61-Sec 32 92 00 - FINISH GRADING, SEEDING, AND SODDING.pdf

FINISH GRADING, SEEDING AND SODDING

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SECTION 32 92 00

FINISH GRADING, SEEDING, AND SODDING

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.01 DESCRIPTION

A. The Work Of This Section Includes, but is not limited to:

1. Placing topsoil

2. Soil conditioning

3. Finish grading

4. Seeding

5. Sodding

6. Maintenance

B. Restore unpaved surfaces to a condition similar to that prior to excavation as specified and indicated on the Drawings.

C. The "Seeding Restoration Table" at the end of this section lists specific seeding restoration requirements. Refer to Drawings for seeding restoration requirements at each specific location of Work.

D. Related Work Specified Elsewhere:

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

1.02 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Testing Agency:

1. The Contractor has the option to use soil testing to justify decreasing lime and fertilizer rates.

When soil testing is selected by the Contractor, the soil and soil supplement testing shall be performed by a Soils Testing Laboratory engaged and paid for by the Contractor and approved by the Engineer.

a. Collect soil samples under the direction of the Resident Project Representative.

B. Reference Standards:

1. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Publication 408 Specifications

2. Pennsylvania Seed Act of 1965, Act 187, as amended.

3. Agricultural Liming Materials Act of 1978, P.L. 15, No. 9 (3P.S. 132-1), as amended.

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

5. Rules for Testing Seeds of the Association of Official Seed Analysts.

1.03 SUBMITTALS

A. Certificates:

1. Prior to use or placement of material, submit certifications of material composition of the following for approval:

a. Topsoil analysis

b. Fertilizer

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c. Lime

d. Seed mixture(s)

2. If soil tests are performed to justify decreased liming and fertilizer rates, submit certified soil sample analyses, including laboratory's recommend soil supplement formulation.

1.04 PRODUCT DELIVERY, STORAGE AND HANDLING

A. Seed:

1. Deliver seed fully tagged and in separate packages according to species or seed mix. Seed which has become wet, moldy, or otherwise damaged in transit or storage will not be accepted.

B. Sod:

1. Mow sod in the field to a height of not more than 2-1/2" within 5 days prior to lifting.

2. Cut sod to a depth equal to the growth of the fibrous roots, but in no case less than 1-1/2", exclusive of grass and thatch. Do not cut sod when the ground temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Deliver sod to the project site within 24 hours after being cut and place sod within 36 hours after being cut. Do not deliver small, irregular, or broken pieces of sod.

4. During wet weather, allow sod to dry sufficiently to prevent tearing during handling and placing. During dry weather, moisten sod to ensure its vitality and to prevent dropping of the soil during handling. Sod which dries out will be rejected.

C. Other Requirements:

1. Section 01 60 00, also addresses Storage and Protection of Materials and Equipment.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.01 TOPSOIL

A. Having a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0; containing not less than 2% nor more than 10% organic matter as determined by AASHTO T194.

B. Fertile friable loam, sand loam, or clay loam which will hold a ball when squeezed with the hand, but which will crumble shortly after being released.

C. Free of clods, grass, roots, or other debris harmful to plant growth.

D. Free of pests, pest larvae, and matter toxic to plants.

2.02 FERTILIZER

A. Basic Dry Formulation Fertilizer:

1. Analysis 0-20-20 and as defined by the Pennsylvania Soil Conditioner and Plant Growth Substance Law.

B. Starter Fertilizer:

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1. Analysis 10-5-5 or 12-6-6 and as defined by the Pennsylvania Soil Conditioner and Plant Growth Substance Law.

2.03 LIME

A. Raw ground limestone conforming to Section 804.2(a), Publication 408 Specifications.

2.04 SEED

A. Fresh, clean, dated material from the last available crop and within the date period specified, with a date of test not more than 9 months prior to the date of sowing. Percentage of pure seed present shall represent freedom from inert matter and from other seeds distinguishable by their appearance.

All seeds will be subject to analysis and testing.

2.05 SEED MIXTURES

A. See "Seeding Restoration Table" at end of this Section.

2.06 INOCULANT

A. Inoculate leguminous seed before seeding with nitrogen fixing bacteria culture prepared specifically for the species.

B. Do not use inoculant later than the date indicated by the manufacturer.

C. Protect inoculated seed from prolonged exposure to sunlight prior to sowing.

D. Reinoculate seed not sown within 24 hours following initial inoculation.

2.07 MULCHING MATERIALS

A. Mulches for seeded areas shall be one, or a combination of, the following:

1. Hay:

a. Cured to less than 20% moisture content by weight.

b. Contain no stems of tobacco, soybeans, or other coarse or woody material.

c. Timothy hay or mixed clover and timothy hay.

2. Straw:

a. Cured to less than 20% moisture content by weight.

b. Contain no stems of tobacco, soybeans, or other coarse or woody material.

c. Wheat or oat straw.

3. Wood Cellulose:

a. No growth or germination inhibiting substances.

b. Green, air dried. Packages not exceeding 100 pounds.

c. Requirements:

Moisture content: 12% + 3% Organic Matter: 98.6% + 0.2% on the oven dry basis.

Ash Content: 1.4% + 0.2% Minimum Water-Holding Capacity: 1,000%

4. Mushroom Manure:

a. Organic origin, free of foreign material larger than 2" and substances toxic to plant growth.

b. Organic Matter: 20% minimum

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c. Water-Holding Capacity: 120% minimum

d. pH: 6.0

2.08 SOD

A. At least three year old, well-rooted Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis) sod containing a growth of not more than 10% of other grasses and clovers.

B. Free from noxious weeds such as bermuda grass, wild mustard, crab grass, and kindred grasses.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.01 TIME OF OPERATIONS

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 - April 1 to June 15 August 16 to September 15

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

3.02 PREPARATION OF SUBGRADE

A. "Hard pan" or heavy shale:

1. Plow to minimum depth of 6".

2. Loosen and grade by harrowing, discing, or dragging.

3. Hand rake subgrade. Remove stones over 2" in diameter and other debris.

B. Loose loam, sandy loam, or light clay:

1. Loosen and grade by harrowing, discing, or dragging.

2. Hand rake subgrade. Remove rocks over 2" in diameter and other debris.

3.03 PLACING TOPSOIL

A. Replace topsoil and spread over the prepared subgrade to obtain the required depth and grade elevation. Final compacted thickness of topsoil shall be not less than 4".

B. Hand rake topsoil and remove all materials unsuitable or harmful to plant growth.

C. Do not place topsoil when the subgrade is frozen, excessively wet, or extremely dry.

D. Do not handle topsoil when frozen or muddy.

3.04 TILLAGE

A. After seed bed areas have been brought to proper compacted elevation, thoroughly loosen to a minimum depth of 4" by discing, harrowing, or other approved methods. Do not work topsoiled areas when frozen or excessively wet.

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B. Liming:

1. Distribute limestone uniformly at a rate of 90 pounds per 1,000 square feet.

2. Thoroughly incorporate into the topsoil to a minimum depth of 4".

3. Incorporate as a part of the tillage operation.

C. Basic Fertilizer:

1. Distribute basic fertilizer uniformly at a rate of 25 pounds per 1,000 square feet.

2. Incorporate into soil to depth of 4" by approved methods.

3. Incorporate as part of tillage operation.

D. Liming and Fertilizer rates may be decreased if lesser rates are indicated by soil tests provided by the

Contractor.

3.05 FINISH GRADING

A. Remove unsuitable material larger than 2" in any dimension.

B. Uniformly grade surface to the required contours without the formation of water pockets.

C. Rework areas which puddle by the addition of topsoil and fertilizer. Re-rake.

D. Distribute starter fertilizer at the following rates:

10-5-5: 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet.

12-6-6: 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet.

E. Incorporate starter fertilizer into the upper 1" of soil.

3.06 SEEDING

A. See Drawings for seeding restoration at each specific location of Work; otherwise, use Formula B for sunny areas and Formula D for shady areas.

B. Uniformly sow specified seed mix at the rate noted in the Seeding Restoration Table by use of approved hydraulic seeder, power-drawn drill, power-operated seeder, or hand-operated seeder or by hand. Do not seed when winds are over 15 mph.

C. Upon completion of sowing, cover seed to an average depth of 1/4" by hand re-raking or approved mechanical methods.

3.07 MULCHING

A. Mulch within 48 hours of seeding.

B. Place hay and straw mulch in a continuous blanket at a minimum rate of 135 pounds per 1,000 square feet.

1. Anchor hay or straw mulch by use of twine, stakes, wire staples, paper, or plastic nets.

2. Emulsified asphalt may be used for anchorage provided it is applied uniformly at a rate not less than 31 gallons per 1,000 square yards.

3. Apply approved chemical mulch binders at the manufacturer's recommended rate.

C. Chemical mulch binders or a light covering of topsoil may be used for anchorage when the size of the area precludes the use of mechanical equipment.

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D. Apply wood cellulose fiber hydraulically at a rate of 35 pounds per 1,000 square feet.

1. Incorporate as an integral part of the slurry after seed and soil supplements have been thoroughly mixed.

E. Spread mushroom manure uniformly to a minimum depth of 1/2" or to the depth indicated on the

Drawings.

F. When mulch is applied to grass areas by blowing equipment, the use of cutters in the equipment will be permitted to the extent that a minimum of 95% of the mulch is 6" or more in length. For cut mulches applied by the blowing method, achieve a loose depth in place of not less than 2".

G. When mulching by the asphalt mix method, apply the mulch by blowing. Spray the asphalt binder material into the mulch as it leaves the blower. Apply the binder to the mulch in the proportion of 1.5 to 2.0 gallons per 45 pounds of mulch.

1. Protect structures, pavements, curbs, and walls to prevent asphalt staining.

2. Erect warning signs and barricades at intervals of 50 feet or less along the perimeter of the mulched area.

3. Do not spray asphalt and chemical mulch binders onto any area within 100 feet of a stream or other body of water.

3.08 SODDING

A. Prior to sod placement, complete soil preparation or topsoiling.

B. Apply lime and fertilizer as specified. Work into the soil a minimum of 2".

C. Do not place sod when the temperature is lower than 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

D. Place sod by hand with tight joints and no overlap. Transverse joints shall be broken or staggered.

E. Place sod so that the top of the sod is flush with the surrounding grade.

F. Use of tools which damage the sod or dumping of sod from vehicles will not be permitted.

G. Water sod to the saturation point immediately after placement.

H. After watering, tamp with an approved tamper to close all joints and insure close contact between sod and sod bed. After tamping, the sod shall present a smooth, even surface free from bumps and depressions. If so directed, use a light roller, weighing not more than 65 pounds per foot of roller width to complete firming and smoothing the sod.

I. When placing sod in ditches, place the strip with the long dimension at right angles to the flow of water. At any point where water will start flowing over a sodded area, the upper edge of the sod strips shall be turned into the soil below the adjacent area and a layer of compacted earth placed over this juncture to conduct the water over the edge of the sod.

J. In ditches and on slope areas, stake each strip of sod securely with at least 1 wood stake for each 2 square feet of sod. Stakes shall be 1/2" by 1" with a length of 8" to 12". Drive stakes flush with the top of the sod, with the long face parallel to the slope contour.

3.09 MAINTENANCE

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A. Maintenance includes watering, weeding, cleanup, edging and repair of depressions, washouts or gullies.

B. Those areas which do not show a prompt catch of grass within 14 days of seeding or sodding shall be reseeded or resodded until complete grass catch occurs.

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

END OF SECTION

SEEDING RESTORATION TABLE

FORMULA AND SPECIES

% BY

WEIGHT

MINIMUM %

PURITY GERMINATION

MAX %

WEED SEED

SEEDING RATE

LBS PER 1000 SY

Formula B

• Perennial Ryegrass mixture (Lolium perenne). A combination of improved certified varieties with no one variety exceeding 50% of the total Ryegrass component.

• Creeping Red Fescue or Chewings Fescue

• Kentucky Bluegrass mixture (Poa pratensis). A combination of improved certified varieties with no one variety exceeding 25% of the total Bluegrass component.

98 90

98 85

98 80

0.15

0.20

21.0 Total

4.0

6.0

11.0

Formula D

• Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea var. Kentucky 31)

• Creeping Red Fescue or Chewings Fescue

21.0 Total

15.0 6.0

Formula E

• Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)

10.0 Total

10.0

Formula L

• Hard Fescue mixture (Festuca longifolia). A combination of improved certified varieties with no one variety exceeding 50% of the total Hard Fescue component.

• Creeping Red Fescue

• Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)

24.0 Total

13.0

8.5 2.5

Formula W

• Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea var. Kentucky 31)

• Birdsfoot Trefoil mixture (Lotus corniculatus). A combination of varieties (Viking, Empire, Norcen, Dawn, Leo, Bull, Maitland) with no one variety exceeding 50% of the total Trefoil component.

• Redtop (Agrostis alba)

98 80*

92 80

0.10

10.5 Total

7.5 2.0

1.0

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* Recommended 10% hardseed and 70% normal sprouts.

This table has been extracted from Section 804 of PennDOT Publication 408/2011. (Formula C deleted)