36C78618B0210-005.pdf

02-01-12

PLANTING

32 90 00 - 1

SECTION 32 90 00

PLANTING

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1 DESCRIPTION AND REQUIREMENTS

A. This work consists of furnishing and installing all planting materials required for landscaping at all NCA construction projects hereinafter specified in locations as shown. The landscape contractor shall be required to visit the site prior to submitting Bid Proposal to become familiar with all conditions affecting the proposed work. The contractor shall identify and review all underground utility locations prior to commencing work and shall exercise caution when working close to utilities and shall notify the

Resident Engineer (RE) and/or Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative

(COTR) of apparent conflicts with construction and utilities so that adjustment can be planned prior to installation.

B. Agronomic consultation on the appropriateness of all plant materials proposed for installation during this project must be obtained from the MSN Agronomist and/or NCA Chief Agronomist via coordination through the RE and/or COTR prior to project initiation and actual plant installation. In general, all plant material must be regionally adapted to the climate of the site, be of appropriate mature dimensions to fit the planting location and be low maintenance species.

C. Any exceptions to these species exclusions must be approved by the MSN

Agronomist and/or NCA Chief Agronomist via coordination through the RE and /

COTR prior to project initiation.

1.2 EQUIPMENT

Maintain all equipment, tools and machinery while on the project in sufficient quantities and capacity for proper execution of the work.

1.3 RELATED WORK

A. Section 31 20 11, EARTH MOVING, Topsoil Materials.

1.4 SUBMITTALS

A. Certificates of Conformance or Compliance: Before delivery, notarized certificates attesting that the following materials meet the requirements specified shall be submitted to the Resident Engineer for approval:

1. Fertilizers

2. Seed

3. Sod

B. Soil laboratory testing results and any soil amendment recommendations from the Contractor. Submit soil test results for each variable soil type and condition that exists on the construction site.

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1. Organic Soil Amendment and Imported Topsoil: The Contractor shall provide a 5 pound representative sample from each proposed source for testing, analysis, and approval. Contractor shall deliver samples to testing laboratories and shall have the testing report sent directly to the COR.

Testing reports shall include the following tests and recommendations.

a. Mechanical gradation (sieve analysis) and chemical (pH soluble salts) shall be performed by public extension service agency or a certified private testing laboratory in accordance with the current standards of the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists. A hydrometer shall be used to determine percent of clay and silt.

b. Percent of organics shall be determined by the loss on ignition of oven-dried samples. Test samples shall be oven-dried to a constant weight at a temperature of 110 °C, plus or minus 5°C.

c. Chemical analysis shall be undertaken for Nitrate Nitrogen, Ammonium

Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Aluminum, Soluble Salts, and acidity (pH).

d. Soil analysis tests shall show recommendations for soil additives to correct soils deficiencies as necessary, and for fertilizing and liming applications to support successful turfgrass growth.

e. All tests shall be performed in accordance with the current standards of the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists.

2. Amended soil (in place): Following the incorporation of amendments and additives, the Contractor shall provide a minimum of six (6)samples per forty thousand (40,0000) square feet, six inch (6”) depth by three inch

(3”) diameter core samples of amended soil taken from the site for testing, analysis, and approval. The location of each sample shall be as directed by the COR from areas designated to receive turfgrass or be established to turfgrass on the Contract Drawings. Contractor shall deliver samples to testing laboratories and shall have the testing report sent directly to the COR.

3. Fertilizer: Submit four (4) certificates of analysis for each type of fertilizer.

1.5 DELIVERY AND STORAGE

A. Delivery:

1. Notify the COR of the delivery schedule in advance so the plant material may be inspected upon arrival at the job site. Remove unacceptable plant material from the job site immediately.

2. Deliver fertilizer and lime to the site in the original, unopened containers bearing the manufacturer's warranted chemical analysis, name, trade name or trademark, and in conformance to state and federal law. In lieu of containers, fertilizer and lime may be furnished in bulk and a

32 90 00 - 3 certificate indicating the above information shall accompany each delivery.

3. During delivery: Protect sod from drying out.

B. Storage:

1. Sprinkle sod with water and cover with moist burlap, straw or other approved covering, and protect from exposure to wind and direct sunlight.

Covering should permit air circulation to alleviate heat development.

2. Keep lime, and fertilizer in dry storage away from contaminants.

3. Store seeds, soil amendments, fertilizers, and packaged materials in dry locations away from contaminants.

1.6 PLANTING AND TURFGRASS INSTALLATION SEASONS AND CONDITIONS

A. Perform landscape planting operations within the following dates:

1. Spring Planting: March to May

2. Fall Planting: September to November

B. No work shall be done when the ground is frozen, snow covered, too wet or in an otherwise unsuitable condition for planting. Special conditions may exist that warrants a variance in the specified planting dates or conditions.

Submit a written request to the COR stating the special conditions and proposal variance for approval.

1.7 TURFGRASS ACCEPTANCE.

A. Criteria for acceptance of turfgrass shall be as follows:

1. A satisfactory stand of grass plants from the sod operation shall be living sod uniform in color and leaf texture and well rooted into the soil below so that gentle pulling of the turfgrass leaves by hand does not dislodge the sod. Bare spots shall be a maximum two (2) square inches.

Joints between sod pieces shall be tight and free from weeds and other undesirable growth.

1.8 TURFGRASS WARRANTY

A. All work shall be in accordance with the terms of the Paragraph, "Warranty" of Section 00 72 00, GENERAL CONDITIONS, including the following supplements:

1. A One Year Plant and Turfgrass Warranty will begin on the date that the

Government accepts the plants and turfgrass but not before the end of the

Landscape Plant and Turfgrass Establishment Period.

2. The Contractor will replace any dead plant material and any areas void of turfgrass immediately during the warranty period and during an active growing season. A one year warranty for the plants and turfgrass that are replaced will begin on the day the replacement work is completed and accepted.

3. The Government will reinspect all replacement plants and turfgrass at the end of the One Year Warranty. The Contractor will replace any dead, missing, or defective plant material and turfgrass immediately and during an active growing season. The Warranty will end on the date of this

32 90 00 - 4 inspection provided the Contractor has complied with the work required by this specification.

1.9 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS

A. NCA Handbook 3420 – Turfgrass Maintenance in VA National Cemeteries re-certified 2011. The Agronomic and Horticultural practices specified in this handbook shall serve as the contractor’s official reference guide to all establishment and preliminary maintenance practices employed during this construction project.

B. The publications listed below, form a part of this specification to the extent referenced. The publications are referenced in the text by basic designation only.

C. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Publications:

ANSI Z60.1-2014 ........ Nursery Stock

ANSI Z133.1-2012 ....... Tree Care Operations-Pruning, Trimming, Repairing, Maintaining, and Removing Trees and Cutting Brush-

Safety Requirements

D. Hortus Third, most current edition. A Concise Dictionary of Plants Cultivated in the U.S. and Canada.

E. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Publications:

C136-14 ................ Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates

C516-08 ................ Vermiculite Loose Fill Thermal Insulation

C549-06 ................ Perlite Loose Fill Insulation

D977-13e1 .............. Emulsified Asphalt (AASTHO M140)

D1557-09 ............... Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction of Soil

D2028-15 ............... Cutback Asphalt (Rapid-curing Type)

D2103-08 ............... Polyethylene Film and Sheeting

D5851 (Rev 2006) ....... Planning and Implementing a Water Monitoring Program

F. Turfgrass Producers International:Turfgrass Sodding.

G. U. S. Department of Agriculture Federal Seed Act.

Amended July 2011 ...... Rules and Regulations

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.1 GENERAL

All plant and turfgrass material will conform to the varieties specified or and be true to botanical name as listed in Hortus Third.

2.2 ORGANIC SOIL AMENDMENT

A. All areas to receive turfgrass sodding may require an organic soil amendment to increase organic content and water retention as well as enhance turfgrass growth. If native topsoil has an organic matter content below 4% it should be amended in-place after grading activities are completed to effectively create a satisfactory topsoil horizon.

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B. Organic soil amendment will be spread and incorporated into the finished subgrade at the depths indicated on the Contract Drawings in order to raise the organic content of the soil to a minimum of four percent (4%) and a maximum of six percent (6%). Contractor will allow for additional depth of the organic soil amendment to bring all grades to the required finished grades as per the grading plans.

1. Organic Soil Amendment shall be dark brown or black in color and capable of enhancing plant growth. Ninety-eight percent (98%) of the material should pass a one inch (1”) screen. There shall be no admixture of refuse

(i.e. noticeable inert contamination) or other materials toxic to plant growth.

2. Acceptable types of Organic Soil Amendments include peat moss, humus or peat, well rotted manure, various mature composts, and commercially available combinations thereof. Acceptable compost may be derived from natural organic sources such as food or animal residuals, yard trimmings, or biosolids. Organic Soil Amendment shall be free of all woody fibers, seeds, and leaf structures, plastic and other petroleum products, and free of toxic and non-organic matter. Unacceptable sole sources of organic matter include untreated sludge from wastewater treatment plants, fresh manure, sawdust, and immature composts.

3. Organic Soil Amendment shall conform to the following minimum material requirements:

Test Parameter Acceptable Ranges

Organic Matter 27% to 80% pH 5.5-8.5

Ash 20-65%

Nitrogen 0.4%-3.5%

Phosphorus 0.2%-1.5%

Potassium 0.4%-1.5%

C:N Ratio 25-30:1

CEC 50-150 meq/100 g

Heavy Metals Less than max. limits established by EPA 503

Inert Contents < 1% by weight

Water-Holding Capacity 150-200%

Pathogen/Weed Seed Destruction Proof of EPA minimum

Heating requirements

4. Organic content to be determined by the loss of ignition of oven-dried samples. Test samples shall be oven-dried to a constant weight at a temperature of 110 °C, plus or minus 5°C.

5. Any topsoil stripped and stockpiled on the site may be used provided that, after testing and addition of necessary additives, it meets the above

32 90 00 - 6 specification. The Contractor shall provide additional Organic Soil

Amendment as required to complete the required work.

6. All Organic Soil Amendment proposed for use shall be tested for conformance to the specifications and results provided to the COR/District

Agronomist.

2.3 TOPSOIL

A. Topsoil shall be a well-graded soil of good uniform quality. It shall be a natural, friable soil representative of productive soils in the vicinity.

Topsoil shall be free of admixture of subsoil, foreign matter, objects larger than 25 mm (one inch) in any dimension, toxic substances, weeds and any material or substances that may be harmful to plant growth and shall have a pH value of not less than 6.0 nor more than 7.0, and should be best suited to the region, climate and plant material specific to the project.

B. Obtain material from stockpiles established under Section 31 20 00, EARTH

MOVING, subparagraph, Stripping Topsoil that meet the general requirements as stated above. Amend topsoil not meeting the pH range specified by the addition of pH Adjusters.

C. If sufficient topsoil is not available on the site to meet the depth as specified herein, the Contractor shall furnish additional topsoil. At least

10 days prior to topsoil delivery, notify the COR of the source(s) from which topsoil is to be furnished. Obtain topsoil from well drained areas.

Additional topsoil shall meet the general requirements as stated above. Amend topsoil not meeting the pH range specified by the addition of pH adjusters.

2.4 LIME

Lime shall be agricultural limestone containing not less than 90 percent calcium and magnesium carbonates. Lime must be ground to such fineness that not less than 90% must pass No. 8 mesh and not less than 25% must pass No.

100 mesh. Moisture is not to exceed 10%.

2.5 SOIL CONDITIONERS

A. Peat shall be a natural product of sphagnum moss peat derived from a fresh-water site conforming to Fed. Spec. Q-P-166, except as otherwise specified.

Peat shall be shredded and granulated to pass through a 13 mm (1/2 inch) mesh screen and conditioned in storage piles for at least six months after excavation.

B. Coarse Sand: Coarse concrete sand, ASTM C-33 Fine Aggregate, shall be clean, sharp, and free of limestone, shale and slate particles and of toxic materials.

C. Perlite shall conform to ASTM C549.

D. Vermiculite shall be horticultural grade and free of any toxic materials and conform to ASTM C516.

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E. Pine Bark shall be horticultural-grade milled pine bark, with 80 percent of the material by volume sized between 0.1 and 15.0 mm. (.004in. and .59in.).

1. Pine bark shall be aged sufficiently to break down all woody material.

Pine bark shall be screened

2. pH shall range between 4.0 and 7.0.

3. Submit manufacturer’s literature for approval.

F. Organic Matter shall be commercially prepared compost, composted sufficiently to be free of all woody fibers, seeds, and leaf structures, and free of toxic and nonorganic matter.

2.6 TURFGRASS FERTILIZER

Provide turfgrass fertilizer that is commercial grade, free flowing, uniform in composition, and conforms to applicable state and federal regulations.

Granular fertilizer shall bear the manufacturer's warranted statement of analysis. Granular fertilizer shall contain a minimum percentage by weight of

20% nitrogen (of which 50 percent shall be from a controlled release source such as sulfur coated urea), 5% available phosphoric acid, and 15% potash.

Liquid starter fertilizer for use in the hydro mulch slurry will be commercial type with 50 percent of the nitrogen from a controlled release source.

2.7 SEED

A. Seed: State-certified seed of latest season's crop delivered in original sealed packages, bearing producer's warranted analysis for percentages of mixtures, purity, germination, weed seed content, and inert material. Label complying with USDA Federal Seed Act and applicable state seed laws. Wet, moldy, or otherwise damaged seed will not be acceptable. Onsite seed mixing will only be acceptable in presence of COR. Apply turfgrass seed separate from and before mulch material application.

B. Minimum Acceptable Seed Quality Standards: Purity 95 percent, Germination 85 percent, Weed Seed Content less than 0.5 percent, Noxious Weeds 0.0 percent, Inert Material less than 3 percent, Germination Test Date no older than 6 months.

C. All turfgrass seed mixtures, or sod composition to conform to species and cultivar requirements shown on plans.

2.8 SOD

Sod shall be nursery grown, certified sod as classified in the TPI Guideline

Specifications to Turfgrass Sodding. Sod must also conform to the turfgrass species limitations as indicated in the Scope of Work.

2.9 HERBICIDES AND OTHER PESTICIDES

All herbicides and other pesticides shall be properly labeled and registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Keep all pesticides in the original labeled containers indicating the analysis and method of use.

32 90 00 - 8

PART 3 – EXECUTION

3.1 FINE GRADING AND ORGANIC SOIL AMENDMENT INCORPORATION

A. Contractor shall obtain COR written approval of previously completed rough grading work prior to commencing organic soil amendment incorporation work.

B. Immediately prior to dumping and spreading the approved organic soil amendment, the subgrade shall be cleaned of all stones greater than two inches (2”) and all debris or rubbish. Such material shall be removed from the site.

C. Organic soil amendment material shall be placed and uniformly spread over approved finish sub-grades to a depth sufficiently greater than the specified depth so that after natural settlement and light rolling, the specified minimum compacted depth will have been provided and the completed work will conform to the lines, grades and elevations indicated. Incorporate organic soil amendment by disc harrowing, rototilling or other means in a uniform manner. The depth of incorporation shall be based upon the organic content of the tested and approved organic soil amendment, so as to produce a finished soil with an organic matter content of between four (4) and six percent (6%). Supply additional organic soil amendment material, after in-place testing and approval, as may be needed to give the required organic matter content and finished grades under the Contract without additional cost to the Government.

D. Disturbed areas outside the limit of work shall be spread with four inch (4”) minimum depth of organic soil amendment material to the finished grade.

E. No subsoil or organic soil amendment material shall be handled in any way if it is in a wet or frozen condition.

F. Sufficient grade stakes shall be set for checking the finished grades.

Stakes must be set in the bottom of swales and at the top of slopes. Connect contours and spot elevations with an even slope.

G. After organic soil amendment material has been incorporated into the subsoil, it shall be carefully prepared by scarifying or harrowing and hand raking.

Remove all large stiff clods, lumps, brush, roots, stumps, litter and other foreign matter. Remove all stones over one and one half inch (1-1/2”) diameter from the amended soil bed. The amended soil shall also be free of smaller stones in excessive quantities as determined by the COR.

3.2 TILLAGE FOR TURFGRASS AREAS

Thoroughly till the soil to a depth of at least 150 mm (6 inches) by scarifying, disking, harrowing, or other approved methods. This is particularly important in areas where heavy equipment has been used. Remove all debris and stones larger than 25 mm (one inch) remaining on the surface after tillage in preparation for finish grading. To minimize erosion, do not till areas of 3:1 slope ratio or greater. Scarify these areas to a 50 mm (one inch) depth and remove debris and stones.

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3.3 FINISH GRADING

After tilling the soil for bonding of topsoil with the subsoil, spread the topsoil evenly to a minimum depth of 150mm (6 inches). Incorporate topsoil at least 50 to 75 mm (2 to 3 inches) into the subsoil to avoid soil layering. Do not spread topsoil when frozen or excessively wet or dry. Correct irregularities in finished surfaces to eliminate depressions. Protect finished topsoil areas from damage by vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

Complete lawn work only after areas are brought to finished grade.

3.4 APPLICATION OF FERTILIZER AND LIME FOR TURFGRASS AREAS

A. Apply turfgrass fertilizer at a rate that will deliver 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 sq.ft. In addition, adjust soil acidity as recommended by soil test results and add any soil conditioners as specified herein for suitable topsoil under PART 2, Paragraph 2.2AandB, and 2.5 TOPSOIL.

B. Spread lime as recommended by the soil test results.

C. Incorporate lime into the soil to a depth of at least 100 mm (4 inches) as part of the finish grading operation. Starter fertilizer should be lightly mixed with the top ½ inch of soil. Immediately restore the soil to an even condition before any seeding or sod placement.

3.5 MECHANICAL SEEDING

A. Broadcast seed with approved equipment rate as outlined in "Seed" article above. Plant turfgrass seed before application of mulch material. Uniformly distribute seed in 2 directions at right angles to each other. Drag seeded area using approved device.

B. Immediately after dragging, firm entire area with roller maximum 225 kg/m

(150 lbs./ft.) of roller width.

C. Immediately after preparing seeded area, evenly spread straw mulch at

0.5 kg/sq. m (2 tons/acre). Anchor mulch by mulch tiller, non-asphaltic tackifier, twine, or netting.

3.5 SODDING

A. Accomplish sodding in accordance with the ASPA Guideline Specifications for sodding. Lay sod at right angles to slope or the flow of water. On slope areas, start at the bottom of the slope.

B. After completing the sodding operation, blend the edges of the sodded area smoothly into the surrounding area. All sod should be rolled with a light-weight roller after being laid to eliminate air spaces between the sod and the firmed soil.

3.6 WATERING

A. Apply water to the turfgrass areas immediately following installation at a rate sufficient to ensure thorough wetting of the soil to a depth of at least

50 mm (2 inches). Supervise watering operation to prevent run-off. Supply all pumps, hoses, pipelines, and sprinkling equipment. Repair all areas damaged

32 90 00 - 10 by water operations. Keep soil surface constantly moist, not wet, until turfgrass plants are well established.

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