FINISH GRADING, SEEDING AND SODDING

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SECTION 32 92 00

FINISH GRADING AND SEEDING

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

2. Section 31 11 00: Clearing and Grubbing

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

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. 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

32 92 00-2 the following for approval:

a. Topsoil analysis

b. Fertilizer

c. Lime

d. Seed mixture(s)

2. If soil tests are performed to justify decreased lime 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. 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% or 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: As specified in the plans.

B. Starter Fertilizer: As specified in the plans.

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

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A. As specified in the plans.

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 shall not exceed 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

c. Water-Holding Capacity: 120% minimum

d. pH: 6.0

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

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August 1 to October 15

• Formula E - March 15 to October 15

• Formula W - April 1 to June 15 August 16 to September 15

• ERNMX-180 - March 15 to June 1 October 1 or after the first killing frost – November 30

• No-Mow Seed Mix -March 19 to June 1 September 21 to October 31

• Athletic Field Mix -April 1 to June 15 July 25 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 not be 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.

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.

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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 Plans 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, 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.

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

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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 MAINTENANCE OF NEWLY SEEDED AREAS

A. Maintenance of grass areas shall consist of watering, mowing, weeding, re-seeding, edging and repair of depressions, washouts or gullies as necessary to obtain a 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 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. If the turf stand is not accepted by the following seeding season, the Contractor shall re-seed and fertilize, as necessary, the unaccepted areas at no additional charge to the Owner.

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, 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.

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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; use of seed mixtures or sod, other than approved in specifications.

b. Improper fertilizer application - Uneven spreading, insufficient amounts, 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.

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 (Festuca ruba or ssp commutate) (Improved and Certified)

• Kentucky Bluegrass mixture (Poa pratensis). A combination of improved certified varieties with no one variety exceeding 50% of the total Bluegrass component.

97 90

97 85

97 80

0.10

0.15

42.0 Total

8.5

12.5

21.0

Formula D

• Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea var. Kentucky 31)

• Creeping Red Fescue or Chewings Fescue

• Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)

96 85

95 90

50.0 Total

30.0 15.0 5.0

Formula E

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 (Festuca rubra) (Improved and Certified)

48.0 Total

26.4

16.8 4.8

Formula W Nursery Crops

• Oats (Avena sativa) (Spring)

• Cereal Rye (Secale cereale) (Fall) Permanent Species

• Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea)

• Riverbank Wildrye (Elymus riparius)

• Prairie Cordgrass (Spartina pectinata)

• Lurid Sedge (Carex lurida)

• Soft Rush (Juncus effusus)

• Blue Vervian (Verbena hastata)

• Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

• Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale)

• Allegheny Monkeyflower (Mimulus ringens)

• Nodding Bur Marigold (Bidens cernua)

• Seedbox (Ludwigia alternifolia)

• Boneset (Eupatorium perforliatum)

• Northern Blue Flag (Iris versicolor)

• Fowl Bluegrass (Poa palustris)

• Green Bulrush (Scirpus atrovirens)

66.67 66.67

3.33 1.67 1.11 1.67 3.33 1.67 0.33 1.67 2.67 1.67 1.11 4.44 2.67

85 70

0.20

9.0 Total

6.0 6.0

0.3 0.15 0.1 0.15 0.3 2.25 0.09 0.15 0.03 0.15 0.24 0.15 0.1 0.4 0.24

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* Recommended 10% hardseed and 70% normal sprouts.

This table has been extracted from Section 804 of PennDOT Publication 408/2020.