7.Section 02821 Centipede Grass Hydro-Seeding (10 pages) dated 24-May-22.pdf

SECTION 02821

CENTIPEDE GRASS HYDRO-SEEDING

PART 1 – GENERAL

1.1 DESCRIPTION OF WORK: This specification provides for the establishment of a permanent grass cover of Centipede grass (hydro-seeding only) on all exposed earth areas resulting from cut and fill for site grading, including roadway and driveway shoulders and slopes, trenches, swales and ditches. And other area(s) specifically designated shall be grassed as hereinafter specified. Contractor shall grade and grass all areas disturbed by Contractor due to this project.

1.2 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS: The publications listed below form a part of this specification to the extent referenced. The publications are referred to in the text by the basic designation only.

A. Federal Specification (Fed. Spec.):

O-F-241d Fertilizers, Mixed, Commercial

B. U.S. Department of Agriculture:

Federal Seed Act of August 9, 1939 (53 Stat. 1275) Rules and Regulations

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

D 977-80 Emulsified Asphalt

D 2028-76 Cutback Asphalt (Rapid-Curing type) (R 1981)

D 2506-69 Peats, Mosses, Humus, and Related Products

D. Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) Publications:

Official Methods of analysis (12th Edition, 1975 & Suppl. 1, 2, 3 & 4)

1.3 SOURCE INSPECTIONS: The Contracting Officer shall be notified at least 10 days prior to its use in the work of the offsite sources from which the following materials are to be furnished:

A. Turf Material: Seeding material will be inspected by the Contractor Quality Control Team at the growing site.

B. Topsoil: The source of topsoil will be inspected by the Contractor Quality Control Team to determine the acceptability of the topsoil, including the maximum depth to which it is to be stripped. The contractor quality control team will also determine whether the selected topsoil or topsoil with grass meet the contract requirements.

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Current as of 24-May-2022

C. Mulch: Inspection of source from which it will come shall be made by the Contracting Officer.

1.4 SUBMITTALS:

A. Certificates of Conformance/Compliance and Certified Laboratory Test Reports:

Before delivery, certificates of compliance/conformance shall be submitted, in triplicate, certifying that materials meet the requirements specified. Where such certification requires a laboratory test, the test shall be certified and reported as part of the certificate of compliance. Testing shall be performed by an approved commercial testing laboratory, or may be performed by the contractor subject to approval within 30 days of submittal of test reports. Test reports of a previously tested material shall be accompanied by certificates from the manufacturer/supplier certifying that the previously tested material is identical in all respects to that proposed for this project. Certified copies of the test reports for the following materials shall be submitted to the Contractor Quality Control Team:

1. Topsoil – for pH, salts, potash, and phosphorus.

2. Organic amendments (fertilizer, etc.) – for classification of total nitrogen, moisture, ash and organic matter. Duplicate copies of invoices shall be furnished showing quantities of each grade of fertilizer, percentage of calcium oxide or magnesium oxide, as applicable, and the percentages of limestone that pass the 100 and 8 mesh sieves. Samples of each lot of fertilizer and limestone shall be tested in accordance with Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists.

3. Turfing material – for purity and seed content. Contracting Officer shall be furnished duplicate signed copies of statement from vendor, certifying that each container of seed delivered is labeled in accordance with Federal Seed Act and is at least equal to requirements previously specified. This certification shall be obtained from vendor and shall be furnished on or with all copies of seed invoices. Each lot of seed will be sampled and tested in accordance with latest rules and regulations under the Federal Seed Act, at the discretion of the Contracting Officer.

4. Asphalt adhesive – The Contractor shall demonstrate before starting the work that the application of asphalt will be made at specified rates and that method of application is satisfactory. The Contracting Officer shall be furnished copies of manufacturer’s specification for asphalt adhesive and certification of conformance with the rigid requirements of the manufacturer with respect to residue, solubility, dehydration, settlement, miscibility, and mixing properties.

B. Maintenance Instructions: Written instructions for year-round care of installed turf shall be furnished.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.1. DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING:

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A. Delivery: The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer of the delivery schedule in advance so materials may be inspected upon arrival at the job site.

1. During delivery, turfing materials shall be protected from any drying or contamination by detrimental material.

2. Fertilizer, soil conditions and other amendment shall be delivered to the site in the original, unopened containers bearing the manufacturer’s guaranteed chemical analysis, name, trademark, trade name, and conformance to Federal, State, and local laws. In lieu of containers, fertilizer, soil conditioners, and amendments may be furnished in bulk, and a certificate from the manufacturer indicating the above information shall accompany each delivery.

3. All pesticide material, including soil fumigants, shall be delivered to the site in the original unopened containers. Containers that do not have a legible label identifying the Environmental Protection Agency registration number and the manufacturer’s registered uses will be rejected.

B. Storage: Storage of materials shall be in areas designated or as approved.

1. Seed and soil conditioners and amendments shall be kept in dry storage away from contaminants, insects and rodents. Soil sterilant shall be isolated from any other landscape materials. Pesticide material shall be kept in dry storage and shall not contaminate adjacent material, and shall be handled and stored following manufacturer’s directions.

2.2. MATERIALS:

A. Seed: Seed shall be State certified seed to be from the latest season’s crop and unless written permission is granted otherwise, shall be delivered in original sealed packages bearing the producer’s guaranteed analysis for percentages of mixtures and pure live seed. Seed shall be labeled in conformance with U.S. Department of Agriculture rules and regulations under the Federal Seed Act and applicable State seed laws. Seed that has become wet, moldy or otherwise damaged will not be acceptable.

On site seed mixing will not be allowed unless performed only in the presence of the Contractor Quality Control Team. Seed mixtures shall be proportioned by weight as follows:

1. Mixtures for Spring and summer Plantings: The following minimum percentage by weight of pure live seed of each variety in the mixture shall be furnished (1 Apr-30Sep):

Species and Variety

Percentage by Weight of Each Species in Mixtures

Percentage by Weight of Pure Live Seed of Each species

Percentage by Weight of Pure Live Seed in Mixture

Centipede Seed 15lbs/Acre

100 93 93

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Total pure live seed in mixture

93.00

Weed Seed not to exceed 1 percent by weight

1.00

Other than weed and pure live seed, max

6.00

100.00

2. Mixtures for Fall and Winter Plantings: In each lot of seed, the following minimum percentage by weight of pure live seed of each variety in the mixture shall be furnished (1 Oct-31 Mar):

Species and Variety

Percentage by Weight of Each Species in Mixtures

Percentage by Weight of Pure Live Seed of Each species

Percentage by Weight of Pure Live Seed in Mixture

Annual Rye Grass 75lbs/Acre

100 93 93

Total pure live seed in mixture

93.00

Weed Seed not to exceed 1 percent by weight

1.00

Other than weed and pure live seed, max

6.00

100.00

*Contractor will be required to come back in the spring/summer for permanent seeding.

B. Topsoil: Natural, friable topsoil, characteristic of representative soils in the vicinity that produce heavy growths of crops, grass, or other vegetation shall be furnished.

1. Topsoil shall be the existing surface soil stripped to the depth indicated and stockpiled on the site during grading operations as specified SECTION:

EXCAVATION, TRENCHING AND BACKFILLING FOR UTILITIES. Topsoil shall be tested, and amended by the addition of pH adjusters and a soil conditioner as required by the test.

2. Additional topsoil, if required beyond that available from stripping operations, shall be a natural, friable soil representative of productive soils in the vicinity, furnished by the Contractor from approved sources off the site at his expense

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Attachment 7 and no additional cost to the Government. It shall be obtained from well-drained borrow areas indicated and shall be free of any admixture of subsoil, foreign matter, objects larger than 1 inch in any dimension, toxic substances, and any material or substance that may be harmful to plant growth, or that may hinder grading, planting and maintenance operations. The pH range shall be 5.3 to 6.0.

topsoil that does not meet this pH range shall be amended by the addition of pH adjusters, at a rate recommended based on soil tests.

C. PH Adjusters:

1. Limestone: Agricultural-grade limestone ground to pass an 8 mesh sieve with 40 percent passing a 100 mesh sieve shall be furnished. In addition, calcareios limestone shall contain not less than 50 percent calcium oxide, and dolomitic limestone shall contain not less than 40 percent magnesium oxide. Coarser materials will be acceptable, provided the specified rates of application are increased proportionately, on the basis of quantities passing the 8 and 100 mesh sieves, but no additional payment will be made for the increased quantity.

Limestone shall be delivered to the site at the Contractor’s expense and no additional cost to the Government.

2. Aluminum sulfate shall be commercial grade.

D. Soil Conditioners and Amendments:

1. Peat shall be natural product of hypnum moses peat derived from a freshwater site and conforming to ASTM D 2607 except as otherwise specified. Peat shall be shredded and granulated to pass a ½ inch mesh screen and conditioned in storage piles for at least 6 months after excavation.

2. Sand shall be clean and free of toxic materials. At least 95 percent by weight shall pass a 10 mesh sieve and 10 percent by weight shall pass a 16 mesh sieve.

E. Fertilizer: Fertilizer shall be commercial grade, free flowing, uniform in composition and shall conform to applicable State and Federal regulations. Fertilizer shall conform to Fed. Spec. 0-F-241, type I, Class 1 or Type II, Class 1 and shall bear the manufacturer’s guaranteed statement of analysis. Fertilizer shall contain a minimum percentage by weight of 5 percent nitrogen of which 3 percent shall be organic, 10 percent available phosphoric acid, and 15 percent potash. When slow release nitrogen forms are used in the fertilizer mixture, they shall be derived from sulfur coated urea, urea formaldehyde, plastic or polymer coated prills, or isobuylene diurea.

F. Mulch: Mulch shall be wood cellulose fiber mulch applied simultaneously with grass seed and fertilizer by the use of hydroseeding equipment. Straw, hay, or other mulch material will not be acceptable.

G. Wood Cellulous fiber mulch for use with hydraulic application of grass seed and fertilizer shall consist of specially prepared wood cellulose fiber or a combination of wood cellulose and recycled newsprint fibers, processed to contain no growth or germination-inhibiting factors and dyed an appropriate color to facilitate visual metering of the application of materials. The mulch material shall be supplied in packages having a

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Attachment 7 gross weight not in excess of 100 pounds. On an air-dry weight basis, the wood cellulose fiber shall contain a maximum of 10 percent moisture, plus or minus 3 percent, at the time of manufacture. The pH range for either mix shall be between 4.5 and 6.5.

The wood cellulose fiber shall be manufactured so that:

1. After addition and agitation in slurry tanks with fertilizers, grass seeds, water, and other approved additives, the fibers in the material will become uniformly suspended to form a homogeneous slurry.

2. When hydraulically sprayed on the ground, the material will form a blotter-like cover impregnated uniformly with grass seed.

3. The cover will allow the absorption of moisture and allow rainfall or applied water to percolate to the underlying soil. Shrinkage after wetting shall not exceed 20 percent of the surface area.

4. Suppliers shall be prepared to certify that laboratory and field testing of their products has been accomplished, and that, based upon such testing, their products meet all the foregoing requirements.

H. Water: Water shall not contain elements toxic to plant life, and shall be from a source approved prior to use in the project.

I. Herbicides and Pesticides: Herbicide and pesticide use must comply with all applicable State and Federal laws. Pesticides must be registered with the U. S.

Environmental Protection Agency, and approved for use by the State Cooperative Extension Service.

PART 3 – EXECUTION

3.1. SITE PREPARATION: Equipment, in good condition, shall be provided for the proper preparation of the ground and for handling and placing all materials. Equipment shall be approved before work is started.

A. Preparation of Seed and Planting Beds:

1. Tillage: After the areas required to be treated have been brought to the grades shown, the soil shall be tilled to a depth of at least 6 inches, except on slopes steeper than 2 horizontal to 1 vertical (2:1), the soil shall be tilled to a depth of at least 4 inches. On slopes between 2 horizontal to 1 vertical and 1 horizontal to 2 vertical tillage, depths shall be 2 inches. On slopes steeper than 2 horizontal to 1 vertical, no tillage will be permitted. Tillage shall be accomplished by plowing, disking, harrowing, by the use of roto-tillage machinery or other approved operations until the condition of the soil is acceptable. The work shall be performed only during periods when, in the opinion of the Contracting Officer, beneficial results are likely to be obtained. When drought, excessive moisture, or other unsatisfactory conditions prevail, the work shall be suspended when directed. Undulations or irregularities in the surface shall be leveled before the next specified operations.

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2. Placing Topsoil: Topsoil shall be distributed uniformly and spread evenly to an average thickness of 3 inches, with a minimum thickness of 2 inches. Topsoil shall be spread so that planting can proceed with little additional soil preparation or additional tillage. Surface irregularities resulting from top soiling or other operations shall be leveled to prevent depressions. Grade shall be adjusted to assure that planted grade will be 1 inch below adjoining grade of any surfaced area. Topsoil shall not be placed when the subgrade is frozen, excessively wet, extremely dry excessively compacted, or in a condition detrimental to the proposed planting or grading. Soil compacted by construction equipment or soil on compacted cut slopes shall be pulverized to a minimum depth of 2 inches by disking or plowing before applying topsoil. Finished topsoil areas shall be protected from damage by vehicular or pedestrian traffic. Seeding shall be accomplished only after areas are brought to finished grade.

3. Application of Soil Conditioners: Fertilizer shall be uniformly applied at the rate of 1,200 pounds per acre. All fertilizers, pH adjusters, and soil conditioners shall be incorporated into the soil to a depth of at least 3 inches and may be incorporated as part of the tillage operation, except that lime will be applied by tillage at the rate of 2,000 pounds per acre or the amount indicated by soil tests 2 to 3 months before fertilizer is applied. Immediately before seeding, the soil shall be restored to an even condition.

4. Application of soil Amendments: soil amendments shall be spread uniformly over the soil to a depth recommended by the topsoil test and thoroughly incorporated into the existing soil to a depth of 8 inches using a rotary tiller or similar type of equipment to obtain a uniform and well pulverized soil mix. During tillage operations, all sticks, stones, roots, and other objectionable objects shall be removed.

3.2. APPLICATION:

A. Planting Seasons and Conditions: Planting shall not be done when the ground is frozen, snow covered, or in an unsatisfactory condition for planting. Planting shall be done within the following dates, unless an extension of time is granted by the Contracting Officer.

1. Seed sown from 1 May to 15 September for spring/summer planting and from 16 September to 30 April for fall/winter planting.

B. Seeding: Seed shall be sown between the dates specified above, unless otherwise directed in writing. A satisfactory method of sowing shall be employed, using hydraulic seeders.

1. When hydroseeding, the seed, fertilizer, and approved mulch material shall be mixed in the required amount of water to produce a homogeneous slurry and then uniformly applied under pressure. Wood cellulose fiber mulch shall be added after the seed and fertilizer have been thoroughly mixed and shall be applied. Lime, when applied hydraulically, shall be a single, separate operation.

2. Erosion control material shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

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3. Watering: Watering of the seeded areas will be required during periods of dry weather. At such times, water shall be applied at a rate and in a manner to prevent erosion and shall be evenly distributed over the seeded area so as to ensure adequate moisture to the seedbed or root zone. Watering shall be as frequent as necessary to promote maximum growth.

C. Special Seeding and Mulching equipment (At Option of Contractor):

1. Seeder: Equipment to be used for applying a seed-fertilizer mix over prepared slopes shall be a hydraulic seeder designed to pump and discharge a waterborne homogeneous slurry of seed, fertilizer, and wood cellulose fiber at the desired specified rate. The seeder shall be equipped with a power-driven agitator, and shall be capable of discharging up to 200 gallons per minute at 100 pounds pressure from a nozzle with clearance for passing ½ inch solids.

2. Wood Cellulose Fiber Mulch spreader: Hydraulic equipment used for the application of slurry of fertilizer, seed, and prepared wood pulp shall have a built-in agitation system with an operating capacity sufficient to agitate, suspend, and homogeneously mix a slurry containing up to 40 pounds of fiber plus a combined total of 70 pounds of fertilizer solids for each 100 gallons of water. The slurry distribution lines shall be large enough to prevent stoppage. The discharge line shall be equipped with a set of hydraulic spray nozzles that will provide even distribution of the slurry on the various gallons and shall be mounted on a traveling unit which may be either self-propelled or drawn by a separate unit that will place the slurry tank and spray nozzles near the areas to be mulched so as to provide uniform distribution without waste. The Contracting Officer may authorize equipment with smaller tank capacity, provided the equipment has the necessary agitation system and sufficient pump capacity to spray the slurry in a uniform coating over the surface of the area to be mulched.

3.3. PROTECTION OF TURNED AREAS: Immediately after seeding, the area shall be protected against traffic or other use by erecting barricades, as required. Approved warning signs shall be placed at appropriate intervals, as directed, until final acceptance.

3.4. TURF ESTABLISHMENT PERIOD:

A. Length of Period: The establishment period shall extend until conditional acceptance and/or final acceptance in conformance with the requirements of the SPECIAL CLAUSES of these specification.

B. Proper Stand of Turf: A stand of turf is considered as established and satisfactory when the new growing sprouts are visible at the surface showing not less than 9 seedlings of Bermuda grass at least 2 inches long in each square foot, and where no gaps larger than 4 inches in diameter occur anywhere in the lawn area. Seeded areas not showing satisfactory growth at the surface 30 days after planting shall be reseeded unless additional establishment time is approved.

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C. Maintenance During the Establishment Period: The Contractor shall maintain the seeded and mulched areas until all work, or designated portions thereof, have been completed and accepted, repairing eroded areas and areas damaged as a result of his own operations.

1. The turfed area shall be mowed to a height of 3 inches whenever weeds or other vegetation tend to shade or smother the new seedlings. The clippings shall be removed. Mowing shall be done with sharp equipment on dry grass and firm soil.

2. The turf shall be watered at such intervals and at such a rate that wilting, puddling, and excessive runoff do not occur.

3. The turf shall be fertilized after the first month of growth applying 0.50 pounds of available nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, and again in 3 months using the same mix.

4. Pesticides shall not be applied within 3 weeks of grass seed germination.

5. The Contractor shall be responsible for the proper care (maintenance) of the seeded and mulched areas until a satisfactory cover of growing Bermuda grass is visible as specified above. During this maintenance period, it will be the responsibility of the Contractor to reseed and remulch unsatisfactory with the requirements of SECTION: EXCAVATION, TRENCHING, AND BACKFILLING FOR UTILITIES which forms a part of these specifications. All costs and charges in connection with work and materials necessary for maintenance and establishment of the grass, including soil for repairs, shall be borne by the contractor at his own expense and at no additional cost to the Government.

3.5 FINAL ACCEPTANCE: Upon completion of project, a final check of total quantities of fertilizer and limestone used will be made against total area treated. If minimum rates of application have not been met, additional quantities of these materials shall be distributed as directed to make up minimum application specified. Final inspection and acceptance will be at the end of the turf establishment period. Acceptance will be based upon a satisfactory stand of turf as defined above in paragraph TURF ESTABLISHMENT PERIOD.

3.6. QUALITY CONTROL: During construction, an established system of quality control shall be maintained. To assure compliance with contract requirements and the maintenance of records of all materials, equipment, and construction operations, quality control shall include but not be limited to the following:

Seeding – Specified species planted at proper rates; preparation of planting bed so as to thoroughness of tillage, depth of planting and leveling.

Fertilizing – Application of fertilizer and lime of the proper analysis, at specified rates.

Mulching – types and rates of application.

Satisfactory stand of grass – Coverage of the planted species at the end of the maintenance period, maintenance procedures including supplemental fertilizer.

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A copy of all records and test data required herein, and the records of corrective action taken, shall be furnished to the Contracting Officer.

END OF SECTION 02821

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