be of the pop‐up type with spring retraction. The sprinkler shall be easily serviced from the top. It shall have an accessible screening device and shall perform to the manufacturer’s specification regarding the diameter of throw and applied volume at a given pressure. Spacing of heads shall not exceed the manufacturer’s maximum recommendation. No over spray shall be allowed to encroach on roadways, sidewalks, buildings, nor the like.

G. Valves, Sleeves & Boxes:

All irrigation pipes crossing under any streets shall be enclosed in a PVC sleeve as noted on the plan. Sleeves shall be Schedule 80 PVC, Type 1, and must be of domestic manufacture.

Pipe sleeve shall not be less than two times (2X) the outer diameter of the sleeved irrigation pipe(s).

Fiberglass or concrete boxes with fiberglass or equal covers capable of withstanding lawn tractor traffic and vehicle traffic shall be used as specified in the Equipment List on the drawings (Ameteck or approved equal).

All systems shall be approved by Landscape Management and installed to prevent unnecessary watering after substantial rainfall.

H. Drainage Backfill:

NCDOT number 78M washed stone.

I. Automatic Control System:

Furnish automatic controller as specified in the Equipment List, including 24-volt timer and all connection devices. Electrical hook‐up to the controller shall be by others unless specifically noted otherwise on the plan or Equipment List. All automatic control systems shall utilize a rain sensor device and installed in accordance with the manufacturer specifications.

J. Exterior Control Enclosure:

Manufacturer’s standard weatherproof enclosure with locking cover, complying with the NFPA 70 (National Electric Code) and according to the Equipment List shown on the Drawings, shall be used.

K. Control Lines:

Hydraulic: All control tubing shall be polyethylene tubing. All control tubing shall be rated for a minimum continuous working pressure of 200 psi and have a ¼” O.D. + .003”. All tubing connection shall be brass compression couplings or tees utilizing self‐aligning brass ferules, secured by ¼” plastic retainers.

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 03000 Page 7 Landscape Construction Standards

L. Electrical Installation:

Electric control lines from each controller to the automatic valves shall be direct burial UF wire of a different color than the black and white wires used on the 115-volt A.C. power.

All 24V A.C. single strand wire shall be a minimum of 14‐gauge, direct burial. Where multi‐ connector wire is used, it shall be a minimum of 18‐gauge. Manufacturer recommendations shall be followed concerning waterproofing all connections.

The joining of all underground wires shall be by the use of direct burial splice kits. All splices shall be waterproof. In all cases, wire shall be adequately sized to avoid excessive voltage drop.

M. Drip Irrigation:

All drip irrigation system’s drip line shall be pinned to the soil every two feet (2’) or as necessary to prevent the drip line from rising from the surface. When a water pressure reducer is required, it shall be accessible within a valve box and easily replaced. Filtration systems on the drip irrigation system shall consist of a 120 mesh self‐flushing mechanism or as specified by the manufacture and placed within a valve box.

A. Inspection of Work in Progress:

The Engineer shall make frequent observations of the Contractor’s work while such work is in progress and will notify the contractor of unacceptable work or materials.

B. Marking of Sprinkler Locations:

Marking of sprinkler locations shall be done by the Contractor and approved by the Engineer.

Location shall be according to plans provided with field modifications to adjust to local conditions and actual plant locations.

C. Excavation:

The Contractor shall notify NC ON CALL at 1‐800‐632‐4949 a minimum of 48 hours prior to beginning trenching. The Contractor shall exercise care to avoid causing damage to any and all underground utilities and structures. The Engineer shall advise the Contractor of any underground utilities or structures he is aware of; however, it is the Contractor’s responsibility to locate and to protect all utilities. Any damage to utilities shall be corrected and paid for by the Contractor.

All excavation shall be unclassified and shall include all materials encountered.

Revision 17, 2024 January Section 03000 Page 8 Landscape Construction Standards

The minimum depth of cover for piping 6” diameter and larger shall be 18”. The minimum depth of cover for piping less than 6” diameter shall be 12”.

On existing sod areas, sod shall be removed, preserved, and replaced to its original state once backfilling is accomplished.

Root damage within the critical root zone in violation of specifications will result in monetary damages being assessed based on loss of utility and shortened life of the tree.

If trenching through existing asphalt roadway is necessary, a permit must be obtained through the CDOT Right of Way Management Program. If trenching is necessitated through existing asphalt roadways, the Contractor shall saw cut asphalt to the width of the trench plus one foot (1’) each side prior to trenching unless noted otherwise on the plan. Removal of cut asphalt and replacement of all asphalt shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.

Repair will be made with full depth asphalt or as directed by the engineer.

D. Boring:

See‐ Tree Preservation and Protection, Part 03 A.

E. Backfilling:

Backfill material shall be select backfill free from rocks, large stones, and other unsuitable substances that could damage the pipe or create unusual settling problems.

Backfilling will be installed in 6” layers and tamped after each layer is put in to prevent excessive settling.

Backfilling of trenches containing plastic pipe shall be installed when pipe is cool to avoid excessive contraction in cold weather. Such backfilling can be done in early morning hours or the pipe may be water cooled prior to backfilling procedures.

F. Installation of System Main:

Installation of the system main shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall proceed from the point of connection of supply for the system pumping station, reservoir, water meter, or existing line. All pipes shall be thrust blocked at all tees, elbows and end caps per manufacturer specifications. The main and laterals shall be flushed and pressure tested for 24 hours prior to making any head connection.

G. Installation of Lateral Lines:

Lateral lines may be installed by standard trenching techniques or by “pulling in” pipe. If the “pull in” method is used, the pipe “plow” shall be a vibratory type and equipped with a turf roller device to prevent tearing of the turf. The Mole or Bullet which precedes the pipe and is used to form the opening for the pipe shall be not less than 1” larger in diameter than the outside diameter of the pipe.