48-Sec 32 18 23.13-Natural Grass Sports Field Construction.pdf

NATURAL GRASS SPORTS FIELD CONSTRUCTION

32 18 23.13-1

SECTION 32 18 23.13

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.01 RELATED DOCUMENTS

A. Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including General and Supplementary Conditions and Division 1 Specification Sections, apply to this Section.

1.02 DEFINITIONS

A. Weeds: Include Dandelion, Jimsonweed, Quackgrass, Horsetail, Morning Glory, Rush Grass, Mustard, Lambsquarter, Chickweed, Cress, Crabgrass, Canadian Thistle, Nutgrass, Poison Oak, Blackberry, Tansy Ragwort, Bermuda Grass, Johnson Grass, Poison Ivy, Nut Sedge, Nimble Will, Bindweed, Bent Grass, Wild Garlic, Perennial Sorrel, and Brome Grass.

B. Athletic Field:

1. Softball Field: Playing area as dimensioned on Drawings, including limit of outfield area and extending around entire playing field area to adjacent foul line fence, not to exceed 50-feet.

C. Root Zone: Area of amended topsoil and soil backfill for establishing turf grass measured from subgrade of not less than 9-inches.

D. Erosion and Sediment Control Plan: Includes all plans, narratives, calculations, and conditions of the NPDES Permit, as applicable, as approved and issued by the County Conservation District and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. A copy of the approved plans and permit must be available on-site at all times during construction.

1.03 QUALIFICATIONS

A. Work of this Section shall be performed by a company with a minimum of five years documented experience in athletic field construction with a minimum of 25- acres of documented athletic field construction, turf grass installation, and turf grass maintenance.

B. Have at least one senior staff member who carries a current “Certified Field Builder – Natural Turf” certification as issued by the American Sports Builders Association.

C. Contractor shall submit at the time of bid a list and description of a minimum of three projects completed within the last five years of projects of similar scope, including brief description of the work, location, name of owner and contact person.

D. The Owner reserves the right to evaluate the qualifications of any Contractor or subcontractor and may disqualify any Contractor, or subcontractor, at its sole discretion based on the documented experience of the Contractor.

1.04 STANDARDS

A. All seed varieties contained in the seed mixtures shall be certified seed by the State where the seed was manufactured.

B. All chemical applications shall be performed in accordance with local, state, and federal

32 18 23.13-2 regulations utilizing EPA registered materials and methods of application. All chemical applications shall be performed under the supervision of a Licensed Certified Applicator.

1. All concentrate materials shall be stored in bulk containers and clearly labeled, including material safety data. No containers shall be stored or left on site.

2. Dispense chemicals from concentrate tanks.

3. Provide spillage containment for concentrates and chemicals.

1.05 SUBMITTALS FOR REVIEW

A. Seeding:

1. Manufacturer’s Certified Analysis: Submit manufacturer’s certified analysis for each seed mix showing percentage of each variety in mix, percent pure live seed, net weight by variety in mix, age of seed, and date of production.

2. Soil Test Report: Submit copy of soil test reports as prepared by State Cooperative

Extension or approved laboratory determining existing soil parameters as included in Paragraph 2.2.B. Test reports shall be submitted for information only and for evaluating soil amendments recommended by Contractor.

3. Laboratory Test: Submit a minimum of three samples of the existing topsoil. Provide

Engineer/Landscape Architect with test results prior to installation of root zone mix.

4. Soil Amendments and Turf Establishment Program: Based on soil test reports, prepare and submit a schedule of soil amendments and fertilization required for each seed mix, time and method of application, a schedule indicating when areas will be seeded, anticipated dates of Substantial Completion, fertilization practices during establishment, application of pre-emergent and post emergent herbicides, and other practices that will be incorporated as part of the Work. The Engineer/Landscape Architect will consider the submittal for informational purposes only.

5. Product Data: Submit product data, manufacturer’s installation instructions, specifications, catalog cuts, and manufacturer’s standard shop drawings as required by Section 01 33 00.

1.06 SUBSTITUTIONS

A. Pre-bid: The Contractor shall make every reasonable effort to find the seed varieties and materials specified. Make recommendations for substitutions if desired seed mix or variety is unavailable, or, in the Contractor’s opinion, unsuitable for the site, location to be planted, or other reasons that may result in the failure successfully establish. Notify the Engineer/Landscape Architect if disease resistant or insect resistant species can be substituted for the selected pest-prone species or variety.

B. Post-Bid: Requests for substitutions following bid shall be approved by the

Engineer/Landscape Architect. Contractor shall submit request in writing, state the reasons for the substitution, and state the variety or mix to be substituted.

1.07 COORDINATION

A. Coordinate and schedule Work to permit seeding or sodding to occur during regular planting seasons. Where Work cannot occur during regular planting seasons, employ methods as required to address seasonal conditions at time of seeding or sodding.

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B. Coordinate Work under provisions of Section 01 31 00 and to avoid conflict with other operations. Contractor shall be responsible for regrading and stabilizing any areas damaged due to a failure to coordinate or schedule construction activities.

C. Notify Owner a minimum of three days in advance of all maintenance work including regrading, fertilizing and mulching through substantial completion.

1.08 PLANTING SEASONS

A. Spring: The spring seeding season is April 1 to June 15. Spring seeding shall be conducted during this period unless approved by the Landscape Architect to begin seeding earlier or perform summer seeding. No seeding shall be done on frozen ground, when the air temperature is less than 32-degrees Fahrenheit, or when the soil temperature is less than 50-degrees Fahrenheit regardless of the date of seeding.

B. Fall: The fall seeding season is July 25 to September 15. Fall seeding shall be conducted during this period unless approved by the Landscape Architect to perform seeding earlier or to perform late fall seeding. No seeding shall be done on frozen ground, when the air temperature is less than 32-degrees Fahrenheit, or when the soil temperature is less than 50-degrees Fahrenheit regardless of the date of seeding. Permission to seed September 16 to March 31 will only be given when completion of the project is imminent, and the environmental conditions are conducive to acceptable growth.

1.09 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

A. Minimum area required for inspection and acceptance: Engineer/Landscape Architect will consider requests for inspection to determine Substantial Completion only where the entire athletic field turf has been established. Request for partially completed field areas will only be accepted where Owner schedule has limited completion to a partial area.

B. Pre-Inspection requirements and certifications: Submit written request to Architect for

Substantial Completion inspection. Written request shall include the following:

1. Identification of the field, or field areas to be inspected.

2. Date required Inspection Maintenance would be completed.

3. Tolerance of Final Surface for Acceptance: Once fine grading is complete and prior to installation of seed perform a survey of the field. The finished plane of field surface shall not vary by more the ¼-inch when measured along any point of the plane, whether perpendicular or parallel to the contour. Finished slope shall be within one tenth of a percent (0.10%) of the design gradient.

a. Survey Certification: Submit a plan, prepared and sealed by a registered professional surveyor, with spot elevations on a grid interval of twenty-five feet. Grid shall tie to a minimum of two field corners and shall be based on project datum. Plan shall be considered for verification of finished field grade tolerance.

C. Inspection: Upon completion of the Work as defined in Paragraph 1.13.A, request an inspection to determine substantial completion. Request shall be made to the Engineer/Landscape Architect in writing and Engineer/Landscape Architect shall complete inspection within two weeks of receipt of request for inspection. Contractor shall clearly note in request for inspection which areas are substantially complete if not requesting inspection for the entire installation.

1. Engineer/Landscape Architect will issue a notice of Substantial Completion following

32 18 23.13-4 inspection where Work is substantially in conformance with the specified requirements and Drawings. Minor deficiencies shall be noted and Contractor shall correct all deficiencies within two-weeks of receiving notice.

2. Where Engineer/Landscape Architect determines that Work is not substantially complete due to significant deficiencies, Contractor shall take immediate corrective action. Upon completion of corrective measures, Contractor shall again request inspection to determine if Substantial Completion has been obtained.

D. Inspection Maintenance: Grass shall be cut to specified height, including hand trimming, turf area substantially free of weed growth and perimeter of infield areas and along walkways edged a maximum of three days prior to requesting inspection for Substantial Completion.

1.10 WARRANTY

A. The warranty for the turf areas shall be forty-five (45) days from the date of completion of the Substantial Completion punch list and written acceptance of the field by the Owner. Rebuild, repair, or replace any areas of turf that have proven defective due to failure to comply with the Specifications in any way.

1. Contractor is not responsible for defective areas of turf due to vandalism, areas that have been damaged by the Owner or Owner’s use, or as a result of the Owner’s failure to execute maintenance procedures following substantial completion.

1.11 GROW-IN PERIOD MAINTENANCE SERVICE

A. Maintain seeded and sodded areas immediately after placement until grass is well established.

1. Seeded Areas: A request for inspection to determine Substantial Completion will not be considered until a vigorous uniform growth over at least 90% of the seeded area is present.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.01 TOPSOIL INSTALLATION AND GRADING EQUIPMENT

A. General: All equipment operation in the root zone area shall be rubber floatation turf tires or rubber tracks.

B. Deep-Tine Aeration: Turf grass aeration machine having 3/4-inch solid tines capable of penetration a minimum of twelve-inches with hole spacing no greater than 5-inches. Unit shall be PTO driven with a rear roller on unit. Tractor shall have a minimum horsepower rating of 55, turf tires, and a lift capacity of 3,600 pounds.

C. Soil Screener: Cherrington Mobile Soil Screener

D. Rough Grading and Finished Grading: Grader equipped with dual laser pickup with dual laser grade range mode. The laser pickup shall operate the blade elevation controls automatically once locked on the laser beam. Laser source shall be capable of operating in either the positive or negative angle configuration without physically moving the laser source head.

1. Laser source accuracy: One thousandth of a percent (0.000).

2. Grader shall have rubber flotation turf tires.

E. Tilling: Reverse-sifting tiller, Roto-dairon or equivalent, operating at a minimum of 110

32 18 23.13-5 horsepower and capable of ground speeds of 1/3 mph.

2.02 TOPSOIL

A. On-site available topsoil or approved imported topsoil. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing satisfactory topsoil as required to meet the quantities necessary for the Work.

B. Soil Testing: Soil tests shall be done prior to seeding by Contractor. The soil test shall include a mechanical analysis to determine soil texture, pH, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.

Testing shall also measure organic matter and soluble salts. The minimum number of soil tests shall be six spaced randomly throughout the field to obtain the most thorough sampling.

Topsoil shall not be tested until it has been stripped and stockpiled. All imported topsoil shall be approved by the Architect before the material is delivered to the site.

C. Soil Amendments: Amend topsoil as determined by the soil tests to adjust soil conditions to obtain required soil reaction and nutrient availability in the root zone.

1. The presence of conditions affecting fertility, germination, high or low organic content, soil compaction, or similar conditions does not alleviate the Contractor of responsibility to provide required growing and germination conditions.

D. All topsoil shall be free of stones, lumps, plants, roots, and other debris over 3/4-inch at time of initial placement on finished subgrade. Topsoil shall be free of weeds, weed seeds, foreign grasses, and toxic substances, such as pesticides, that are harmful to plant growth.

2.03 FERTILIZER

A. All fertilizer shall be uniform in composition, free flowing and suitable for application by mechanical spreaders. Fertilizers shall be delivered in sealed containers showing percentage by weight of all components and shall bear the name, trade name, and warranty of the producer.

1. Application rate: Per soil test.

B. Starter Fertilizer: As specified in the plans.

2.04 LIME

A. Lime material shall be ground or pulverized limestone that contains at least 50-percent total oxides, calcium oxide plus magnesium oxide. Limestone shall be ground to such fineness that at least 50-percent will pass through a 100-mesh sieve and not less than 98-percent will pass through a 20-mesh sieve. Granular or pelletized lime may also be used subject to the requirements for pulverized limestone.

1. Application rate: Per soil test.

2.05 ORGANIC MATTER

A. Commercially available uniform composition meeting the following:

PH: 6.5 – 8.5

Moisture Content: 30% - 55% Soluble Salts: <4.0 mmhos/(cm) C:N Ratio: 25:1 Particle Size: <3/8” Organic Matter Content: >40% (dry weight basis) Ash Content <60% Nitrogen 0.5% to 3% Phosphorous >0.2%

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(Equal to Terra-Gro, Terre Hill, PA 17581. Phone number 1-800-359-1384.)

B. Other equal naturally occurring organic product blended for turf grass use.

2.06 HYDROMULCH

A. Mulch: Mulch shall be wood cellulose fiber, containing no growth or germination inhibiting substances; a soil-binding agent (tackifier) is required; mulch shall be dyed a suitable color to facilitate placement. Features also defined in Section 2.10B below.

B. Liquid Mulch Binder: Non-asphaltic or petroleum based, Reinco, RMB plus (1-800-526-7687), Finn A 500 Hydro-Stik (1-800-873-3321), or equal capable of controlling wind and water erosion of mulch.

2.07 SEED MIX

A. As specified in the plans.

2.08 MULCHING MATERIALS

A. Salt Hay: Free of rot, mildew, noxious weed seeds and shall be small-grained, such as wheat or barley. Apply at a rate to lightly cover soil, approximately 100 lbs. per 1,000 square feet.

B. Cellulose Fiber: Specially prepared cellulose processed into a uniform fibrous physical state.

The fiber mulch, including dye, shall not contain germination or growth inhibiting factors. The material shall be manufactured and processed in such a manner that the cellulose fiber mulch will remain uniform in suspension in water under agitation and will blend with seed, fertilizer, and other additives to form homogenous slurry. The mulch shall cover and hold grass seed in contact with the soil without inhibiting growth of the seedlings. Contractor may utilize other mulches, such as recycle paper and wood blend, recycled paper, and companion binding accessories at his discretion in hydro-seeding. The rate of cellulose fiber shall be 50 pounds per 100 gallons of water or as otherwise recommended by the County Agriculture Cooperative Extension.

2.09 MULCH ANCHORING MATERIALS

A. Mechanical Method: Tractor-drawn implement designed to punch and anchor mulch into the soil surface.

B. Cellulose Fiber: Cellulose fiber shall be applied at a net dry weight of 750 pounds per acre.

C. Liquid Mulch Binder: Non-asphaltic or petroleum based, Reinco, RMB plus (1- 800-526-

7687), Finn A 500 Hydro-Stik (1-800-873-3321), or equal capable of controlling wind and water erosion of mulch.

D. Mulch Netting: Prefabricated wood shaving mat with woven photodegradable netting.

2.10 EROSION CONTROL FABRIC

A. As specified on the Drawings.

2.11 WATER

A. Clean, potable, free of chemicals or impurities harmful to germination or turf growth.

B. Public water, Owner supplied following installation of site water service. If either the pressure

32 18 23.13-7 or supply of public water is insufficient to properly irrigate the athletic fields, alternative methods such as tankers and pumps can be considered upon review and approval by the Owner.

C. For grow in maintenance on a field that does not have a permanent subsurface irrigation system a temporary above ground irrigation system is to be used consisting of series of pipes and sprinkler heads connected to the Owner’s water supply. System shall be used until field is ready for inspection.

2.12 HERBICIDE

A. Broadleaf: depending upon weeds being encountered and Owner’s preference of use.

B. Pre-emergent: Tupersan, or approved equivalent. This is to be used on both seeded and sod fields.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.01 EXAMINATION

A. Verification:

1. Verify that topsoil has been placed to the minimum depths required. Verify that topsoil has been screened and all rocks and debris greater that 3/4-inch removed from the upper 2-3” of topsoil that will comprise the root zone.

2. Verify that all products for installation are undamaged and are correct Models specified. Reject damaged or incorrect products.

B. Do not sow seed or initiate seeding operations when ground is wet or muddy following a rain event, when the ground surface is excessively dry and dusty, or when wind velocity will result in an uneven distribution of seed.

3.02 ROOT ZONE PREPARATION – NEW FIELDS

A. Scarify the subsoil and remove stones and debris larger than 6”

B. Spread the topsoil with an LGP laser controlled dozer

C. Decompact the field to a minimum depth of 12”: two times over in a crossing pattern. Use a shatter harrow or subsoiler. Rubber floatation tired tractors only to be used.

D. Rough grade the field to within +/- 1” of finished grade. Rubber floatation tired tractors only to be us

E. Incorporate nutrients into root zone after topsoil is rough graded to achieve desired percentages and nutrient levels. Incorporate into the soil with a Lely Roterra or reverse tine tiller.

F. Remove stones and debris from the upper 2-3” of topsoil with a Cherrington Mobile Soil

Screener.

G. Fine grade field to required grade, plane, and elevation as indicated on Drawings. Use rubber floatation tired laser guided grader.

3.03 SEEDING

A. Perform required as-built survey of the field to confirm work meets finished field grade

32 18 23.13-8 tolerance. Any areas not found in compliance shall be repaired to meet required tolerances.

B. Perform seeding operations within 24-hours of completing fine grading operations including repairs if necessary.

C. Sow seed at the rates specified in one-half rates evenly in two intersecting directions using a broadcast, drop-type spreader or cultipacker. Roll surface to establish seed contact with soil using a smooth drum roller weighing no more than one ton.

D. Manually sow seed where areas are not accessible to mechanized seeding equipment. Seed shall be evenly distributed and rake in to the top ¼-inch of the soil.

E. After seeding, apply starter fertilizer.

F. Mulching: Apply mulching material to retain moisture and minimize erosion. Apply straw mulch as required by the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan. Anchor mulch to prevent displacement by tracking in or using commercial tackifier.

G. Apply water with a fine spray after each seeded area has been mulched. Water sufficiently to saturate upper three – four inches of root zone.

H. Place signs, rope off, or otherwise protect newly seeded areas from encroachment. Maintain protection until seeded areas are accepted by Owner.

3.04 EROSION CONTROL

A. Temporary Seeding

1. Perform temporary seeding and mulching work when required to stabilize construction areas in accordance with the requirements of the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.

2. Prior to final seeding, any temporarily seeded area shall have the existing stand of turf completely killed to prevent invasive growth of the temporary seed variety in the final seeding.

B. Reseeding and Overseeding

1. During grow-in period, immediately repair areas that have washed or become eroded and perform additional measures as required to stabilize. When directed by Architect, as authorized by a Change Order, sod may be installed at areas where stabilization is difficult.

2. Where areas have failed to germinate, mechanically reseed.

3.05 GROW – IN MAINTENANCE SERVICE

A. Scheduling: Perform all maintenance until the required growing condition is present and Substantial Completion has been established. Notify Owner a minimum of three days in advance prior to performing any maintenance operation. Sod maintenance is 30 days from planting and seed maintenance is to be performed until a vigorous uniform growth over at least 90% of the seeded area is present.

B. Apply 3-1-2 fertilizer at a rate of 1 lb. Of Nitrogen per thousand square feet.

C. General Procedures:

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1. Edging: Edge along perimeter of all sidewalks, paved areas, landscape beds, infield areas, and slabs a maximum of three days prior to request for Substantial Completion inspection.

2. Mowing: Cool season grasses, including bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass shall be maintained at a height of 2-1/2- inches to 3-1/2-inches in the spring and fall. During the summer, the mowing height shall not be less than three-inches.

No more than 1/3 of the blade shall be removed in a single cutting.

a. Perform a minimum of one mowing a minimum of three days prior to requesting an inspection for Substantial Completion for any turf area included in the request for Substantial Completion inspection.

b. During the period from initial seeding / sodding through Substantial

Completion, mow, the field when the average height of the grass three-inches.

3. Fertilizing: Fertilize seeded areas as required until Substantial Completion is established. Base fertilization on the requirements of the turf species, time of year, and soil test results. Obtaining additional soil test results when required for fertilization between initial seeding and establishment of Substantial Completion.

4. Lawn/Weed Control: Apply a pre-emergent soil applied herbicide for all spring and summer seedings to control the germination of crabgrass and other annual weed seeds. Prior to a request for Substantial Completion inspection, a post emergent, foliar applied, herbicide shall be applied to prevent the growth of broadleaf weeds in mid to late May to control summer weeds and in late September or early October to control fall weeds. Selection and proper use of herbicides is the Contractor’s responsibility. All chemical applications shall be performed under the supervision of a licensed certified applicator.

5. Insect and Disease Control: Monitoring all newly established lawn areas for insect damage and disease and taking any corrective measures as required. The Contractor shall only be responsible for disease and insect control until Substantial Completion is established.

6. Watering: Maintain sufficient moisture in the soil during germination and as required for turf establishment until Substantial Completion. can be established.

7. Repair: Repair all areas that have washed or eroded, correct surface irregularities for areas that have settled and pond water, and remedy damage from improper use of herbicides or over fertilization.

END OF SECTION