32 90 00- Planting.pdf

Michael E. DeBakey VAMC January 31, 2025

Investigate & Stop Water Infiltration in Main Server Rms. 100% Bid Documents

Houston, TX 77030 Project No:580-22-110

32 90 00 - 1

SECTION 32 90 00

PLANTING

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1 SUMMARY

A. Section Includes:

1. Plants, soils, edging, turf, and landscape materials.

1.2 RELATED REQUIREMENTS

1.3 DEFINITIONS

A. Pesticide: Any substance or mixture of substances, including biological control agents, that may prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate pests and is specifically labeled for use by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA). Also, any substance used as plant regulator, defoliant, disinfectant, or biocide.

B. Planter Bed: An area containing one or combination of following plant types: shrubs, vines, wildflowers, annuals, perennials, ground cover, and mulch topdressing excluding turf. Trees may also be found in planter beds.

C. Stand of Turf: 95 percent of established species.

1.4 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS

A. Comply with references to extent specified in this section.

B. American National Standards Institute (ANSI):

1. Z60.1-2014 - Nursery Stock.

C. American Society for Testing And Materials (ASTM):

1. B221-14 - Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes.

2. B221M-13 - Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes.

3. C33/C33M-16-Concrete Aggregates.

4. C136/C136M-14 - Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates.

5. C602-13a - Agricultural Liming Materials.

6. D977-13e1 - Emulsified Asphalt.

7. D5268-13 - Topsoil Used for Landscaping Purposes.

D. Hortus Third: Concise Dictionary of Plants Cultivated in United States and Canada.

E. Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA):

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1. A300P1-2008 - Tree Care Operations - Trees, Shrubs and Other Woody

Plant Maintenance Standard Practices (Pruning).

2. Z133.1-2012 - Arboricultural Operations - Safety Requirements.

F. Turfgrass Producers International (TPI):

1. 2006 Guideline Specifications to Turfgrass Sodding.

G. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA):

1. DOA SSIR 42-2014 - Soil Survey Laboratory Methods Manual.

2. Handbook No. 60 - Diagnosis and Improvement of Saline and Alkali

Soils.

1.5 PREINSTALLATION MEETINGS

A. Conduct pre-installation meeting at project site minimum 30 days before beginning Work of this section.

1. Required Participants:

a. Contracting Officer’s Representative.

b. Architect/Engineer.

c. Contractor.

d. Installer.

2. Meeting Agenda: Distribute agenda to participants minimum 3 days before meeting.

a. Inspection of planting materials.

b. Installation schedule.

c. Installation sequence.

d. Preparatory work.

e. Protection before, during, and after installation.

f. Installation.

g. Inspecting.

h. Environmental procedures.

3. Document and distribute meeting minutes to participants to record decisions affecting installation.

1.6 SUBMITTALS

A. Submittal Procedures: Section 01 33 23, SHOP DRAWINGS, PRODUCT DATA, AND SAMPLES.

B. Manufacturer's Literature and Data:

1. Description of each product.

2. Photographs: Color photographs of each plant species showing actual size and condition of plants to be provided with measuring device included for scale. Where more than 20 plants are required of any

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32 90 00 - 3 species, submit minimum three photographs of average, best, and worst quality plant to be provided. Include on each photograph, plant full scientific name, size, and source nursery.

3. Installation instructions.

4. Warranty.

C. Samples:

1. Organic and Compost Mulch: 1 L. (1 quart) sealed plastic bag of each required mulch, including label with percentage weight of each material and source representing material to be provided. Samples to match color, texture, and composition of installed material.

D. Test reports: Certify products comply with specifications.

E. Certificates: Certify products comply with specifications.

1. Plant Materials: Department of Agriculture certification by State

Nursery Inspector declaring material to be free from insects and disease.

2. Seed and Turf Materials: Notarized certificate of product analysis.

F. Qualifications: Substantiate qualifications comply with specifications.

1. Installer, including supervisor with project experience list.

G. Operation and Maintenance Data:

1. Care instructions for each plant material.

1.7 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Installer Qualifications:

1. Regularly installs specified products.

2. Installed specified products with satisfactory service on five similar installations for minimum five years.

a. Project Experience List: Provide contact names and addresses for completed projects.

3. Member in good standing of either Professional Landcare Network or

American Nursery and Landscape Association.

4. Field supervisor Personnel assigned to Work certified in the following categories from Professional Landcare Network and submit one copy of certificate to the COR:

a. Certified Landscape Technician (CLT) - Exterior, with installation specialty areas, designated CLT-Exterior.

b. Certified Ornamental Landscape Professional, designated COLP.

B. Licensed Arborist required to submit one copy of license to Contracting

Officer’s Representative.

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C. Independent or university laboratory, recognized by State Department of

Agriculture, with experience and capability to conduct testing indicated and that specializes in types of tests to be performed.

D. Measure plants according to ANSI Z60.1. Pruning to obtain required sizes will not be permitted.

E. Contracting Officer’s Representative may review plant materials either at place of growth or project site before planting for compliance with requirements. Contracting Officer’s Representative retains right to inspect trees and shrubs to determine if any unacceptable conditions exist and to reject any trees or shrubs at any time during Project. All rejected trees and shrubs shall be immediately removed from Project site.

1. Submit plant material source information to Contracting Officer’s

Representative seven days in advance of delivery to Project site.

F. Material Test Reports: For standardized ASTM D5268 topsoil, existing native surface topsoil (if used) and imported or manufactured topsoil.

1. For each unamended soil type, provide soil analysis and written report by qualified soil-testing laboratory stating percentages of organic matter; gradation of sand, silt, and clay content; cation exchange capacity; deleterious material; pH; and mineral and plant-nutrient content of soil.

2. Comply with USDA's Handbook No. 60 testing methods and written recommendations.

3. Soil-testing laboratory to oversee soil sampling; with depth, location, and number of samples to be taken per instructions from

Contracting Officer’s Representative. Take minimum 3 representative samples from varied locations for each soil to be used or amended for planting purposes.

4. Report suitability of tested soil for plant growth.

5. Based on test results, state recommendations for soil treatments and soil amendments to be incorporated. State recommendations in weight per 92.9 sq. m (1000 sq. ft.) or volume per 0.76 cu. m (1 cu. yd.)

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

6. Report presence of problem salts, minerals, or heavy metals, including aluminum, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, Houston, TX 77030 Project No:580-22-110

32 90 00 - 5 lead, lithium, and vanadium. If such problem materials are present, provide additional recommendations for corrective action.

1.8 DELIVERY

A. Deliver packaged products in manufacturer's original sealed packaging.

B. Bulk Products:

1. Deliver bulk products away from buildings, utilities, pavement, and existing turf and planted areas. Maintain dry bulk product storage away from contaminants.

2. Install erosion control materials to prevent erosion or displacement of bulk products.

C. Apply antidesiccant to trees and shrubs according to manufacturer's instructions to protect during digging, handling, and transportation.

1. For deciduous trees or shrubs in full leaf, spray with antidesiccant at nursery before transporting and again two weeks after planting.

D. Wrap trees and shrubs with tree wrap according to manufacturer's instructions to protect from wind and other damage during digging, handling, and transportation.

E. Deliver bare-root stock plants freshly dug with root system packed in wet straw, hay, or similar material.

F. Deliver branched plants with branches tied and exposed branches covered with material that allows air circulation. Prevent damage to branches, trunks, root systems, and root balls and desiccation of leaves.

G. Use of equipment such as "tree spades" is permitted provided plant balls are sized according to ANSI Z60.1 and tops are protected from damage.

1.9 STORAGE AND HANDLING

A. Store bulbs, corms, and tubers in dry location at 16 to 18 degrees C

(60 to 65 degrees F) until planting.

B. Store seeds and other packaged materials in dry locations away from contaminants.

C. Plant Storage and Protection: Store and protect plants not planted on day of arrival at Project site as follows:

1. Shade and protect plants in outdoor storage areas from wind and direct sunlight until planted.

2. Heel-in bare root plants.

3. Protect balled and burlapped plants from freezing or drying out by covering balls or roots with moist burlap, sawdust, wood chips, Houston, TX 77030 Project No:580-22-110

32 90 00 - 6 shredded bark, peat moss, or other approved material. Provide covering that allows air circulation.

4. Keep plants in moist condition until planted by watering with fine mist spray.

5. Do not store plant materials directly on concrete or bituminous surfaces.

D. Topsoil: Before stockpiling topsoil, eradicate on site undesirable growing vegetation. Clear and grub existing vegetation three to four weeks before stockpiling existing topsoil.

E. Root Control Barrier and Weed Control Fabric: Store materials in site in enclosures or under protective covering in dry location out of direct sunlight. Do not store materials directly on ground.

F. Handling: Do not drop or dump plants from vehicles. Avoid damaging plants being moved from nursery or storage area to planting site.

Handle balled and burlapped bare root plants carefully to avoid damaging or breaking earth ball or root structure. Do not handle plants by trunk or stem. Puddle bare-root plants after removal from heeling-in bed to protect roots from drying out. Remove damaged plants from

Project site.

1.10 FIELD CONDITIONS

A. Environment:

1. Coordinate installation of planting materials during optimal planting seasons for each type of plant material required.

2. Planting Dates:

a. Deciduous Material: From March 30 to May 30 for spring planting and from September 1 to November 15 for fall planting.

b. Evergreen Material: March 30 to May 30 for spring planting and from September 1 to November 15 for fall planting.

3. Restrictions: Do not plant when ground is frozen, snow covered, muddy, or when air temperature exceed 32 degrees C (90 degrees F).

B. Weather Limitations: Install plantings only during current and forecasted weather conditions that are comply with plant requirements.

Apply associated products in compliance with manufacturers' instructions.

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1.11 WARRANTY

A. Construction Warranty: FAR clause 52.246-21, "Warranty of

Construction."

B. Manufacturer's Warranty: Warrant plantings and against material defects.

1. Warranty Period: Two years.

2. Plant and Turf Warranty Periods will begin from date of Substantial

Completion.

3. Contracting Officer's Representative will reinspect plants and turf at end of Warranty Period. Replace any dead, missing, or defective plant material and turf immediately. Warranty Period will end on date of this inspection provided Contractor has complied with warranty work required by this specification. Comply with following requirements:

a. Replace any plants more than 25 percent dead, missing or defective plant material before final inspection.

b. Only one replacement of each plant shall be required except when losses or replacements are due to failure to comply with these requirements.

c. Complete remedial measures directed by Contracting Officer’s

Representative to ensure plant and turf survival.

d. Repair damage caused while making plant or turf replacements.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.1 PRODUCTS - GENERAL

A. Provide each product from one source or manufacturer.

2.2 PLANT MATERIALS

A. Plant Materials: ANSI Z60.1, conforming to varieties specified and be true to scientific name as listed in Hortus Third. Well-branched, well-formed, sound, vigorous, healthy planting stock free from disease, sunscald, windburn, abrasion, and harmful insects or insect eggs and having healthy, normal, and undamaged root system.

1. Trees-Deciduous and Evergreen: Single trunked with single leader, unless otherwise indicated; symmetrically developed deciduous trees and shrubs of uniform habit of growth; straight boles or stems; free from objectionable disfigurements; evergreen trees and shrubs with

Houston, TX 77030 Project No:580-22-110

32 90 00 - 8 well-developed symmetrical tops, with typical spread of branches for each particular species or variety. Trees with damaged, crooked, or multiple leaders; tight vertical branches where bark is squeezed between two branches or between branch and trunk; crossing trunks;

cut-off limbs more than 19 mm (3/4 inch) in diameter; or with stem girdling roots shall be rejected.

2. Ground Cover and Vine Plants: Provide number and length of runners for size specified on drawings, together with proper age for grade of plants specified. Provide vines and ground cover plants well established in removable containers, integral containers, or formed homogeneous soil sections. Provide plants grown under climatic conditions similar to those in locality of project. Spray all plants budding into leaf or having soft growth with an anti-desiccant at nursery before digging.

3. Provide plants of sizes indicated, measured before pruning with branches in normal position. Plants larger in size than specified is acceptable with approval of Contracting Officer’s Representative, with no change in contract price. When larger plants are used, increase ball of earth or spread of roots according to ANSI Z60.1.

4. Provide nursery grown plant material conforming to requirements and recommendations of ANSI Z60.1. Dig and prepare plants for shipment in manner that will not cause damage to branches, shape, and future development after planting.

5. Balled and burlapped (B&B) plant ball sizes and ratios will conform to ANSI Z60.1, consisting of firm, natural balls of soil wrapped firmly with burlap or strong cloth and tied.

6. Bare root (BR) plants to have root system substantially intact, but with earth carefully removed. Cover roots with thick coating of mud by "puddling" after plants are dug.

7. Container grown plants to have sufficient root growth to hold earth intact when removed from containers, but not be root bound.

8. Make substitutions only when plant (or alternates as specified) is not obtainable and Contracting Officer’s Representative authorizes change order providing for use of nearest equivalent obtainable size or variety of plant with same essential characteristics and an equitable adjustment of contract price.

9. Only plants grown in nursery are permitted.

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B. Label plants with durable, waterproof labels in weather-resistant ink.

Provide labels stating correct botanical and common plant name and variety and size as specified in list of required plants. Groups of plants shall be labels by tagging one plant. Labels to be legible for minimum 60 days after delivery to planting site.

2.3 SOD

A. Sod: Nursery grown, certified and classified in TPI's "Guideline

Specifications to Turfgrass Sodding" as GSS. Machine cut sod at uniform thickness of 19 mm (3/4 inch) within tolerance of 6 mm (1/4 inch), excluding top growth and thatch. Each individual sod piece to be strong enough to support its own weight when lifted by ends. Broken pads, irregularly shaped pieces, and torn or uneven ends will not be permitted.

B. Sod Species: Genetically pure, free of weeds, pests, and disease.

1. Full Sun: Zeon Zoysia (Zoysia x Zeon).

2.4 SEED

A. Grass Seed: State-approved seed of latest season's crop delivered in original sealed packages, bearing producer's guaranteed analysis for percentages of mixtures, purity, germination, weed seed content, and inert material. Label in conformance with AMS Seed Act and applicable state seed laws. Wet, moldy, or otherwise damaged seed will not be acceptable. Field mixes shall be acceptable when field mix is performed on site in presence of the COR.

B. Seed Mixtures: Proportion seed mixtures by weight.

1. Full Sun: Bermuda(cynodont dactylon), minimum of 3 cultivars.

2.5 PLANTING SOILS

A. Planting Soil: Evaluate soil for use as topsoil according to

ASTM D5268. From 5 to 10 percent organic matter as determined by topsoil composition tests of Organic Carbon, 6A, Chemical Analysis

Method described in USDA DOA SSIR 42. Maximum particle size, 19 mm

(3/4 inch), with maximum 3 percent retained on 6 mm (1/4 inch) screen.

Mix topsoil with following soil amendments and fertilizers as recommended by soils analysis.

B. Existing Planting Soil: Existing, native surface topsoil formed under natural conditions retained during excavation process and stockpiled on-site. Verify suitability of native surface topsoil to produce viable

Houston, TX 77030 Project No:580-22-110

32 90 00 - 10 planting soil. Clean soil of roots, plants, sod, stones, clay lumps, and other extraneous materials harmful to plant growth.

1. Mix existing, native surface topsoil with soil amendments and fertilizers as recommended by soils analysis.

C. Imported Planting Soil: Imported topsoil or manufactured topsoil from off-site sources are acceptable if sufficient topsoil is not available on site to meet specified depth. At least 10 days before topsoil delivery, notify Contracting Officer’s Representative of topsoil sources. Obtain imported topsoil displaced from naturally well-drained construction or mining sites where topsoil is at least 100 mm

(4 inches) deep. Topsoil from agricultural land, bogs, or marshes shall be rejected.

2.6 INORGANIC SOIL AMENDMENTS

A. Lime: Commercial grade hydrated limestone containing calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE) specified in ASTM C602 of minimum 80 percent.

B. Sulfur: 100 percent elemental.

C. Iron Sulfate: 100 percent elemental.

D. Aluminum Sulfate: Commercial grade.

E. Perlite: Horticultural grade.

F. Agricultural Gypsum: Coarsely ground from recycled scrap gypsum board comprised of calcium sulfate dehydrate 91 percent, calcium 22 percent, sulfur 17 percent, minimum 96 percent passing through 850 micrometers

20 mesh screen, 100 percent passing through 970 micrometers 16 mesh screen.

G. Coarse Sand: ASTM C33/C33M, clean and free of materials harmful to plants.

H. Vermiculite: Horticultural grade for planters.

I. Diatomaceous Earth: Calcined, 90 percent silica, with approximately 140 percent water absorption capacity by weight.

J. Zeolites: Mineral clinoptilolite with at least 60 percent water absorption by weight.

2.7 ORGANIC SOIL AMENDMENTS

A. Organic Matter: Commercially prepared compost. Free of substances toxic to plantings and as follows:

1. Organic Matter Content: Wood cellulose fiber bark peelings pine straw mulch from project site when available. Biobased content 100 percent. Wood cellulose fiber processed to contain no growth or

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32 90 00 - 11 germination-inhibiting factors, dyed with non-toxic, biodegradable dye to appropriate color to facilitate visual metering of materials application.

2. Feedstock: Agricultural, food, or industrial residuals; biosolids;

yard trimmings; or source-separated or compostable mixed solid waste.

B. Composted Derivatives: Ground bark, nitolized sawdust, humus, or other green wood waste material free of stones, sticks, invasive species, including seeds, and soil stabilized with nitrogen and having following properties:

1. Particle Size: Minimum percent by weight passing:

a. 4.75 mm (No. 4) mesh screen: 95.

b. 2.36 mm (No. 8) mesh screen: 80.

2. Nitrogen Content: Minimum percent based on dry weight:

a. Fir sawdust: 0.7.

b. Fir or pine bark: 1.0.

3. Biobased Content: 100 percent.

C. Manure: Well-rotted, horse or cattle manure containing maximum 25 percent by volume of straw, sawdust, or other bedding materials; free of seeds, stones, sticks, soil, and other invasive species.

2.8 PLANT FERTILIZERS

A. Soil Test: Evaluate existing soil conditions and requirements before fertilizer selection and application to minimize use of all fertilizers and chemical products. Obtain approval of Contracting Officer’s

Representative for allowable products, product alternatives, scheduling and application procedures. Evaluate existing weather and site conditions before application. Apply products during favorable weather and site conditions according to manufacturer's instructions and warranty requirements. Fertilizers to be registered and approved by

EPA, acceptable to authorities having jurisdiction, and of type recommended by manufacturer applicable to specific areas as required for Project conditions and application. Provide commercial grade plant and turf fertilizers, free flowing, uniform in composition and conforms to applicable state and federal regulations.

B. Fertilizer for groundcover, wildflowers, and grasses is not acceptable.

Provide fertilizer for trees, plants, and shrubs as recommended by plant supplier, except synthetic chemical fertilizers are not

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32 90 00 - 12 acceptable. Fertilizers containing petrochemical additives or that have been treated with pesticides or herbicides are not acceptable.

C. Granular Fertilizer: Organic, granular controlled release fertilizer containing minimum percentages, by weight, of plant food nutrients.

1. Composition: Nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur, and iron in amounts recommended in soil reports from qualified soil-testing laboratory.

D. Fertilizer Tablets: Organic plant tablets composed of tightly compressed fertilizer chips, insoluble in water, to provide continuous release of nutrients for minimum 24 months and containing following minimum percentages, by weight, of plant food nutrients:

1. Nutrient Composition: 20 percent available nitrogen, 20 percent available phosphorous, and 5 percent available potassium.

2.9 WEED CONTROL FABRIC

A. Roll Type Polypropylene or Polyester Mats: Woven, needle punched, or non-woven fabric treated for protection against deterioration due to ultraviolet radiation. Minimum 99 percent opaque to prevent photosynthesis and seed germination, fabric allows air, water, and nutrients to pass through to plant roots.

1. Minimum weight: 0.11 kg per square meter (5 ounces per square yard).

2. Minimum thickness: 0.50 mm (20 mils).

2.10 MULCH

A. Organic Mulch:

1. Shredded hardwood mulch for project site when available. Biobased content minimum 100 percent. Wood cellulose fiber processed to contain no growth or germination-inhibiting factors, dyed with non-toxic, biodegradable dye to an appropriate color to facilitate visual metering of application.

a. Straw for Lawn Seed Bed Mulch: Stalks from oats, wheat, rye, barley, or rice free of noxious weeds, mold or other objectionable material. Air dried and suitable for placing with blower equipment.

b. Wood cellulose fiber for hydraulic application of grass seed and fertilizer: Specially prepared wood cellulose fiber, processed to contain no growth or germination inhibiting factors, and dyed an appropriate color to facilitate visual metering of

Houston, TX 77030 Project No:580-22-110

32 90 00 - 13 application of materials. Maximum 12 percent moisture dry weight, plus or minus 3 percent at time of manufacture. pH range from 3.5 to 5.0. Manufacturer wood cellulose fiber for application as follows:

1) After addition and agitation in slurry tanks with fertilizers, grass seeds, water, and other approved additives, fibers will become uniformly suspended to form a homogeneous slurry.

2) When hydraulically sprayed, material will form blotter-like cover impregnated uniformly with grass seed.

3) Cover will allow absorption of moisture and allow rainfall or applied water to percolate to underlying soil.

2. Color: Natural.

B. Compost Mulch: Decomposed organic matter with low carbon to nitrogen ratio.

C. Mineral Mulch: Coarse, clean stone of following type, size, and color:

1. Type: Decomposed granite or pea gravel.

2. Size: ASTM C136/C136M, 65 mm (2-1/2 inches) maximum and 25 mm

(1 inch) minimum.

3. Color: Acceptable to the COR.

2.11 EDGING

A. Steel Edging: Commercial-grade steel product with rolled edge, in standard lengths, with steel loops for installation with stakes.

1. Edging Size: 4.8 mm (3/16 inch) wide by 100 mm (4 inches) deep.

2. Stakes: Steel to match edging, tapered, minimum 300 mm (12 inches) long.

3. Accessories: End pieces, end stakes, corner stakes, and splicing stakes.

4. Finish:Painted.

5. Paint Color: Black.

B. Natural Cut Edging: Edge plant beds with an excavated ‘V’ cut to provide clear division between plant bed and adjacent turf. Use natural cut edging outside of the courtyard / fencing portion of the project.

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2.12 ANTIDESICCANT

A. Antidesiccant: An emulsion specifically manufactured for agricultural use that will provide protective film over plant surfaces permeable enough to permit transpiration.

2.13 EROSION CONTROL

A. Erosion Control Blankets: 100 percent agricultural straw stitched with degradable nettings, designed to degrade within 12 months

B. Erosion Control Fabric: Knitted construction of polypropylene yarn with uniform mesh openings 19 to 25 mm (3/4 to 1 inch) square with strips of biodegradable paper. Minimum filler paper strip life of six months.

C. Erosion Control Net: Heavy, twisted jute mesh weighing approximately

605 grams per meter (1.22 pounds per linear yard) and 1200 mm (4 feet) wide with mesh openings approximately 25 mm (1 inch) square.

D. Erosion Control Material Anchors: As recommended by erosion control material manufacturer.

2.14 BIOSTIMULANTS

A. Biostimulants: Formulation containing soil conditioners, VAM fungi, and endomycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal fungi spores and soil bacteria appropriate for existing soil conditions.

2.15 STAKING AND GUYING MATERIALS

A. Staking Material:

1. Tree Support Stakes: Rough sawn hardwood free of knots, rot, cross grain, bark, long slivers, or other defects that impair strength.

Minimum /50 mm (2 inches) square by 2.4 m (8 feet) long, pointed at one end.

2. Ground Stakes: 50 mm (2 inches) square by 0.91 m (3 feet) long wood or plastic, pointed at one end.

B. Guying Material:

1. Green polypropylene staking material at 900 lb. strength. Arbortie or approved equal.

2.16 TREE WRAP

A. Crinkled Paper Tree Wrap: Two thicknesses of crinkled paper cemented together with layer of bituminous material. Minimum 100 mm (4 inches) wide with stretch factor of 33 1/3 percent. Tie with lightly tarred medium or coarse sisal yarn twine.

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B. Tree Shelters: Extruded, translucent, twin walled polypropylene protection board sheets,3 mm (1/8 inch) thick, 1800 mm (6 feet) long, utilized for short trunk trees 75 mm (3 inch) caliper or less.

C. Synthetic Fabric Tree Wrap: White, breathable polypropylene fabric in

75 mm (3 inch) wide rolls.

D. Tape: Bio-degradable tape suitable for nursery use to secure tree wrap which degrades in sunlight maximum 2 years after installation.

2.17 TACKIFIERS AND ADHESIVES

A. Non-asphalt Tackifier: Colloidal liquid fixative recommended by fiber mulch manufacturer for hydroseeding.

B. Asphalt emulsion: ASTM D977, Grade SS-1.

2.18 WATER

A. Water: Source approved by Contracting Officer's Representative and suitable quality for irrigation, containing no elements toxic to plant life, including acids, alkalis, salts, chemical pollutants, and organic matter. Use collected storm water or graywater when available.

2.19 PESTICIDES

A. Consider IPM (Integrated Pest Management) practices to minimize use of all pesticides and chemical products. Obtain Contracting Officer's

Representative's approval for allowable products, product alternatives, scheduling and application procedures. Evaluate existing weather and site conditions before application. Apply products during favorable weather and site conditions according to manufacturer's instructions and warranty requirements.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.1 EXAMINATION

A. Examine areas to receive plants for compliance with requirements and conditions affecting installation and performance.

1. Verify that no materials that would inhibit plant growth are present in planting area. If such materials are present, remove soil and contaminants ad directed by Contracting Officer's Representative and provide new planting soil.

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

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3. Suspend soil spreading, grading, and tilling operations if soil moisture becomes excessive. Resume soil preparations when moisture content returns to acceptable level.

4. If soil is excessively dry, not workable, and too dusty, moisten uniformly.

5. Special conditions may exist that warrant variance in specified planting dates or conditions. Submit written request to Contracting

Officer’s Representative stating special conditions and proposed variance.

B. Proceed with planting operations only after unsatisfactory conditions have been corrected.

3.2 PREPARATION

A. Protect existing and proposed landscape features, elements, and site construction and completed work from damage. Protect trees, vegetation, and other designated features by erecting high-visibility, reusable construction fencing. Locate fence no closer to trees than drip line.

Plan equipment and vehicle access to minimize and confine soil disturbance and compaction to areas indicated on drawings.

B. Install erosion control materials at all areas inside or outside limits of construction that are disturbed by planting operations. Provide erosion control and seeding with native plant species to protect slopes.

C. Stake out approved plant material locations and planter bed outlines on project site before digging plant pits or beds. Contracting Officer’s

Representative reserves right to adjust plant material locations to meet field conditions. Do not plant closer than 600mm (24inches) to building wall, pavement edge, fence or wall edge, and other similar structures. Provide on-site locations for excavated rock, soil, and vegetation.

3.3 PLANT BED PREPARATION

A. Verify location of underground utilities before excavation. Protect existing adjacent turf before excavations are made. Do not disturb topsoil and vegetation in areas outside those indicated on Drawings.

Where planting beds occur in existing turf areas, remove turf to depth that will ensure removal of entire roof system. Measure depth of plant pits from finished grade. Provide depth of plant pit excavation and relation of top of root ball and finish grade as indicated on drawings.

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Install plant materials as specified in Article 3.8. Do not plant trees within 3 m (10 feet) of any utility lines or building walls.

B. For newly graded subgrades, loosen subgrade to minimum 100 mm

(4 inches) deep. Remove stones larger than38 mm (1-1/2 inches) in any dimension and sticks, roots, rubbish, and other extraneous matter and legally dispose of them off Government's property.

1. Apply fertilizer, lime, and soil amendments directly to subgrade before loosening, at rates recommended by soils analysis.

2. Spread topsoil, apply soil amendments and fertilizer on surface, and thoroughly blend planting soil.

3. Spread planting soil 100 mm (4 inches) deep but minimum required to meet finish grades after light rolling and natural settlement. Do not spread if planting soil or subgrade is frozen, muddy, or excessively wet.

a. Spread approximately 1/2 thickness of planting soil over loosened subgrade. Mix thoroughly into top 100 mm (4 inches) of subgrade. Spread remainder of planting soil.

b. Reduce elevation of planting soil to allow for soil thickness of sod.

C. Finish grade planting areas to smooth, uniform surface plane with loose, uniformly fine texture. Grade to within plus or minus 13 mm

(1/2 inch) of finish elevation. Roll and rake, remove ridges, and fill depressions to meet finish grades. Limit finish grading to areas that can be planted in immediate future.

3.4 GROUND COVER AND PLANT INSTALLATION

A. Place ground cover and plants, not including trees, shrubs, and vines, 450 mm (18 inches) apart as indicated on drawings in even rows and with triangular spacing.

B. Use prepared soil mixture for backfill.

C. Place so roots are in natural position.

D. Do not remove plants from flats or containers until immediately before planting. Plat at depth to sufficiently cover all roots. Start watering areas planted as required by temperature and wind conditions. Water plants at sufficient rate to ensure thorough wetting of soil to 150 mm

(6 inches) deep without runoff or puddling. Smooth planting areas after planting to provide even, smooth finish.

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E. Plant ground cover in areas to receive erosion control materials through material after erosion control materials are in place.

3.5 TREE, SHRUB, AND VINE PLANTING

A. Move plant materials only by supporting root ball. Set plants on hand compacted layer of prepared backfill soil mixture 150 mm (6 inches) thick and hold plumb in center of pit until soil has been tamped firmly around root ball.

B. Set plant materials in relation to surrounding finish grade 25 to 50 mm

(1 to 2 inches) above depth at which they were grown in nursery, collecting field, or container. Replace plant material whose root balls are cracked or damaged either before or during planting process.

C. Place backfill soil mixture on previously scarified subsoil to completely surround root balls and bring to smooth and even surface, blending into existing areas.

D. Balled and Burlapped Stock: Backfill with prepared soil mixture to approximately half ball depth then tamp and water. Carefully remove or fold back excess burlap and tying materials from top to minimum 1/3 depth from top of root ball. Tamp and complete backfill, place mulch topdressing, and water. Remove wires and non-biodegradable materials from plant pit before backfilling.

3.6 TREE WRAP

A. Wrap deciduous tree trunks immediately after planting. Wrap tree trunks

40 mm (1-1/2 inches) or greater in caliper with specified material beginning at base and extending to lowest branches. Remove tree wrap after one year. Securely tie crinkled paper wrap with twine at top and bottom and at maximum 450 mm (18 inch) intervals.

3.7 TREE AND SHRUB PRUNING

A. Pruning: Performed by trained and experience personnel according to

TCIA A300P1.

B. Remove dead and broken branches. Prune only to correct structural defects.

C. Retain typical growth shape of individual plants with as much height and spread as practical. Do not central leader on trees. Make cuts with sharp instruments. Do not flush cut with trunk or adjacent branches.

Collars to remain in place.

D. Do not apply tree wound dressing to cuts.

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3.8 STAKING AND GUYING

A. Staking: Stake plants with number of stakes indicated on drawings with double strand of guy wire. Attach guy wire at half tree trunk height but maximum 1.5 m (5 feet) high. Drive stakes to depth of 0.80 to

0.91 m (2-1/2 to 3 feet) into the ground outside plant pit. Do not injure root ball. Install hose chafer guards where wire is in contact with tree trunk.

B. Guying: Guy plants as indicated on drawings. Attach tree-staking material around tree trunk at 0.785 rad (45 degrees) at half tree trunk height. Anchor tree-staking material to ground stakes. Install tree staking material per manufacturer’s recommendations.

3.9 MULCH INSTALLATION

A. Provide specified mulch over entire planting bed surfaces and individual plant surfaces, including earth mount watering basin around plants, to 75 mm (3 inches) depth after plant installation and before watering. Do not place mulch in crowns of shrubs. Place mulch minimum

50 to 75 mm (2 to 3 inches) away from tree or shrub trunks. Place mulch on all weed control fabric.

3.10 EDGING INSTALLATION

A. Uniformly edge beds of plants to provide clear cut division line between planted area and adjacent lawn. Construct bed shapes as indicated on drawings.

B. Metal Edging: Install steel edging material according to manufacturer's instructions.

C. Natural Cut Edging: Provide uniform ‘V’ cut with one vertical side adjacent to turf areas 125 mm (5 inches) deep and second side angled

250 mm (10 inches) toward center of plant bed for clear cut division line between plant bed and adjacent lawn.

3.11 SODDING

A. Place sod maximum 36 hours after initial harvesting according to

TPI GSS, except as modified herein.

B. For slopes 2 to 1 and greater, lay sod with long edge perpendicular to contour. For V-ditches and flat bottomed ditches, lay sod with long edge perpendicular to water flow. Anchor each piece of sod with wood pegs or wire staples maximum 600 mm (24 inches) on center. On sloped areas, start sodding at bottom of slope.

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C. Finishing: After sodding, blend edges of sodded area smoothly into surrounding area. Eliminate air pockets and provide true and even surface. Trim frayed areas and patch holes and missing areas with sod.

D. Rolling: Immediately after sodding, firm entire area, except slopes in excess of 3: 1, with roller maximum 134 kg (90 lbs.) for each foot of roller width.

E. Watering: Start watering sodded areas as required by daily temperature and wind conditions. Water at rate sufficient to ensure thorough wetting of soil to minimum 150 mm (6 inches) deep. Prevent run-off, puddling, and wilting. Do not drive watering trucks over turf areas, unless otherwise directed. Prevent watering of other adjacent areas or plant materials.

3.12 SEEDING

A. Broadcast and Drop Seeding: Uniformly broadcast seed at rate of 73 kilograms per hectare (1.5 pounds per 1000 square feet). Use broadcast or drop seeders. Sow one-half seed in one direction and sow remainder at right angles to first sowing. Cover seed uniformly to maximum 6 mm

(1/4 inch) deep in clay soils and 13 mm (1/2 inch) deep in sandy soils by means of spike-tooth harrow, cultipacker, raking, or other approved device.

B. Drill Seeding: Drill seed at rate of 49 kilograms per hectare (1.0 pounds per 1000 sq. ft.). Use grass seed drills. Drill seed uniformly to 13 mm (1/2 inch) deep.

C. Rolling: Immediately after seeding, firm entire area, except for slopes in excess of 3 to 1, with roller not exceeding 130 kg/m (90 lb./ft.) of roller width.

3.13 HYDROSEEDING

A. Mix water with wood cellulose fiber, paper fiber, or recycled paper at rate of 11.2 kg per 100 square meters (1,000 lb. per acre) dry weight.

Add seed and fertilizer to fiber and water and mix to produce homogeneous slurry.

1. Broadcast seed mixture at rate of 73 kilograms per hectare (1.5 pounds per 1000 square feet).

2. Hydraulically spray slurry to form uniformly impregnated grass seed cover. Spread with one application with no second application of mulch.

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3.14 TURF RENOVATION

A. General: Restore to original condition existing turf areas damaged during turf installation and construction operations. Keep at least one paved pedestrian access route and one paved vehicular access route to each building clean at all times. Clean other paving when work in adjacent areas is complete.

B. Aeration: Eradicate weeds and, with Contracting Officer's

Representative's approval to proceed, aerate turf areas with approved device. Core, by pulling soil plugs to minimum 50 mm (2 inches) deep.

After aeration operations are complete, topdress entire area 6.35 mm

(1/4 inch) deep. Blend all parts of topdressing mixture to uniform consistency. Clean all soil plugs off of other paving when work is complete.

C. Vertical Mowing: At completion of aerating and, with Contracting

Officer's Representative's approval to proceed, vertical mow turf areas indicated on drawings with approved device to 6 mm (1/4 inch) deep above existing soil level to reduce thatch build-up, grain, and surface compaction. Remove all debris generated during this operation off site.

D. Dethatching: At completion of aerating and, with Contracting Officer's

Representative's approval to proceed, dethatch turf areas indicated on drawings with approved device to 13 mm (1/2 inch) deep below existing soil level to reduce thatch build-up, grain, and surface compaction.

Remove all debris generated during this operation off site.

E. Overseeding: Apply seed according to applicable portions of "Seed

Application Method" at rates specified in "Seed Composition."

3.15 PLANT MAINTENANCE

A. Frequency: Begin maintenance immediately after plants have been installed. Inspect plants at least once week and perform required maintenance promptly.

B. Promotion of Plant Growth and Vigor: Water, prune, fertilize, mulch, eradicate weeds, and perform other operations necessary to promote plant growth and vigor.

C. Planter Beds: Weed, fertilize, and irrigate planter beds and keep pest free, pruned, and mulch levels maintained. Do not permit planter beds encroach into turf areas. Maintain edging breaks between turf areas and planter beds. Fertilize plant materials to promote healthy growth

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32 90 00 - 22 without encouraging excessive top foliar growth. Remove noxious weeds common to area from planter beds by mechanical means.

D. Shrubs: In addition to planter bed maintenance requirements, selectively prune and shape shrubs for health and safety when following conditions exist:

1. Remove growth in front of windows, over entrance ways or walks, and any growth which will obstruct vision at street intersections or of security personnel.

2. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches or limbs where shrub growth obstructs pedestrian walkways, where shrub growth is growing against or over structures, and where shrub growth permits concealment of unauthorized persons.

3. Properly dispose of all pruning debris.

E. Trees: Adjust stakes, ties, guy supports and turnbuckles and water, fertilize, control pests, mulch, and prune for health and safety and provide fall leaf cleanup.

1. Fertilize trees to promote healthy plant growth without encouraging excessive top foliar growth. Inspect and adjust stakes, ties, guy supports and turnbuckles to avoid girdling and promote natural development.

2. Selectively prune all trees within project boundaries, regardless of caliper, for safety and health reasons, including, but not limited to, removal of dead and broken branches and correction of structural defects. Prune trees according to their natural growth characteristics leaving trees well shaped and balanced.

3. All pruning, including palm tree pruning, shall be by or in presence of certified member of International Society of Arboriculture and according to TCIA Z133.1.

4. Properly dispose of all pruning debris.

3.16 SLOPE EROSION CONTROL MAINTENANCE

A. Provide slope erosion control maintenance to prevent undermining of all slopes in newly landscaped areas. Maintenance tasks include immediate repairs to weak spots in sloped areas and graded berms to intercept and direct water flow to prevent development of large gullies and slope erosion and securing irrigation systems during periods of extended rainfall.

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1. Fill eroded areas with amended topsoil and replant with same plant species.

2. Reinstall erosion control materials damaged due to slope erosion.

3.17 REMOVAL OF DYING OR DEAD PLANTS

A. Remove dead and dying plants and provide new plants immediately upon commencement of specified planting season and replace stakes, guys, mulch, and eroded earth mound water basins. No additional correction period shall be required for replacement plants beyond original warranty period. Plants shall be considered dead or dying as follows:

1. Tree: Main leader died back or minimum 20 percent of crown died.

2. Shrub and Ground Cover: Minimum 20 percent of plant died.

3. Determination: Scrape on maximum 2 mm (1/16 inch) square branch area to determine dying plant material cause and provide recommendations for replacement.

3.18 TURF MAINTENANCE

A. Mow turf to uniform finished height measured from soil. Perform mowing in manner that prevents scalping, rutting, bruising, uneven and rough cutting. Before mowing, remove and dispose of all rubbish, debris, trash, leaves, rocks, paper, and limbs or branches on turf areas. Sweep or vacuum clean adjacent paved areas.

B. Apply fertilizer in manner that promotes health, growth, vigor, color and appearance of cultivated turf areas. Determine method of application, fertilizer type and frequencies by results of laboratory soil analysis. Provide organic fertilizer. If organic fertilizer does not produce desired effect, contact Contracting Officer's

Representative for approval before applying synthetic fertilizer. Apply fertilizer by approved methods and according to manufacturer's instructions.

C. Watering: Perform irrigation in manner that promotes health, growth, color, and appearance of cultivated vegetation, complying with Federal, State, and local water agency and authority directives. Prevent overwatering, water run-off, erosion, and ponding due to excessive quantities or rate of application.

D. Aeration: Eradicate weeds and, with Contracting Officer's

Representative's approval to proceed, aerate turf areas with approved device. Core, by pulling soil plugs to minimum 50 mm (2 inches) deep.

After aeration operations are complete, topdress entire are 6.35 mm

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(1/4 inch) deep. Blend all parts of topdressing mixture to uniform consistency. Clean all soil plugs off of other paving when work is complete.

3.19 CLEANING

A. Remove and legally dispose of all excess soil and planting debris.

3.20 PROTECTION

A. Protect plants from traffic and construction operations.

B. Provide temporary fences or enclosures and signage, at planted areas.

Maintain fences and enclosures during maintenance period.

C. Remove protective materials immediately before acceptance.

D. Repair damage.

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