67-Sec 32 93 02 Exterior Planting.pdf

EXTERIOR PLANTING

32 93 02-1

SECTION 32 93 02

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.01 DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

A. The planting of trees, shrubs, ground covers, perennials, and ornamental grasses, with planting soil, topsoil, soil amendments, fertilizer, mulch, planting accessories and maintenance.

1.02 RELATED SECTIONS

A. Applicable Sections of Division 01

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

C. Section 32 92 00: Finish Grading, Seeding and Sodding

1.03 DEFINITIONS

A. Weeds: Includes 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, Ground Ivy, Perennial Sorrel, and Brome Grass.

B. Plants: Living trees, plants, and ground cover specified in this Section.

1.04 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE DATA

A. Submit instructions for continuing Township maintenance under provisions of Section

01 70 00.

B. Include cutting and trimming methods; types, application frequency and recommended coverage of fertilizer, mulching frequency, etc.

1.05 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Nursery: Company specializing in growing and cultivating the plants specified in this

Section with minimum six (6) years experience.

B. Installer: Company specializing in installing and planting the plants specified in this

Section with minimum six (6) years experience.

C. Plant Materials: Free of disease or hazardous insects.

1.06 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

A. Comply with Local, State or Federal Codes.

B. Comply with regulatory agencies for fertilizer and herbicide composition.

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C. Referenced Codes and Standards: Comply with the following in accordance with Division 1.

1. American National Standards Institute (ANSI):

a. Z60.1 - American Standards for Nursery Stock

b. A300 – Standards for Tree Care Operations

2. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

a. Plant Hardiness Zone Map

1.07 HARVESTING, DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING

A. Deliver products to site under provisions of Section 01 60 00.

B. Store and protect products under provisions of Section 01 60 00.

C. For balled and burlapped and bare root plant material dig plants in a manner to retain as many fibrous roots as possible. Spray trunks, twigs and foliage at the nursery with anti-desiccant in accordance with manufacturer's written recommendation.

D. Ball and burlap all plants, unless otherwise indicated, with firm natural ball of soil of sufficient breadth and depth to include roots. Minimum acceptable ball size shall be in accordance to sizes set forth in ANSI Z60.1 – American Standard For Nursery Stock for type and size indicated. Burlap and rope entire earth ball. Plants with mushy, badly cracked or frozen earth balls shall not be acceptable.

E. Container grown stock shall be grown in specified container long enough for root system to have developed sufficiently to hold soil together.

F. Prevent injury to plant material when digging, moving, transporting, and unloading.

G. Handle all balled and burlapped plants from root ball only.

H. Deliver fertilizer in waterproof bags showing weight, chemical analysis, and name of manufacturer.

I. During transport protect plants from wind by wrapping with plastic or tarpaulins.

J. Vehicles shall be adequately ventilated to prevent overheating of plants.

K. Protect plants until planted. Protection includes, but is not limited to:

1. Protecting plant stems and trunks from damage and/or injury.

2. During harvesting, transport, and planting processes the plant stem and trunks shall be wrapped with a pervious protective cover. The protective cover shall be removed once the plant is installed and complete. Plants with injured stems will not be accepted.

3. Protecting plant branches from damage and/or injury.

4. Protecting plants from injury due to wind burn.

5. Protecting plants from drying out, plants and root balls shall be kept moist.

L. Deliver plant materials immediately prior to placement. Keep plant ball moist. Notify

Design Professional at least three (3) working days in advance of start of Work.

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The Landscape Architect reserves the right to reject plant materials not meeting the above requirements.

1.08 ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

A. Do not install plants during freezing weather or when the ground is frozen.

B. Do not install plants during excessively wet conditions.

C. Do not install plants when wind velocity exceeds 30 mph.

D. Plants shall not be placed on any day in which temperatures are forecast to exceed

90 degrees unless the LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT approves otherwise.

1.09 SEQUENCING AND SCHEDULING

A. Coordinate and schedule work with other contractors and with the municipality.

B. Comply with planting periods as specified in this specification.

C. Notify ENGINEER and LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT at least three (3) business days in advance of start of Work.

1.10 WARRANTY

A. Provide a warranty on work of this Section for eighteen (18) months. Commence warranty on date when work is accepted by OWNER.

B. Warranty: Include coverage of plants from death or unhealthy conditions.

C. Replacements: Plants of same size and species as specified, planted in the next growing season, with a new warranty commencing on date of replacement.

1.11 MAINTENANCE SERVICE

A. Maintenance Services: Performed by installer.

B. Maintain plant life immediately after placement until Work is accepted by OWNER.

C. Maintenance to include:

1. Cultivation and weeding plant beds and tree pits.

2. Application of herbicides for weed control in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Remedy damage resulting from use of herbicides.

3. Application of pesticides in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

4. Remedy damage from use of pesticides.

5. Irrigating sufficient to saturate root system.

6. Trimming and pruning, including removal of clippings and dead or broken branches, and treatment of pruned areas or other wounds.

7. Disease control.

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PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.01 NURSERIES

A. Nursery shall be a member of American Association of Nurserymen and

Pennsylvania Landscape and Nurserymen's Association (or other such State organization).

2.02 TREES, PLANTS, & GROUND COVERS

A. Trees, Plants, and Ground Covers: Species and size identifiable in plant schedule, grown in climatic conditions similar to those in locality of the Work.

2.03 TOPSOIL

A. Topsoil to be imported to the project site shall be a sandy loam topsoil (as defined in

USDA Soil Texture Classification) and be fertile, friable, well-drained, pH range of 6.0 to 6.5, free of subsoil, toxic substances harmful to plant growth, without clay lumps, stones, roots or debris.

B. The imported topsoil shall have a mechanical analysis as follows:

• Sand: 35 percent to 40 percent.

• Clay: 15 percent to 20 percent.

• Organic Matter: 2.5 percent.

• Silt: Balance.

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 bio-solids (sewage/waste water 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 Range: 40 to 60 percent.

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

8. pH Range: 6.0 to 8.0.

9. Bulk Density Range: 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.

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

13. Stability Rating: Stable.

2.05 PLANTING SOIL MIXTURE

A. Tree Pits: Thoroughly mix planting soil mixture prior to installation in planting hole/tree pit.

B. Planting mix will consist of the following:

• 3 Parts topsoil as specified.

• 1 Part selected organic soil amendment.

C. Shrub Planting Holes/Beds: Thoroughly mix planting soil mixture prior to installation in planting hole/tree pit. Planting mix will consist of the following:

• 3 Parts topsoil as specified.

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

• 2 Parts topsoil as specified.

2.06 WATER

A. Water shall be clean, fresh, potable, and free of substances or matter which could inhibit vigorous growth of plants.

2.07 SOIL FERTILITY MATERIALS

A. Fertilizer (Trees & Shrubs): "Agriform", one (1) year duration controlled-released planting tablets manufactured by The Scotts Company, LLC, Marysville, OH, (800) 492-8255 or approved equivalent. Planting tablets shall be 20-10-5 formulation in 21 gram size. Apply fertilizer tablets in the following rates:

1. For trees: 2 tablets for each caliper inch.

2. For shrubs: 1 tablet for each 12 inches of plant height or spread.

B. Mycorrhizal Treatment for Trees & Shrubs: “Tree Saver”3-Ounce packet manufactured by Plant Health Care, Inc, 440 William Pitt Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15238;

Phone: (412) 826-5488; Web: www.planthealthcare.com or approved equivalent.

Install per manufacturer’s instructions. Apply at the following rates:

1. For single stem trees: 1 Packet per inch of tree caliper, minimum of 1 packet.

2. For multi-stem stem trees: 1 Packet per each 12 inches of rootball diameter, minimum of 1 packet.

3. For shrubs: 1/3 Packet for each gallon of container size or for each 12 inches of plant height or spread.

C. Mycorrhizal Treatment (Perennials, Groundcovers, & Ornamental Grasses): “Flower

Saver” manufactured by Plant Health Care, Inc, 440 William Pitt Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15238; Phone: (412) 826-5488; Web: www.planthealthcare.com or approved equivalent. Install per manufacturer’s instructions. Apply at the following rates:

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1. 6 Pounds per 100 square feet of planting bed.

2.08 HERBICIDE & PESTICIDE

A. Herbicide: As may be required with approval of Landscape Architect.

B. Pesticide: As may be required with approval of Landscape Architect.

2.09 MULCH MATERIALS

A. Mulching Material: Double ground hardwood bark, brown in color, and free of growth or germination inhibiting ingredients.

2.10 VERIFICATION

A. Provide certification of inspection by the Landscape Architect for confirming approval of plants supplied.

PART 3 – EXECUTION

3.01 EXAMINATION

A. Verify that Project Site is ready for planting prior to delivery of materials

B. Beginning of installation means acceptance of existing conditions.

3.02 PLANTING PERIODS

A. Planting shall be performed within the following periods:

1. From March 15 to June 15.

2. From September 1 to November 15.

B. Only with the approval of the LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT can planting occur from November 15 to March 15.

C. Planting between June 16 to August 31 is not permitted.

3.03 PREPARATION FOR PLANTING AREAS

A. Contractor shall locate plants by staking with stakes and flags as indicated on the

Drawings for approval by the LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT.

B. For mass groundcover, perennial, or ornamental grass plantings excavate planting areas to depths as indicated and install planting soil in six inch maximum lifts. Once soil depth is achieved incorporate specified fertilizer/Mycorrhizal treatment into the soil mixture and roto-till entire planting bed to a depth of 12 inches. Planting mix shall be installed during dry weather and on dry unfrozen subgrade.

C. Grade planting to eliminate rough, low, or soft areas, and to ensure positive drainage.

3.05 PLANTING

A. Excavate circular plant pits with scarified vertical sides, except for plants specifically indicated to be planted in beds, to depths as indicated on the drawings. Provide planting pits at least twice the diameter of the root system or container. Depth of pit

32 93 02-7 shall accommodate the entire root system. Scarify the bottom and sides of the pit to a depth of four inches. If groundwater is encountered upon excavation of planting holes, the Contractor shall promptly notify the LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT.

B. If plants are containerized, the containers shall be removed from the plants immediate prior to planting and in a manner that prevents damage to the root system.

Containers may require vertical cuts down the full depth of the container to accommodate removal. All circling roots shall be loosened to ensure natural directional growth after planting.

C. Set plant material in the planting pit to proper grade and alignment. Set plant upright, plumb, and faced to give the best appearance or relationship to each other or adjacent structure. Set crown of plant material at the finish grade. No filling will be permitted around trunks or stems or above grafts on grafted trees.

D. Once plant material is set correctly in planting pit begin to backfill with specified planting mixture. Do not use frozen or muddy mixtures for backfilling. When planting hole depth is ½ full with planting soil, water soil in and lightly firm to remove voids and/or air pockets. After planting soil is watered and firmed for balled and burlapped plants remove burlap, rope/twine, and/or wire baskets from top 1/3 of rootball and tuck into planting hole. If burlap has been chemically treated (green color) or rope materials are plastic or not natural material remove from the planting pit.

F. Install fertilizer tablets and Mycorrhizal treatment packets as specified on firmed soil in planting pit. Tablets and packets shall be evenly distributed throughout the pit.

G. Continue backfilling planting hole to final grades as shown on the plans. Once backfilling is complete thoroughly water in planting soil and lightly firm to remove voids and/or air pockets.

G. Containerized shrubs shall follow same procedure as described above.

H. Containerized groundcover, perennials, plugs and/or ornamental grasses shall be planted in a roto-tilled bed in holes same size as rootball. Once plant is placed lightly firm soil around rootball to ensure firmly placed in hole.

I. Space ground cover and plug plants using triangular spacing in accordance with indicated dimensions. Adjust spacing as necessary to evenly fill planting bed with indicated quantity of plants. Plant to within eighteen inches (18") of the trunks of trees and shrubs within planting bed and to within twelve inches (12") of edge of bed.

3.06 MULCHING

A. Mulch tree and shrub planting pits and shrub beds with required mulch two inches

(2") deep immediately after planting. Thoroughly water mulched areas. After watering, rake mulch to provide a uniform finished surface.

B. Mulch groundcover, perennial, and ornamental grass beds with required mulch two inches (2") deep immediately after planting. Thoroughly water mulched areas. After watering, rake mulch to provide a uniform finished surface.

3.07 PRUNING

A. Prune all trees only to remove broken or damaged branches, or for aesthetic purposes as directed by the LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT. Branches will be pruned at the branch collar. Neither stubs nor flush cuts will be acceptable.

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3.08 CLEANING

A. Perform cleaning during installation of the work and upon completion of the work.

Remove from site all excess materials, soil, debris, and equipment. Repair damage resulting from planting operations.

3.09 MAINTENANCE

A. Begin specified maintenance until work is accepted by OWNER.

3.10 FINAL INSPECTION

A. Inspection to determine completion and acceptance of planted areas will be made by the LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, upon Contractor's request. Provide notification at least ten (10) business days before requested inspection date. Inspection comments will be submitted to contractor in writing.

B. Planted areas will be accepted provided all requirements, including the maintenance period have been complied with and plant materials are alive and in a healthy, vigorous condition.

D. Upon acceptance the OWNER will assume plant maintenance and the plant material warranty period begins.

E. An additional inspection will be made near the end of the warranty period to determine if plant materials need to be replaced. Plants shall be in a healthy, vigorous growing state and free of disease and insects.

END OF SECTION