Attachment 1 - Specifications.doc

USDA Forest Service Grey Towers National Historic Site

SPECIFICATIONS - TREE MAINTENANCE & REMOVALS

The objective of this contract is tree maintenance for trees in a highly maintained formal landscape and wooded areas in various locations at Grey Towers National Historic Landmark Site.

General Requirements:

Grey Towers National Historic Site is a historically significant property being the home to Gifford Pinchot, acknowledged father of American Forestry and two-time Governor of Pennsylvania. Grey Towers is owned and administered by the USDA, Forest Service. It is located on Old Owego Turnpike at 151 Grey Towers Drive Milford, PA. The landscape features many designed “garden rooms” and is particularly significant, including the planted trees. The work to the trees, other than the selected removals, is to increase site safety, aesthetic beauty and prolong the life of these specimen trees in order to preserve the integrity of the property. All the work performed on the property could conceivably effect the historic nature of the buildings, grounds, walkways, plantings, and other features. The contractor shall take in account the effects of his work and plan accordingly to assure the safe execution of his employees’ actions in executing the scope of work.

PART 1: SCOPE

A.

The Contractor shall furnish all equipment and sufficient personnel for selected maintenance (ie: tree pruning, removal, root pruning, fertilization/root enhancement, cabling/bracing, and spraying) and all related incidental work as in accordance with the bid schedule and specifications stated herein. Therefore, any items not specifically noted, but necessary for performance in accordance with accepted industry standards, shall be furnished under this contract.

B.

Nearly all trees are located within developed areas containing high densities of pedestrians, vehicles, utilities, and structures.

C.

This contract is intended to augment the in-house work forces at Grey Towers NHS. Instances where the contractor may be called upon include performing tree maintenance tasks beyond the capabilities of the in-house work forces. This is a requirements-type contract. The items of tree work shown on the bid schedule are strictly estimates. The quantity of work will depend upon the vagaries of weather, visitor use and/or construction impacts, in-house capabilities, insect and disease infestations and funding. This contract will be effective for a period commencing from date of award through September 30, 2010.

D.

The contractor shall not subcontract any work required by this contract without the express written approval of the Contracting Officer (CO). If the CO approves the Contractor to subcontract any part of the work required under this contract, a copy of any such subcontract shall be provided to the CO.

E.

The Contractor shall be on call for emergency tree work. The contractor shall provide the COR with contact telephone numbers for live response 24 hours per day 7 days a week for emergency purposes. The contractor must respond to any calls within one hour of telephone contact. The contractor shall respond to the job site within 5 hours of receiving an emergency call. Emergency Tree Work will be charged on the approved rates for time and materials.

PART 2:

GENERAL PROVISIONS

2.01

Quality Assurance:

201.1 Professional Qualifications:

All work shall be under the direction and general supervision of an Arborist(s) certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) who posses verifiable experience as a full time direct supervisor of shade tree maintenance and climbing work crews and technical competence in tree physiology, identification, diagnosis of disorders, and current tree care and safety practices in accordance with accepted industry standards.

B.

The Certified Arborist shall be on the job site at all times and shall be the primary contact with the Government's technical representative responsible for controlling the quality of work and inspecting all completed work to ensure that contract performance requirements are met. Approved noncompliance will be at the discretion of the COR.

All tree workers shall, through related training and on the job experience, be familiar with the technical aspects and hazards of tree maintenance work and equipment used in such operations. All tree workers shall abide by any code of ethics or professional conduct established by the National Arborist Association and the International Society of Arboriculture.

D.

A list of all crew supervisors and tree workers anticipated as part of the work crews as well as their positions (ie: certified line clearance tree trimmers, qualified tree trimmers, tree trimmer trainees, and ground personnel not responsible for trimming trees), affiliation with the company, and related training and on the job experience shall be submitted and approved by the US Forest Service. If so directed by the COR a separate list of personnel to be used on a given job shall be submitted for each delivery order.

E.

Each crew shall consist of at a minimum :

ISA Certified Arborist/Tree Crew Supervisor

Experienced Climbers (ISA Certified Preferred)

Groundspersons

F.

All workers shall be recognizable as employees of the contractor by wearing distinctive clothing bearing the name of the company or by wearing appropriate badges which show the Contractor's company name and employee name.

G.

All spray applications and injections shall be under the direct supervision of a Certified Pesticide Applicator licensed to spray within the state of Pennsylvania who posses verifiable experience and technical competence in applying pesticides to shade, flowering and evergreen trees in areas with concentrations of buildings, vehicles, and pedestrians. The Certified Pesticide Applicator must have verifiable work experience as a full time direct supervisor of the pesticide application work crews and must be present on the job site at all times work is being performed or pesticide is being handled. The Certified Pesticide Applicator shall be the primary contact with the COR responsible for controlling the quality of work and inspecting all completed work to ensure that contract performance requirements are met. All workers handling or applying pesticide shall, be registered as pesticide applicators and, through related training and on the job experience, be familiar with the safety and technical aspects of applying pesticide and equipment used in such operations.

H.

The Contractor must submit copies of all licenses and certificates necessary for complying with Federal, State, and Municipal laws, codes, and regulations concerning the application of pesticides on a public street.

2.01.2

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS:

All equipment must meet all federal OSHA, state and local safety requirements and must be properly licensed. This includes equipment such as bucket trucks, aerial lifts, chipper trucks, wood trucks, stump grinders etc. which may be needed to correctly perform tree pruning and removal in accordance with the specifications stated herein.

B.

A list of the equipment anticipated for use shall be submitted and include the make and model, year manufactured,, tag # if applicable, and date of last inspection. If so requested by the COR, a list of the equipment to be used shall be submitted for each delivery order. Listed equipment must be on the job site when necessary during the execution of the delivery order.

C.

Required Equipment: At a minimum, each crew shall have access to the following equipment or equivalent.

· Bucket Truck with a minimum of a 55’ vertical reach.

· Chipper capable of chipping branches up to 18” in diameter.

· Log Truck with Clam/Prentice Loader

· Dumping Box Chip Truck – minimum 27 cubic yard capacity

· Stump Grinder

D.

The name or logo of the contractor must be clearly displayed on all trucks used on the job.

2.01.3

MONETARY ADJUSTMENT FOR INADEQUATE PERFORMANCE:

It is mutually agreed that failure to satisfactorily accomplish work in accordance with the specifications and provisions stated herein when due to the fault of the contractor, shall constitute a deficiency under this contract. All work will be regularly inspected by the COR and any deficiencies will be reported in writing to the contractor. Corrective action by the contractor shall be taken promptly and the work satisfactorily accomplished. Deficiencies in daily tasks shall be completed within the day the deficiency is noted. The Contracting Officer will make the sole determination as to the existence of a deficiency in performance, the corrective action(s) to be taken and the timeless of deficiency correction. If deficiencies are not corrected in a satisfactory and timely manner, work will not be accepted for payment and/or a monetary deduction will be made. Irreversible damage to the tree(s) will be subject to liquidated damages in accordance with the Guide for Plant Appraisal (9th edition, 2000) authored by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers and the Mid-Atlantic Tree Species Rating Guide developed by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of International Society of Arboriculture. The 2000 value is $42.50 per cross sectional square inch putting a base value for a 32" “specimen” tree at $34,600.

2.01.4

REPORTS:

The contractor shall maintain a daily work log. The work log shall include the scope of work performed in accordance with the contract bid schedule. A copy shall be filed with the COR on a daily and /or weekly basis.

The US Forest Service will supply, and the contractor shall maintain, a daily pesticide use log for all areas treated and include the total gallons of mixed material applied and the total number of trees treated for each period of treatment and their respective diameter at breast height (dbh). A copy shall be filed with the COR on a daily basis.

C.

The contractor shall note and report to the COR in writing the presence of any structural weakness, girdling roots, disease conditions, decayed trunk or branches, and split crotches or branches or any other hazardous condition that has potential for damage to property or personal injury that can not be corrected within the scope of work described herein.

2.01.5

PRE-EXISTING DAMAGE

In instances where the contractor finds pre-existing conditions or damage to Site resources which may reflect upon the quality of his work or cause him undue liability, the contractor shall not start work until the contractor and COR have agreed on the responsibility for these pre-existing conditions 2.02

SCHEDULING AND COORDINATION:

A.

Quantities and scope of work to be performed and time frame(s) for completion will be identified on individual delivery orders which will be subject to the terms and conditions under this contract.

All affected trees will be identified with marking ribbon or as otherwise required by the USFS Grey Towers prior to the contractor commencing work.

Prior to commencing work the contractor is responsible for inspecting all affected trees to ensure that the prescribed work is in accordance with the scope of the specifications stated herein and unit prices of the contract bid schedule.

The Contracting Officer's Representative will be responsible for acting on behalf of the Contracting Officer on all matters of work within the scope of the contract. Approval of work beyond the scope of the contract (ie: cabling and bracing, wound treatment, technical removals requiring the use of a crane etc.) is reserved for the Contracting Officer. The contractor is responsible for notifying the COR in writing all work that is beyond the scope of the contract and include a proposal for performing the prescribed work that includes a breakdown with unit prices for labor, materials, and equipment required to ensure that the tree can be safely removed and/or the hazards corrected. The COR will evaluate the proposal and if valid will seek approval from the Contracting Officer. Failure of the contractor to obtain the approval of the Contracting Officer for work beyond the scope of the contract will release the government from any obligation to pay for services claimed.

The contractor shall commence work within 7 days of receiving a delivery order. The contractor shall notify the COR 48 hours prior to beginning any work on a delivery order. Work shall be performed between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, Federal holidays excluded, unless authorized in writing by the COR.

Work shall be scheduled and arranged so as not to interfere with tours/events or normal activities at Grey Towers. Advanced notice will be given to the contractor if a conflict is expected. Any plant debris, personnel or equipment that would interfere with an activity or event shall be removed prior to the activity.

Once work begins the contractor is expected to be on the job site each day in which weather conditions are favorable as determined by the COR or designated representative.

All work within a designated area as specified on the delivery order shall be completed, inspected, and accepted in accordance with the procedures stated herein before beginning work in another area.

I.

All areas to be sprayed shall be posted 24 hours in advance. Notification signs shall be submitted and approved by the COR before posting. The sign shall measure a minimum of 10 x 12" and be legible from a distance of at least 50 feet, clearly state that the trees are to be treated, the pest targeted, and the date(s) and times application is scheduled. Signs shall be placed as directed by the COR.

J.

If, at any time, the COR determines that the work is unsatisfactory or being conducted in an unsafe manner, the contractor will be notified and shall immediately cease all work activities.

2.03

SAFETY:

All operations shall be conducted in accordance with ANSI Z133.1-2000 Safety Requirements for Pruning, Trimming, Repairing, Maintaining and Removing Trees and Cutting Brush and all federal OSHA, state and local safety requirements.

Employees shall wear reflective, bright orange vests while conducting operations in or adjacent to roadways.

No one except the operator shall be within 6 feet of a power saw.

2.04

WARNING SIGNS AND BARRICADES

All roadways and trails shall remain open to the public unless approved by the COR. The public ways shall not be encumbered or any unusual traffic situations created by reason of operations under this contract without approval of the COR.

The contractor shall provide, erect and maintain all necessary signs, barricades, traffic cones, warning and danger signals and signs, and provide a sufficient number of watchmen and flagmen to insure the safe flow of traffic, protection of the work area and the safety of the public.

2.05

WORK AREA:

Contractor shall confine his work, the storage of materials and equipment, the parking of vehicles, and all other operations in connection with this contract to the specified hours and work areas approved by the COR. The Contractor shall not permit heavy equipment or vehicles or the stock piling of heavy materials off hard surface roads without the expressed permission of the COR. Limited activity may take place within the root protection area with the expressed permission of the COR in areas determined to be safe from excessive damage. The root protection area is defined as an area equal to a radius of 1.5 feet for each inch of diameter at breast height (dbh) (ie: a 10 inch dbh tree will have a root protection area equal to 15 feet from the main trunk in all directions). All damage resulting from such operations shall be repaired to its original condition or to the satisfaction of the COR at no additional cost to the Government.

2.06

RESPONSIBILITY REGARDING EXISTING STRUCTURES, UTILITIES, EXISTING PLANT MATERIAL AND OTHER LANDSCAPE FEATURES:

The contractor will be held responsible for any damages to, and for maintenance and protection of existing structures. Contractor shall patch, repair or replace portions of sidewalks, curbs, gutters, drives, and the like that are damaged in connection with work under this contract or as a result of operations thereunder. Materials and methods shall conform to the current standards for the area damaged, match existing on-site materials, shall meet the approval of all cognizant officials and the COR. All damaged areas shall make smooth, satisfactory, and imperceptible transitions to existing adjacent work, and shall be performed without additional expense to the USFS.

The contractor will be held responsible for any damages to, and for maintenance and protection of existing utilities. The existence and location of under ground utilities shall be investigated and verified in the field by the contractor before starting work.

The contractor shall preserve and protect all existing vegetation such as trees, shrubs, perennials, and grass areas on or adjacent to trees being pruned or removed which do not reasonably interfere with work. The contractor shall be responsible for all unauthorized cutting or damage to trees and shrubs, including damage due to careless operation of equipment, stockpiling of materials or tracking of grass and other surfaced areas by equipment. Such damaged areas or materials shall be restored, repaired or replaced by the contractor, as directed by the COR, at no additional cost to the Government. Unauthorized cutting or damage to trees will be subject to liquidated damages in accordance with the Guide for Plant Appraisal (9th edition, 2000) authored by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers and the Mid-Atlantic Tree Species Rating Guide developed by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of International Society of Arboriculture. The 2002 value is $42.50 per cross sectional square inch putting a base value for a 32" “specimen” at $34,600.

2.07

CLEANUP AND RESTORATION:

The contractor will be required to furnish all labor, materials, and equipment for daily cleanup and restoration of all disturbed areas or features, which have been damaged during the course of this contract. If so directed by the COR, the contractor shall be prepared to sweep and wash paved surfaces daily or as needed.

2.08

AIR AND WATER POLLUTION CONTROL:

The Contractor shall take all necessary measures to prevent air and water pollution by any material and/or equipment used during the application. The Contractor shall keep the site clean and free of trash, cigarette butts and debris including, but not limited to, plastic labels, bags, etc. All debris shall be disposed of, off the site, at the end of each day unless otherwise directed by the COR.

2.09

APPROVALS: All approvals shall be in writing

PART 3:

EXECUTION

3.01

PRUNING:

3.01.1 Scope

The work to be performed under this section shall include pruning trees in accordance with the American National Standard for Tree Care Operations - Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance - Standard Practices, ANSI A300 (Part 1) -2000 Pruning.

3.01.2 General Requirements

On the same day a tree is pruned the contractor shall remove all wood and debris from the site. Removal and disposal shall be the responsibility of the contractor. There shall be no sale of wood on government property.

B.

The contractor shall chip all material that is 18-24” diameter or less.

If so directed by the COR, chips shall be delivered and unloaded to a specified location in the site and/or blown into adjacent natural areas chips may be blown into adjacent natural areas.

All specified pruning and removals at the site of any one tree shall be completed, including removal of logs and debris, before initiating work on the next tree.

No more than one-fourth (1/4) of the foliage on a mature tree shall be removed during a pruning operation. The COR shall be contacted prior to pruning any tree specified as Maintenance Pruning if said pruning will reduce the surface area of the tree by more than one-fourth.

Upon completion of pruning, one-half (1/2) of the foliage shall remain evenly distributed in the lower two-thirds (2/3) of the crown and individual limbs.

Branches shall be removed in such a manner so as to not cause damage to other parts of the tree. Branches too large to support with one hand shall be precut to prevent splitting or tearing of the bark. Where necessary, to prevent tree or property damage, branches or portions of branches shall be lowered to the ground by ropes or equipment. Under no circumstances can branches be dropped freely onto the road, shoulder, or paved surfaces.

When a branch is cut back to a lateral not more than one-fourth (1/4) of its leaf surface shall be removed. All effort shall be made to cut back to a lateral, one-third (1/3) the diameter of the branch being removed.

When removing a lateral branch at its point of origin on the trunk or parent limb, the final cut shall be made in branch tissue sufficiently close to the trunk or parent limb starting just above a vigorous bud or shoot and running back across the limb at a 45 degree angle, without cutting into the bark branch ridge or branch collar or leaving a protruding stub. When removing a branch with a narrow branch attachment, the final cut should be made from the bottom of the branch up. Where branches cross and rub together or are forming a "V" crotch, one branch shall be removed with consideration of the tree's natural form and structure.

When removing a leader or length of a branch, the angle of the cut should bisect the angle between the branch bark ridge and an imaginary line perpendicular to the leader. Trees which are developing more than one dominant leader shall be selectively pruned to promote a single dominant leader by sub-dominating the other competitive branches. Selection of the dominant leader shall be made with consideration of the tree's natural form and structure.

K.

When removing a dead branch, the final cut shall be made just outside the collar of live tissue. If the collar has grown out along the branch stub, only the dead stub should be removed. The live collar shall remain intact and uninjured. Removing entire or large portions of healthy, sound limbs simply because the contractor chooses not to provide the necessary equipment or labor to remove only the dead or dying terminals of said limb is prohibited.

L.

Old injuries are to be inspected. Those not closing properly and where callus growth is not already completely established should be traced. Only damaged or loose bark should be removed, disturbing a minimal amount of live tissue.

M.

The use of chain saws and circular blade power saws shall be limited to the removal of limbs no less than 2 inches in diameter.

N.

Wounding paint shall not be used.

O.

Climbing hooks shall not be worn while pruning.

3.01.3 Pruning Types:

Young Tree Pruning:

1.

All trees less than 6 inches in caliper shall be pruned to develop a sound scaffold branching system by selective thinning of branches and removal of dead, interfering, split, broken, and large branches with narrow angles of attachment. Scaffold branches should be 1/2 (one half) or less of the diameter of the trunk or parent branch at its attachment. Permanent lateral branches along scaffold limbs should be at least 2 (two) ft. out from the trunk and less than 1/2 the diameter of the limb at its attachment. The objective of pruning shall be as follows.

Deciduous Shade Trees: The central leader system of training shall be followed unless directed other wise by the COR. The recommended spacing between primary scaffold branches should be approximately 18 inches.

Flowering Trees: The modified leader system of training shall be followed unless directed otherwise by the COR. The recommended spacing between primary scaffold limbs should be approximately 6-8 inches.

2.

Trees over walks and trails shall have all lateral limbs and water sprouts removed from the main trunk of the tree to a minimum height of six (6) feet above the ground.

Maintenance Pruning: All trees designated as Maintenance Pruning are in developed areas. Trees shall be pruned to maintain and/or improve health and structure and shall include each of the following pruning types:

Hazard Reduction: Shall consist of the removal of all visible hazards with potential for damage to property or personal injury. Removal shall include, but is not limited to dead wood, heavy or weak horizontal branches and weak crotches. Weak crotches are defined as split or rotted wood between two trunks of limbs that may break and fall during high wind.

Crown Cleaning: Shall consist of the removal of dead, dying, diseased, interfering, objectionable weakly attached, low vigor branches, and water sprouts on the main trunk as well as those within the leaf area one inch in diameter and greater. All dead wood greater than 2 feet in length shall be removed regardless of diameter. An occasional branch up one inch may remain within the main leaf area where it is not practical to remove.

3.

Crown Raising: All street trees and trees over walks and trails over six inches diameter at breast height (dbh) shall have all lateral limbs and water sprouts removed from the main trunk of the tree to a height of seven (7) feet above the ground. All trees over 10 inches dbh must have all lateral limbs and water sprouts removed from the main trunk of the tree to a height of ten (10) feet above the ground. All trees adjacent to buildings and structures shall trimmed to provide three feet of clearance from such structure(s).

3.02

REMOVALS

3.02.1

The work to be performed under this section shall include removing trees in accordance with the American National Standard for Arboricultural Operations - Pruning, Repairing, Maintaining and Removing Trees and Cutting Brush - Safety Requirements - ANSI Z133.1-2000.

3.02.2 General Requirements

For trees specified to have all wood, chips and debris removed, the contractor shall, on the same day the tree is removed, chip all material less than 18 -24 inches in diameter and remove all remaining wood and debris from the park and dispose of legally off site, unless approved otherwise by the COR. Removal of wood and chips from the site and disposal is the responsibility of the contractor. If so directed by the COR, chips shall be delivered and unloaded to a specified location in the site and/or blown into adjacent natural areas. There shall be no sale of wood on government property.

Climbing hooks shall only be worn for tree removals.

The Contractor shall take all reasonable precautions to avoid damaging surrounding vegetation or lawn areas and prevent gouging and erosion of soils as a result of tree removal operations 3.02.3 Execution

Trees shall be felled only when there is an adequate felling area at least equal in radius to the height of the tree. Whenever possible trees should be felled on as level ground as possible avoiding stumps, rocks etc. which may cause the tree to roll when it falls.

Trees that can not be felled due to adjacent trees, vegetation, roadways, buildings, structures, utilities, and/or lack of an adequate felling area shall be topped and/or sectioned.

When topping and/or sectioning is required, the lower limbs shall be removed first working toward the top until the tree is stripped and sections shall be small enough to be safely handled by the worker on a rope. Sectioning shall continue until the tree is low enough for felling.

Pull ropes shall be used on all trees that have potential for damage to property or existing vegetation should they fall in any direction other than that intended. Pull ropes shall be installed before any cutting is done at the base.

Stake holdfasts and men pulling the rope shall be outside the striking distance of the tree. If conditions make this impossible, the tree shall be topped and/or sectioned.

Felling Leaning, Split, Twin, or Hollow Trees: The Contractor is responsible for taking all precautions including, but not limited to, chaining, roping, corner cutting and the use of felling wedges and securely anchored tackle blocks to ensure that the tree will fall where desired and prevent twisting and/or premature splitting or separation of the trunk. If a tree can not be felled safely in one piece, the tree shall be topped and/or sectioned.

Notch: A Standard Notch should be used in the majority of cases. The notch shall be at right angles to the direction of pull. Make two cuts, one parallel or horizontal to the ground, the other at an angle of 45 degrees. The depth should be from 1/4 to 1/3 the diameter of the tree.

Backcut: The backcut should be horizontal and about two inches above the horizontal cut of the notch. Bring the backcut in evenly until there is approximately two inches of holding wood left.

Felling: Before sawing into the two inches of holding wood the power saw operator shall have an adequate and clear escape route to one side of, and away from, the direction of the fall and ensure that all is in readiness for the tree to fall safely. Once this is done the tree can be felled.

All stumps shall be cut to a height not to exceed 2" from grade unless directed otherwise by the COR.

With the exception of stump removal, all specified removals at any one location shall be completed, including removal of logs and debris, before initiating work in another location unless approved otherwise by the COR.

3.03

STUMP GRINDING, STUMP REMOVAL AND TUB GRINDING

3.03.1

GRIND – LEAVE GRINDS IN PLACE

Stumps indicated for grinding shall be ground with a stump grinder to a minimum depth of 12 inches below grade with the depression refilled with the waste material.

If so directed by the COR stumps shall be ground to a depth of 24" or 36” with the depression refilled with the waste material.

Grinding shall include the main stump and all buttress (surface) roots to a minimum distance of 48” from the center of the stump in all directions.

D.

Grubbing stumps shall not be permitted unless approved otherwise by the COR.

3.03.2

GRIND – REMOVE ALL GRINDS, BACKFILL WITH TOPSOIL, AND OVERSEED

Stumps indicated for grinding shall be ground with a stump grinder to a minimum depth of 12 inches below grade with all grinds removed and disposed of off site.

If so directed by the COR stumps shall be ground to a depth of 24" or 36” with all grinds removed and disposed of off site.

Grinding shall include the main stump and all buttress (surface) roots to a minimum distance of 48” from the center of the stump in all directions.

Grubbing stumps shall not be permitted unless approved otherwise by the COR.

E.

The resulting depression(s) shall be refilled with topsoil in uniform (8-10) inch layers and compacted by hand tamping Note: Topsoil/Compost will be provided by the US Forest Service. Loading of topsoil/compost from the USFS storage area, delivery, and placement in the depression shall be the responsibility of the contractor.

F.

After placement and hand tamping of topsoil all bare soil shall be over seeded with a COR approved certified seed blend.

G.

After placement of seed the surface shall be scarified using a hand rake to cover the seed and ensure good soil/seed contact.

3.03.3 Stump Removal

A. Removals shall include the main stump and all buttress (surface) roots to a minimum distance of 48” from the center of the stump in all directions B. The resulting depression(s) shall be refilled with topsoil in uniform (8-10) inch layers and compacted by hand tamping Note: Topsoil/Compost will be provided by the US Forest Service. Loading of topsoil/compost from the USFS storage area, delivery, and placement in the depression shall be the responsibility of the contractor.

C.

After placement and hand tamping of topsoil all bare soil shall be over seeded with a COR approved certified seed blend.

3.03.4 Tub Grinder

A. Grinding of large stockpile of brush and limb with commercial available Track Tub Grinder, or approved equivalent

B. All chips and compost will be left on Forest Service site

3.04

CABLING AND BRACING

3.04.1 Scope

The work to be performed under this section shall include the installation of tree support systems (cabling and bracing) in accordance with the American National Standard for Tree Care Operations - Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance - Standard Practices, ANSI A300 (Part 3) -2000 Support Systems.

3.04.2 Materials

A.

Cable: Shall be Extra High Strength (1 x 7) left hand lay zinc coated strand per ASTM A-475.

B.

Dead End Grips: Shall be manufactured wire rap designed to form a termination in the end of 1 x 7 left hand lay cable that meets the specifications of ASTM A-475 for zinc coated strand.

C.

Thimbles: Shall be galvanized extra heavy-duty wire rope thimbles - Type III, that meet the performance specifications of federal standard FF-T276b

D.

Lag Hook: Shall be a galvanized, lag thread "J" shape anchor.

E.

Eye Bolt: Shall be a galvanized, drop forged, closed-eye bolt.

F.

Turnbuckle: Shall be a galvanized, drop forged, closed-eye device fo adjusting tension.

G.

Lag-thread Screw Rod: Shall be a galvanized, lag-thread, steel rod

H.

Washers: Shall be a heavy-duty or heat-treated round steel washer.

I.

Nuts: Shall be a heavy duty galvanized nut.

3.04.3

Cabling

1.

The contractor shall provide a proposal that describes the exact hardware and system type for cabling (i.e.; direct, triangular, box, hub and spoke) that will be used in each installation. The proposal shall be approved by the COR prior to installing any hardware into a tree (Attachment).

2.

All hardware within a cabling system shall meet or exceed the following minimum hardware sizes*

Maximum Limb Lag Hook Eye Bolt Extra High

Diameter at Point Diameter

Strength Cable of Attachment

2"

1/4"

1/8"

3.5"

5/16"

5"

3/8"

8"

1/2"

5/16"

3/16"

10"

5/8"

15"

N/A

18"

20"

24"

28"

* N/A indicates not an acceptable application

If existing cables are to be replaced, they shall not be removed until the new system is in place.

4.

Anchors shall not be installed into decayed areas where sound wood is less than 30% of the trunk or branch diameter.

5.

Anchors should be installed at or near a point two-thirds (2/3) of the length of the limb or leader to be supported, measured from the trunk or crotch.

6.

The correct angle of cable installation should be perpendicular to an imaginary line bisecting the angle between the tree parts being cabled.

7.

Anchors shall be installed in alignment with the cable and termination hardware (i.e.; not subjected to side loading).

8.

Only one termination shall be attached to an anchor.

9.

Holes shall not be drilled closer together than the diameter of the branch or trunk being drilled.

10.

The diameter of the hole shall not be greater than one-sixth (1/6) the diameter of the limb, trunk, or branch at the point of installation.

11.

Longitudinal alignment of anchors shall be avoided.

12.

Lag-thread hardware shall only be installed in sound wood. The hole for lag head hardware shall be 1/16" to 1/8" smaller than the diameter of the lag.

14.

Holes for through-hardware shall not be drilled greater than 1/8" of the diameter of the hardware being installed.

15.

Lag hook installations shall not damage the bark.

16.

Washers shall be installed with all through-hardware between the nut and the wood.

17.

Washers shall not be countersunk into the wood.

18.

After tightening the nut, all excess through hardware shall be removed and peened to prevent the nut from "backing-off".

19.

Cables shall be taut following installation.

Bracing

1.

The contractor shall provide a proposal that describes the exact hardware and system type for bracing (i.e.; single, parallel, alternating, crossing) that will be used in each installation. The proposal shall be approved by the COR prior to installing any hardware into a tree.

Bracing shall be performed with a lag-thread screw rod and shall meet or exceed the following minimum hardware sizes and quantities

Brace Rod Minimum number Minimum number at Brace of Rods with split of rods with no apparent or included bark split or included bark

<5"

5-8"

8-14"

14-20"

20-38"

3/4"

38-40"

3/4"

40-48"

7/8"

48-52"

52-56"

Braces shall not be installed into decayed areas where sound wood is less than 30% of the trunk or branch diameter (Attachment).

4.

The preferred location for a single rod for a non-split crotch should be one to two times the branch diameter above the crotch.

5.

Brace systems using multiple rods shall have at least one rod above the crotch.

6.

Bracing shall be installed in either a through-brace or dead-end brace configuration.

7.

The hole for the lag-thread screw rod shall be 1/16" smaller than the diameter of the lag.

8.

Through-braces shall be used when bracing through decayed wood or the tree species is a poor compartmentalizer or has weak wood characteristics.

9.

Dead-end bracing shall be installed completely through the smaller or equal portion and at least half way into the other portion.

10.

The exposed ends of the lag thread screw rod shall be fastened with a washer and nut.

11.

Washers shall be countersunk into the bark but not into the wood.

12.

After tightening the nut, all excess screw rod hardware shall be removed and peened to prevent the nut from "backing-off".

3.05

FERTILIZATION/ROOT ENHANCEMENT:

3.05.1

The work to be performed under this section shall include fertilizing trees in accordance with the American National Standard for Tree Care Operations - Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance - Standard Practices, ANSI A300 (Part 2) - 1998 Fertilization.

3.05.1 Equipment: Tree fertilization and root enhancement equipment shall meet or exceed the following specifications:

Soil Injector: shall be a Lesco tree and ornamental feeder, No. 13873, as manufactured by Lesco Inc., 20005 Lake Road, Rocky River, Ohio, 44116, or approved equal capable of delivering liquid fertilizer at a rate of 1/2 gallon to 30 gallons per minute.

Liquid Injection Truck: shall have an agitated tank capable of holding a minimum of 200 gallons with a piston pump designed to deliver abrasive materials at 200-300 pounds per square inch (psi).

3.05.2 Materials:

Fertilizer:

Shall conform to all State and Federal laws and manufactured for arboricultural purposes with a low salt index and low burn potential.

The total nitrogen source shall be 2-4% urea, 4-7% slowly available water soluble nitrogen and 20-25% water insoluble nitrogen, such as Davey Arborgreen, 30-10-7, as manufactured by Davey, 1500 N. Mantua St., Kent, Ohio, 4424, or Doggett, 32-7-7 as manufactured by Doggett Corporation, Cherry St., Lebanon, N.J., 08833, or an approved equal.

Shall be delivered in 40 lb, unopened waterproof bags showing weight, chemical analysis, and name of the manufacturer.

4.

A sample shall be submitted along with documentation and certification indicating analysis with conforming ratios to the COR for approval prior to application.

Mycorrhizal Fungi: MycorTree Tree Saver Injectable as manufactured by Plant Health Care Inc., 440 William Pitt Way, Pittsburgh, PA - 15238, and have rhizosphere bacteria and bioiostimulants and a minimum of 50,000-60,000 spores of Vesicular-Arbuscular Endomycorrhizal Fungi per lb. and include: Entrephospora columbiana; Glomus etunicatum; Glomus clarum; or other Glomus sp. and a minimum of 20 billion spores of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi Pisolithus tictorius per lb.

Root Bio-Stimulants: PHC BioPak as manufactured by Plant Health Care Inc., 440 William Pitt Way, Pittsburgh, PA - 15238, and have (%'s are by weight): 40% humates and Humic Acid; 35% Cold Water Sea Kelp Extract; 7% Essential Amino Acids (18); 6% Sucrose - Natural Sugars; 2% Vitamins and Growth Factors (including B1, B2, B6, B12, Biotin, Folic Acid, Niacin, and Vitamin K); 60 billion Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria per lb; 60 billion Phosphorous Solubilizing Bacteria per lb; and 60 billion Growth Promoting Bacteria per lb.

Wetting Agent: Yucca Concentrate as manufactured by Plant Health Care Inc., 440 William Pitt Way, Pittsburgh, PA - 15238, and have (%'s are by weight): 80% Yucca schidigera plant extract; and 20% Copolymerized Alkane Oxides (Non-ionic surficant).

Fertilizer, Mycorrhizal Fungi, Biostimulants and Wetting agents shall be delivered in closed containers and stored in a manner to prevent wetting and deterioration.

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All fertilization and root enhancement shall be conducted during the time frames identified on the orders schedule and only during favorable weather as determined by the COR. Fertilizer shall only be applied to moist soils and no fertilization shall take place when the soil is excessively wet.

Mixing

Fertilizer: Mix in an agitated mixing tank at a rate of 10 lbs of Davey Arborgreen, 30-10-7 or Doggett, 32-7-7 fertilizer per 100 gallons of water. When fertilizer is well mixed add myccorhizal fungi with bio-stimulants and a wetting agent.

Myccorhizal Fungi with Biostimulants – 1/2 lb. MycorTree Tree Saver Injectable with Root bio-stimulants/100 gallons. Note: If tree(s) are under stress, add an additional ¾ lb (3, ¼ lb. PHC Biopacks)/100 gallons.

Wetting Agent - 1 qt. PHC Yucca Concentrate/100 gallons

Note: After mixing the tank shall be agitated for a minimum of 10 minutes before beginning application.

Application

Mixture shall be injected to a depth to a depth of 2-8 inches and shall not exceed 8 inches.

Mixture shall be injected at sites 18” on center for a period of 3-4 seconds at a constant pressure of 200 lbs per square inch. Injections shall be in a square grid pattern beginning no closer than 3 feet from the trunk outward 3-9 feet beyond the drip line.

Injections shall not be duplicated where bands of adjacent trees overlap.

On trees that have been vertically mulched prior to fertilization, the injection sites shall be located between the trenches.

If requested by the COR, at the conclusion of each work day the contractor shall submit all empty fertilizer bags, bio-stimulant and wetting agent containers so that the quantities can be verified.

3.06

VERTICAL MULCHING/AERATION:

3.06.1

The work to be performed under this section requires the removal of soil via air excavation and replacement with compost and a light-weight aggregate.

3.06.2 Equipment:

Air Excavation Hand tool: Shall be an Air-Spade (Model 150/90) capable of transforming pressurized air from a standard portable air compressor (see specification below) and delivering a highly focused supersonic air stream (app. 1,300 mph) to penetrate soil and fracture it away from tree roots or an approved equal.

Air Compressor: Shall be rated at a minimum of 185 standard cubic feet per minute (scfm) at 100 (pounds per square foot gauge (psig) and be capable of delivering 150 cubic feet of air at 90 lbs.

Soil Removal System: Shall be a vacuum unit capable of removing soil without damaging tree roots such as a Safex excavate system as manufactured by Concept Engineering Group Inc., 15 Plum Street, Verona, PA 15147-2100 (412-826-8601) or an approved equal.

3.06.3 Materials:

Yard Debris Compost: Compost shall be made from yard trimmings such as leaves, grass clippings and prunings that have been properly composted and sieved through a 3/8”screen such as screened leaf mold or approved equal, completely composted and free from all materials such as glass, paper, plastics, and shall meet the following specifications:

1. pH

7.3-7.8

Soluble Salts

4.3-9.9 mmhos/cm

Nitrogen

1.5-2.7%

Phosphorous

.2-.5%

5.

Potassium

.10-2%

6.

Water holding Capacity 110-140%

7.

Bulk Density

1,100-1,200 lbs./cu. yd.

8.

Moisture content

50-70%

9.

Organic Matter

38-46%

10.

Particle Size

100% passage through 3/8" mesh

3.06.4 Execution:

All trenches shall be air-excavated, 3”wide and 18”deep, no closer than three feet apart, and extend outward to the end of the root zone.

The root zone (area to be treated) area shall be an area equal to a radius of 1.5 feet for each inch of dbh (ie: a 30 inch dbh tree will have trenching extending out to a distance 45 feet from the main trunk in all directions).

Trench locations shall be delineated by painting or as otherwise required as follows:

The first four (4) trenches shall be equidistantly spaced around the trunk, originate no closer no closer than 3 feet from the trunk, and extend outward away from the trunk to the end of the root zone.

The second group of four (4) trenches shall be equidistantly spaced between the first four trenches, originate no closer no closer than 10 feet from the trunk, and extend outward away from the trunk to the end of the root zone.

The third set of 8 eight trenches shall be equidistantly spaced between the first two trenching, originate no closer no closer than 15 feet from the trunk, and extend outward away from the trunk to the end of the root zone.

Trenching shall only be conducted on moist soils. No trenching shall take place when the soil is dry or excessively wet as determined by the COR.

All trenches shall be inspected and approved by the COR before backfilling.

All excavations shall be backfilled with a 50% lightweight aggregate and 50% Compost mix by volume, and hand tamped to 85% maximum density.

The entire root zone shall be raked or dragged at the end of each day to evenly spread excess excavate.

All debris and excess excavate shall be removed from the site.

If requested by the COR, at the conclusion of each work day the contractor shall submit all empty compost and lightweight aggregate bags so that the quantities can be verified.

3.07

SPRAYING INSECTICIDES

3.07.1

The work to be performed under this SECTION shall consist of providing and applying insecticides to deciduous and/or evergreen trees.

3.07.2 Materials and Equipment

Sprayers:

Shall be high volume capable of application at 500 pounds per square inch or greater (ie: appx 60 gallons per minute) with hydraulic agitation.

Shall be leak proof and corrosion resistant. Galvanized (zinc coated) spray equipment is not permitted for use.

Shall be thoroughly cleaned and free of rust, residues, and particulate matter such as grit and sand.

Shall be equipped with properly fitting covers or hatch plates.

Shall be equipped with standard hoses and nozzles of the type most commonly used in applications of horticultural oils.

Insecticide: Shall be the correct product for the pest. Or an approved equal.

Water: Shall be potable.

3.07.3

Pre-Application

A pre-application conference will be held prior to mixing or transporting any insecticide to the designated sites. The time, date, and location shall be agreeable to personnel of the Contractor and Grey Towers who are responsible for the contractual requirements of both parties. Topics for discussion, but not limited to, will be scheduling and posting areas to be treated, handling, mixing, application, sprayer capabilities (ie: pressure and nozzle types) and, safety etc. Participation at this conference is mandatory prior to beginning any applications. After the conference the contractor shall notify the COR 48 hours prior to beginning any work.

The contractor shall be responsible for the calibration of handgun and high volume equipment during calibration and characterization trials at a mutually agreed upon time and place before spraying begins. All applications shall be in accordance with the pressures and flow rates established during these trials.

The contractor will be responsible for procurement, handling, storage, and safeguarding of insecticide from the time of delivery through completion of applications. All operations will conform to manufacture's pesticide label instructions and the appropriate state requirements for storage, transportation, and application of insecticides.

Spill Plan: The contractor shall develop and submit a pesticide spill plan to the Forest Service for approval before any pesticides are delivered.

Mixing:

Tanks shall be inspected before filling with water or insecticide.

All hoses for filling shall be equipped with anti-siphon valves to prevent back siphoning into water source.

Application:

All applications shall be conducted under favorable weather as determined by the COR.

No applications shall be conducted when the winds are gusty or in excess of 5 miles per hour or when other conditions, including lesser wind velocities, will allow drift to occur. Avoid combinations of pressure and nozzle type that will result in fine particles (mist) which are more likely to drift.

All applications shall be such that coverage to the trunk, scaffold limbs, and branches is uniform and complete. Spray shall be properly directed to avoid drift and contact with vehicles and adjacent buildings and/or structures.

The contractor shall provide all routine maintenance to the spray system at times that will not interfere with the scheduled spraying. Only emergency repairs are to be performed during scheduled spray hours.

During spray applications it may be necessary to flush the spray system with water when the operation is delayed because of inclement weather or other factors. All flush water shall sprayed on a treatment site identified by the government at the contractor's expense.

6.

If requested by the COR, at the conclusion of each workday the contractor shall submit all empty dormant oil containers so that the quantities can be verified.

7.

All signs shall be removed within 24 hours after treatment.

3.08

TREE PROTECTION FENCING

3.08.1 Scope:

The work to be performed under this section consists of the installation of fencing and/or hardwood mulch to protect trees from construction and/or visitor use activities.

Unless indicated otherwise by the COR, the area to be protected shall be an area equal to a radius of 1.5 feet for each inch of diameter at breast height (dbh). Therefore, a 10-inch dbh tree would require protection 15 feet from the trunk in all directions.

3.08.2 Materials

Stakes: Shall be 2" steel U channel posts a minimum of 5 1/2 ft. in length or 2 x 2 " hardwood stakes 6' in length.

Fencing: Shall be 4-foot high wooden slat fencing

Wire: Shall be 12 gauge-annealed zinc coated wire

Mulch: Shall be shredded hardwood mulch derived from recycled wood products and yard waste, aged, dark brown to black in color, have a particle size not to exceed 1/2 x 6 inches, be neutral pH, and free of sticks, stones, clay or any other matter injurious to plant growth.

3.08.3

Installation of Fence: A complete circular enclosure of fencing shall be erected around the defined root protection area. Steel posts shall be driven along the perimeter of the area 10-ft.