4-Sec 32 93 00 Landscaping.pdf

LANDSCAPING

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SECTION 32 93 00

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.01 SECTION INCLUDES:

A. Preparation of soil, placement of plants, ground cover, seed, sod, and fertilizer.

1.02 RELATED SECTIONS:

A. Related Work Specified Elsewhere:

1. Section 01 57 13: Soil Erosion and Sediment Control

2. Section 31 11 00: Clearing and Grubbing

. 3. Section 31 20 00: Earthwork

4. Section 31 23 33: Excavation, Backfill and Compaction

1.03 QUALITY CONTROL

A. Nursery: Company specializing in growing and cultivating the plant material specified in this Section.

B. Sod Producer: Company specializing in sod production and certified by the State of

Pennsylvania.

C. Maintenance Services: Performed by Contractor or his agent (e.g., landscape subcontractor) unless otherwise specified.

D. Reference Standards:

1. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Publication 408 Specifications

2. Pennsylvania Soil Conditioner and Plant Growth Substance Law, Act of December 1, 1977, P.L. 258, No. 86 (3P.S.68.2), as amended.

1.04 WARRANTY

A. Plant Material: Provide 18 month guarantee for plant material.

Plants replaced under the terms of the guarantee shall be of same size and species as originally specified, planted in the next growing season, with a new warranty commencing on date of replacement.

B. Seeded or Sodded Areas: Reseed and/or replace sod as required until grass is well established and exhibits a vigorous growing condition provided Owner provides reasonable maintenance following completion and acceptance of the Work.

1.05 MAINTENANCE SERVICE

A. Contractor shall be responsible for the maintenance of seeded areas, sodded areas, and plant material until completion and acceptance of the Work by Owner.

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PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.01 GRASS

A. Seed Mixture:

1. Permanent: Utilize Formula B as set forth in the "Seeding Restoration Table" at the end of this Section.

2. Permanent on Steep Slopes: Utilize low maintenance mix consisting of the following seed mixture applied on locations in accordance with the Drawings at a rate of 36-45 lbs per 1000 square yards.

Species % of Weight Nordic Hard Fescue 40 Azure Blue Fescue 30 Salem Creeping Red Fescue 30

3. Wetlands: Utilize the following seed mixture on disturbed wetlands areas applied at a rate of 30 lbs per 1000 square yards.

Species % of Weight Tall Fescue 55 Kentucky Bluegrass 20 Perennial Ryegrass 15 White Clover 5 Switch Grass 5

4. Temporary Stabilization: Utilize Formula T as set forth in the "Seeding Restoration

Table" at the end of this Section.

B. Sod: ASPA/Pennsylvania certified, nursery grown cultivated grass sod; with strong fibrous root system. Sod mixture shall be specified as being hardy for the region of installation.

2.02 TREES, PLANTS, AND GROUND COVER

A. Landscape Plant Material and Ground Cover: Plant material specified on plant list indicated on Drawings shall be symmetrical in growth, true to species, variety and size, nursery grown in climatic conditions similar to region of installation and be free of any pests or disease.

B. Quality and size of plants, spread of roots and size of balls shall be in accordance with ANSI

Z-60.1 (revised 2014), "American Standard for Nursery Stock", as published by the American Association of Nurserymen, Inc.

2.03 SOIL AND SOIL ENHANCEMENT MATERIALS

A. Topsoil: Fertile, agricultural soil, typical for locality, capable of sustaining vigorous plant growth, free of subsoil, clay or impurities, plants, weeds and roots or other foreign materials.

B. Fertilizer:

1. Basic Fertilizer: Analysis 10-20-20 as defined by the Pennsylvania Soil Conditioner and Plant Growth Substance Act.

C. Lime: Raw ground limestone conforming to Section 804.2(a), Publication 408 Specifications.

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2.04 ORGANIC SOIL AMENDMENT MATERIALS

A. Compost: A mixture of partially decomposed organic materials (chipped, shredded, or ground vegetation or waste or recycled wood products), mushroom soil/spent mushroom soil substrate (SMS), composted animal manure, or exceptional quality (Class A) composted bio-solids.

B. Compost shall be processed or completed to reduce weed seeds, pathogens, and deleterious material, and shall not contain paint, petroleum products, herbicides, fungicides, or other chemical residues that would be harmful to plant or animal life. Other deleterious material, plastic, glass, metal, or rocks shall not exceed 0.1 percent by weight or volume.

C. Compost produced from biosolids (sewage/wastewater sludge) shall be “Class A Grade” (exceptional quality) and meet US EPA’s 40 CFR Part 503 regulations.

D. Compost shall meet the following analysis:

1. Organic Matter Content: On dry weight basis, 40 to 75 percent.

2. Nitrogen Content: 1 to 2.5 percent.

3. Phosphorus Content: 1 to 2 percent.

4. Potassium Content: 0.5 to 1.5 percent.

5. Carbon – Nitrogen Ratio: 12 to 25:1

6. Moisture Content: 40 to 60 percent.

7. Moisture Absorption: 100 percent (Dry Weight Basis) Minimum.

8. pH: 6.0 to 8.0.

9. Bulk Density: 800 to 1,000 lbs. per cubic yard.

10. Soluble Salt Content: 5 dS (mmhos/cm) or less.

11. Trace Elements: Meet US EPA 40 CFR Part 503 requirements.

12. Particle Size: Must pass 1 inch sieve or smaller.

13. Stability Rating: Stable.

2.05 PLANTING SOIL MIXTURE

• Groundcover, Perennial, & Ornamental Grass Planting Holes/Beds: Install planting soil as described in Part 3.

• 2 Parts topsoil as specified.

• 1 Part selected organic soil amendment.

2.06 ACCESSORIES

A. Wood Pegs: Softwood, sufficient size and length to ensure anchorage of sod on slope.

B. Mesh: Interwoven plastic.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.01 EXAMINATION AND PREPARATION

A. Prepare subsoil to eliminate uneven areas. Maintain profiles and contours. Make changes in grade gradual. Blend slopes into level areas.

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1. Contractor shall be responsible for planting at correct grades and alignment.

2. Contractor shall report any soil or drainage conditions considered detrimental to the growth of the plant material.

B. Scarify subsoil to a depth of 3 inches.

3.02 PLACING TOPSOIL & TILLAGE

A. Spread topsoil to a minimum depth of 6 inches to obtain the required grade elevation.

B. Apply lime at a rate of 275 pounds per 1,000 square feet or as required by a soils test at various locations on the site.

C. Apply basic fertilizer in according with manufacturer's instructions at an application rate of 23 pounds per 1,000 square feet.

D. Thoroughly loosen soil and incorporate lime and basic fertilizer to a minimum depth of 4 inches by discing, harrowing or other approved method.

3.03 FINISH GRADING

A. Hand rake topsoil and remove all unsuitable materials including rocks and debris.

B. Uniformly grade topsoil to eliminate rough, low or soft areas, and to ensure positive drainage.

3.04 SEEDING

A. Apply seed within the following time periods unless otherwise directed by Engineer.

• Formula B, D, and L - March 15 to June 1 August 1 to October 15

• Formula E - March 15 to October 15

• Formula W and - April 1 to June 15 Wetland Seed Mixture August 16 to September 15

• Steep Slope Seed - March 15 to May 15 Mixture September 1 to October 15

Formula E (Annual ryegrass) to be utilized for temporary stabilization of areas disturbed by construction may be applied anytime.

B. Seeding Rates:

1. Permanent: Apply seed or hydroseed with a seed slurry evenly in two intersecting directions at the rate noted in the Seeding Restoration Table unless an alternate seeding rate appropriate for site conditions is approved by Engineer.

2. Temporary Stabilization: Apply seed or hydroseed with a seed slurry at the rate noted in the Seeding Restoration Table.

C. Immediately following permanent or temporary seeding, apply agricultural mulch at a minimum rate of 3 tons/acre (135 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft.). Steep slopes to be seeded with a low maintenance mix shall be hydroseeded or provided with erosion control mat or netting.

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D. Apply water with a fine spray immediately after each area has been mulched.

3.05 LAYING SOD

A. Moisten prepared surface immediately prior to laying sod.

B. Lay sod within 24 hours after harvesting with tight staggered joints.

C. On slopes 1:2 and steeper, place mesh over topsoil, lay sod perpendicular to slope and secure every row with wooden pegs.

D. Water sodded areas immediately after placement.

3.06 PLANTING

A. Insofar as it is practicable, plant materials shall be planted on the day of delivery. In the event this is not possible, Contractor shall protect stock not planted. Plants shall not remain unplanted for longer than a three (3) day period after delivery.

B. Set plants in pits or beds, partly filled with prepared backfill soil mixture.

C. All plants shall be planted in topsoil that is thoroughly watered and tamped as backfilling progresses. Nothing but suitable topsoil, free of dry sod, stiff clay, litter, etc., shall be used for planting.

D. Planting operations shall be performed during periods within the planting season when weather and soil conditions are suitable and in accordance with accepted local practice.

E. Set all plants plumb and straight. Set at such a level that after settlement, a normal or natural relationship to the crown of the plant with the ground surface will be established. Locate plant in the center of the planting pit.

F. Each tree and shrub shall be pruned in accordance with standard horticultural practice to preserve natural character of the plant. Pruning shall be done with clean, sharp tools.

G. Contractor shall verify location of all utilities prior to placement of landscape material.

Contractor shall not place landscaping material on top of utility piping.

3.07 MAINTENANCE OF NEWLY SEEDED AND SODDED AREAS

A. Maintenance of grass areas shall consist of watering, mowing, weeding, re-seeding and/or re-sodding, edging and repair of depressions, washouts or gullies as necessary to obtain an stabilized lawn area. Maintenance shall continue until Owner’s Representative accepts the project.

B. In the absence of rainfall, during the first week of seed or sod installation, watering shall be performed daily by the Contractor or as often as deemed necessary by the Owner’s Representative. Water must be in sufficient quantities to maintain moist soil to a depth of 4 inches. The total shall be equal to the equivalent of at least 1 inch of water per week.

Watering shall continue until the stabilized lawn area is accepted. For seeded areas, bare spots, which persist after three weeks of favorable growing weather, shall be re-cultivated, re-seeded, raked and rolled. Re-seeding of bare spots shall be done as many times as necessary until an acceptable stabilized lawn area is established. For sodded areas, bare spots shall be re-sodded until deemed acceptable. If the turf stand is not accepted by the following seeding and sod season, the Contractor shall re-seed or sod and fertilize, as necessary, the unaccepted areas at no additional charge to the Owner.

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1. If lawn area provides between 40% and 90% ground coverage, overseed and fertilize using half of the rates originally applied.

2. If lawn area provides less than 40% coverage, reestablish stand following original rates and procedures.

C. Flooded, washed-out, rilled or otherwise damaged or defective areas of seeding, sod, mulch, grade, swales or berms shall be reconstructed and all grades re-established in accordance with the grade plans or other specifications or when, in the judgment of the Owner’s Representative, such defects or damages are the result of poor workmanship, or failure to meet the requirements of the specifications.

D. All mowing shall be the Contractor's responsibility until final acceptance of the project.

No mowing shall remove more than one-third of the grass blade length. Heavy mowing, resulting in grass piles shall be "double mowed" or the Contractor shall remove piles.

Height of the grass shall be maintained between two and a half and three inches, unless otherwise specified.

E. Following are some examples of delays in final acceptance of a project:

1. Improper Grades:

a. Low or high spots on flat or fairly level areas.

b. Improper drainage such as, swales, low areas, rip-rapped outlets and paved areas.

c. Washed out or rilled areas.

d. Exposed debris.

2. Turf Grass Conditions:

a. Poor or thin stand; improper application of sod, dead grass or sod; use of seed mixtures or sod, other than approved in specifications.

b. Improper fertilizer application - Uneven spreading, insufficient amounts, and failure to re-fertilize during extended acceptance.

c. Persistent weeds established in turf areas.

F. Seeded areas shall be maintained by the Contractor until fully established and accepted by the Owner. Fully established grass areas shall meet the specification for ‘stabilized lawn area’ as noted on the Drawings.

3.08 SCHEDULE - SEED FORMULA

A. See Section 2.01 for seeding restoration requirements at each specific location of Work;

otherwise use Formula B for sunny areas and Formula D for shady areas.

3.09 SCHEDULE - SOD

A. Approve with Engineer for areas where sod is to be utilized.

3.10 SCHEDULE - PLANT LIST

A. Provide listing type of various plant life, if applicable to be planted at locations as determined and approve by Engineer.

B. All landscaping not indicated "to be removed" on the Drawings that is damaged or destroyed shall be replaced "in-kind" by Contractor.

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NOTE: SEEDING RESTORATION TABLE IS ATTACHED AT END OF THIS SECTION.

END OF SECTION

SEEDING RESTORATION TABLE per PennDOT Pub. 408, Section 804

FORMULA AND SPECIES

% BY

WEIGHT

MINIMUM % MAX %

WEED SEED

SEEDING RATE:

LBS PER 1000 SY PURITY GERMINATION

Formula B – Residential Mix Total 42.0

* Perennial Ryegrass Mixture (Lolium perenne) A combination of improved, certified varieties with no one variety exceeding 50% of the total ryegrass component

20 97 90 0.10 8.5

* Creeping Red Fescue or Chewings Fescue 30 97 85 0.10 12.5

* Kentucky Bluegrass Mixture (Poa pratensis) A combination of improved, certified varieties with no one variety exceeding 50% of the total bluegrass component

50 97 80 0.15 21.0

Formula T – Temporary seed

* Oats (Avena sativa) Spring 100 97 85 0.10 6.0

* Cereal Rye (Secale cereale) Fall 100 97 85 0.10 6.0

Formula L – Clear Zone Mix Total 48.0

* Hard Fescue Mixture (Festuca longifolia) A combination of improved, certified varieties with no one variety exceeding 50% of the total hard fescue component

55 97 85 0.10 26.4

* Creeping Red Fescue (Festuca rubra) 35 97 85 0.10 16.8

* Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) 10 95 90 0.10 4.8

Formula C – Conservation Mix (slopes) Total 12.0

* Oats (Avena sativa) Spring nursery crop 50 95 90 0.10 6.0

* Cereal Rye (Secale cereale) Fall nursery crop 50 95 90 0.10 6.0

Permanent Seed:

* Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) 10 80 70 0.20 1.2

* Showy Tick-trefoil (Desmodium canadense) 7.5 - - - 0.9

* Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata, syn. Cassia fasciculata) 13.33 - - - 1.6

* Smooth Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum laeva) 0.5 - - - 0.06

* Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) 3.67 80 60 0.20 0.44

* Purple Top (Tridens flavus) 2 - - - 0.24

* Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) 10 - - - 1.2

* Canada Wildrye (Elymus canadensis) 3 85 70 0.20 0.36