Attachment 2 Landscape Specification.pdf

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28 JAN 11 Page 1

SECTION 07000

LANDSCAPE SPECIFICATIONS

PART 1 GENERAL

1.1 DESCRIPTION OF WORK

• The extent of vegetation installation is indicated on the drawings and described in the Statement of Work (SOW) or Statement of Objectives (SOO).

• Types of work required include the following:

• Furnishing trees, shrubs, groundcover, weed fabric and mulch

• Submitting soil samples for laboratory for analysis

• Excavation of planting pits, soil preparation, disposal of unsuitable soil, and backfilling

• Installation of vegetation, soil amendment, placement of weed barrier fabric, and staking of trees

• Maintenance period of 120 calendar days after Government acceptance

• Irrigation System and Turf Planting: If irrigation is to be installed by the contractor, the irrigation system must be fully operational prior to commencement of landscape and tree operations

1.2 QUALITY ASSURANCE

1.2.1 Comply with all applicable local, state and federal requirements regarding materials, methods of work, and disposal of excess and waste materials.

1.2.2 All trees shall be true to name as ordered or shown on the planting plans and shall be labeled individually or in groups by species and cultivar (where appropriate).

1.2.3 Trees shall be free of pests (insects, pathogens, nematodes or other injurious organisms); where formal arrangements of consecutive order of trees are shown, select stock for uniform height and spread.

1.2.4 No plant substitution shall be permitted without written approval by the Government. If required landscape material is not obtainable, submit proof of non-availability to the Government, together with a written proposal for use of an equivalent plant material. At the time bids are submitted, the contractor is assumed to have located the materials necessary to complete the job as specified.

1.2.5 The contractor shall guarantee all plants for one (1) year from the date of written acceptance by the Government. Guarantee Definition: At any and all times throughout the one (1) year warranty period all dead or dying plants and all those determined not to be in a normal, vigorous growing condition are to be replaced with similar size and exact same species of plant at no expense to the Government within fourteen (14) calendar days of receipt of written or email

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28 JAN 11 Page 2 notification. The contractor is not responsible for unusual phenomena or incidents which are beyond the contractor’s control.

1.3 QUALITY CONTROL

1.3.1 Crown Form:

The form or shape of the crown is typical for a young specimen of the species/cultivar. The crown is not significantly deformed by wind, pruning practices, pests or other factors.

1.3.2 Leaves:

The size, color and appearance of leaves are typical for the time of year and stage of growth of the species/cultivar. Leaves are not stunted, misshapen, tattered, discolored (chlorotic or necrotic) or otherwise atypical.

1.3.3 Trees shall have a single, relatively straight central leader and tapered trunk, free of co-dominant stems and vigorous, upright braches that compete with the central leader. See

Exhibit A.

1.3.4 Branches:

Shoot growth (length and diameter) throughout the crown is typical for the age/size of the species/cultivar. Trees do not have dead, diseased, broken, distorted or other serious branch injuries.

1.3.5 Main Branches: Branches should be distributed radially around and vertically along the trunk, forming a generally symmetrical crown typical for the species.

• Main Branches,: shall be well spaced. See Exhibit B.

• Branch diameter shall be no greater than two thirds (2/3) the diameter of the trunk, measured one inch (1”) above the branch. See Exhibit C.

• The attachment of scaffold branches shall be free of included bark. See Exhibit D.

• Trunk: The trunk should be fairly straight, vertical and free of wounds (except properly –made pruning cuts), sunburned areas, conks (fungal fruiting bodies), wood cracks, bleeding areas, signs of boring insects, galls, cankers/lesions and girdling ties.

• Tree height and trunk diameter are typical for the age, species/cultivar and container size.

• Roots: The root system is free of injury from biotic (insects, pathogens, etc.) and abiotic agents (herbicide toxicity, salt injury, excess irrigations, etc.). Root distribution is uniform throughout the soil mix or growth media and growth is typical for the species/cultivar.

Exhibit A.

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Acceptable tree leader

Unacceptable tree leader Exhibit B.

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Exhibit C.

acceptable unacceptable acceptable unacceptable

Exhibit D.

acceptable Unacceptable acceptable unacceptable

Exhibit E

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One gallon plants Top row is preferred - Bottom row is unacceptable

1.4 TRUNK

1.4.1 Trunk diameter and taper shall be sufficient so that the tree will remain vertical without the support of a nursery stake.

1.4.2 Trunk diameter at six inches (6”) above the soil shall be within the diameter range shown for each container size below:

Container Size Trunk Diameter (inches)

# 5 (gallon) …………………….. 0.5” to 0.75”

# 15 (gallon) …………………... 0.75” to 1.5”

24 inch box …………………....... 1.5” to 2.5”

1.5 ROOTS

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1.5.1 The trunk, root collar (root crown) and large roots shall be free of circling and/or kinked roots.

Soil removal near the root collar may be necessary to inspect for circling and/or kinked roots.

Preferable Unacceptable

1.5.2 The tree shall be well rooted in the soil mix. When the container is removed, the root-ball shall remain intact. When the trunk is carefully lifted both the trunk and root system shall move as one.

Preferable Unacceptable

1.5.3 The upper—most roots or root collar shall be within one inch (1”) above or below the soil surface.

1.5.4 The root-ball periphery should be free of large circling and bottom matted roots. The acceptable diameter of circling peripheral roots depends on species and size of root-ball. The maximum acceptable size should be indicated for the species (if necessary).

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Preferable unacceptable

Unacceptable Preferred

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1.6 MOISTURE STATUS

At the time of inspection and delivery, the root ball shall be moist throughout. The crown shall show no signs of moisture stress as indicated by wilted, shriveled or dead leaves or branch dieback. The roots shall show no sign of excess soil moisture conditions as indicated by poor root growth, root discoloration, distortion, death or foul odor. If the tree shows signs of any of the above mentioned problems, the tree shall be rejected and must be replaced by another tree of the same size and species at no additional cost to the Government.

1.7 MEASUREMENTS

The trees shall be measured with branches and trunks or canes in their normal position. Do not prune to obtain required sizes. When using a caliper tape measure to determine the diameter of a tree trunk, take the circumference measurement six (6) inches from the top of root ball. To determine the diameter of a large tree with a regular tape measure, measure the circumference of the tree at 4-1/2 feet and divide the number by PI (3.14). If the tree has a canker, gall or branch at 4-1/2 feet, measure the smallest point below 4-1/2 feet. Measure main body of all plant material of height and spread dimensions, do not measure from branch or root tip-to-tip.

1.8 INSPECTION

The Government’s representative may choose to inspect plants either at place of growth or at site before planting for compliance with requirements for genus, species, variety, size, and quality.

The Government retains right to further inspect plants for size and condition of balls and defective root systems, insects, injuries, and latent defects, and to reject unsatisfactory or defective, materials at any time during progress of work. Remove rejected plant materials immediately from project site and replace with acceptable material at no additional cost to the Government.

1.9 DEFINITIONS

Acid soil -- A soil with a pH lower than 7.0 is an acidic soil.

Aerate -- Loosening or puncturing the soil to increase water penetration.

Allelopathy -- An anti-competition mechanism of some (particularly scrub and chaparral) plants, whereby chemicals are released into the environment that inhibit germination or growth of other plants.

Alkaline soil -- A soil with a pH higher than 7.0 is an alkaline soil.

Ball and Burlap -- refers to the root-ball which has been dug up, while "burlapped" refers to the wrapping material traditionally used for transporting tree and shrub deliveries.

Botanical name -- The Latin or “scientific” name of a plant, usually composed of two words, the genus and the species.

Clay -- Composed of plate-like particles 0.0002 to 0.002 millimeters in diameter. Due to very tiny flat particles, clay soil feels greasy when rubbed between the fingers. Clay soil drains exceedingly slowly.

Co-dominant -- Two or more vigorous and upright branches of relatively equal size that originate from a common point, usually where the leader has been lost or removed Crown -- The aboveground part of the tree including the trunk.

Crown rot -- Fungal disease infecting tissues in woody plants where the stem meets the roots.

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Cultivar -- A named plant selection from which identical or nearly identical plants can be produced, usually by vegetative propagation or cloning.

Cultivate -- Process of breaking up the soil surface, removing weeds, and preparing for planting.

Dethatch – To remove organic matter, grass stems and layers of roots from a lawn using a power rake.

Drip line -- The circle which would exist if you drew a line below the tips of the outer most branches of a tree or plant.

Erosion -- The wearing away, washing away, or removal of soil by wind, water or man.

Germinate --When a seed, spore or other structure begins or resumes growth.

Girdling root -- A root that partially or entirely encircles the trunk and/or buttress roots, which could restrict growth and downward movement of photosynthate and/or water and nutrients.

Green waste compost -- A 'restricted' material under organic standards, which means that an organic producer needs to get approval from Soil Association Certification Ltd (SA Certification) before they can use green waste materials on organic land and crops.

Included bark -- Bark embedded within the crotch between a branch and the trunk or between two or more stems that prevents the formation of a normal branch bark ridge.

Kinked root -- A primary root (s), that is sharply bent, which restricts water, nutrient, and photosynthate movement. Kinked roots may compromise the structural stability of roots systems.

Leader -- The dominant stem which usually develops into the main trunk.

Mulch -- A loose layer either natural or man-made, composed of organic or mineral materials, placed on top of soil near plants for weed and plant predator suppression, for insulation against heat or cold near roots of plants, and to conserve water in dry areas.

Native plant -- A plant that evolved in response to the environmental conditions here.

Photosynthate -- Pertains to sugar and other carbohydrates that are produced by the foliage during photosynthesis, an energy trapping process.

Root collar -- The flared area at the base of a tree where the roots and trunk merge. Also referred to as the “root crown” or “root flare”.

Scaffold branches -- Large, main branches that form the main structure of the tree.

Trunk -- The main stem or axis of a tree that is supported and nourished by the roots and to which branches are attached.

Vertical Drain – A well, pipe, pit, or bore into porous underground strata into which drainage water can be discharged.

1.10.0 CLEARING AND GRUBBING

1.10.1 This work shall consist of removing objectionable material from within areas to be excavated and other areas as specified. Clearing and grubbing shall be performed in advance of grading operations and in accordance with the requirements outlined in these specifications.

1.10.2 Within the limits of clearing, the areas below the natural ground surface shall be grubbed to a depth necessary to remove all stumps, roots, buried logs, and all other objectionable material.

1.10.3 Trees and plants that are not to be removed shall be protected from injury or damage resulting from the contractor’s operations at the contractor’s expense. Only trees and plants that are designated or marked for removal by the Project Manager shall be removed.

1.10.4 Trees shall be felled in such a manner as not to injure standing trees, plants and improvements which are to be protected.

1.10.5 Materials removed shall be disposed properly outside Los Angeles Air Force Base.

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1.11 SUBMITTALS: The contractor shall provide the following submittal to 61 CELS/CEPM through the Contracting Officer for approval, prior to the start of any activities on LAAFB.

• Product Certification: Submit certificates of inspections as may be required by governing authorities to accompany shipments. For standard products, submit manufacturer’s certified analysis. For other materials, submit analysis by a recognized laboratory made in accordance with methods established by Association of Official Agricultural Chemist.

• Planting Schedule: Submit proposed planting schedule indicating anticipated dates and locations for each type planting.

• Material Sources:

- Submit to the Government, a list of all plant materials and their source.

- Submit to the Government a sample of all soil amendment materials and their source.

- Submit to the Government a sample of all mulch materials, to include wood chips, tree bark, rock, and glass, and their source.

This list shall be submitted no later than five (5) days after Notice to Proceed.

• Submit the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for any and all chemicals to be used on the job site prior their use.

• Maintenance Instructions: Submit typewritten instructions recommending procedures to be established by the Government for maintenance of landscape work during entire year.

Submit prior to final inspection for Government acceptance of landscape work

• As the project progresses, additional submittals may be required. These will be identified, before construction begins, with anticipated submittal dates.

Photographs of required submittal materials are unacceptable. Materials such as wood chips, tree bark, rock and glass mulches and soil amendments etc. shall be submitted in two (2) quart containers. The container shall be labeled accordingly to the material contained inside, the project name, number and submittal number.

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PART 2 MATERIALS

2.1 SOIL AMENDMENT

2.1.1 Soil amendment shall be green waste mulch, also known as yard waste compost, which has been aged oxidized. The mulch shall not contain bio solids, cow or dairy products.

2.1.2 The mulch shall be approximately half inch (1/2”) to three-quarters (3/4”) of an inch in size.

2.2 COMMERCIAL FERTILIZER

2.2.1 Commercial fertilizer shall conform to the requirements of the California Food and Agricultural

Code.

2.2.2 Commercial fertilizer for turf planting work shall be in granular form and shall have the chemical analysis specified in the Statement of Work.

2.2.3 Commercial fertilizer shall not be used in the planting work of California Native plants.

2.3 TOP SOIL

2.3.1 Top soil shall consist of fertile, friable soil of loamy character, and shall contain an amount of organic matter normal to the region. It shall be obtained from well-drained arable land and shall be free of subsoil, refuse, roots, heavy or stiff clay, stones larger than one inch in size, coarse sand, noxious seeds, sticks, brush, litter and other deleterious substances.

2.3.2 Top soil shall be capable of sustaining healthy plant (turf) life.

2.4 SULFUR

Commercial sulfur shall be Elemental Sulfur, (99% sulfur material).

2.5 MULCH

2.5.1 Unless otherwise specified in the Statement of Work or shown on the plans, mulch shall consist of two (2) inch size redwood bark.

2.5.2 Mulch all exposed soil surfaces immediately after planting with a minimum depth three inches

(3”) of bark. Do not place bark mulch directly against the trunk/ stem of vegetation.

2.6 DECORATIVE ROCK MULCH

2.6.1 Rock mulch work shall consist of furnishing and placing decorative rock mulch, including site preparation, edging, and weed control fabric as shown on the plans.

2.6.2 The color of rock shall be as stated in the Statement of Work.

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2.6.3 The Contractor shall submit a two (2) quart container sample of rock to the Project Manager for approval prior to purchase of materials.

2.6.4 Weed control fabric shall be manufactured from thermally spun bonded polypropylene fabric and shall conform to the following:

Specification Minimum Requirement

Grab Tensile Strength

81/79 lbs

Grab Elongation 60/63% UV Resistance 70% @ 150 hours Mass Color

3.24 oz/sq/yd Brown and/or tan

2.6.5 Weed control fabric shall be placed in areas to receive gravel mulch. Weed control fabric shall be placed loosely with longitudinal and transverse joints overlapped twelve inches (12”). Staples shall be two (2) inches wide, eight (8) inches in length, and 11 gauge wires. Following placement, the fabric shall lie flat, smooth and be in uniform contact with the soil surface, without bulges or wrinkles. Fabric shall be stabilized or stapled in place to keep fabric in place during gravel placement and compaction.

2.6.6 Staples shall be two (2) inches wide, eight (8) inches in length, and 11 gauge wire.

2.6.7 Areas to receive gravel mulch shall be cleared of trash, debris, compacted to 80% and graded to a smooth surface.

2.6.8 Rock mulch shall be raked to evenly blend various material sizes forming a smooth uniform surface.

2.7 ROOT BARRIERS – Linear Style Planting

2.7.1 Root barriers shall be black, extruded panels of 0.080” wall thickness in modules of thirty-six

(36”) high by twenty-four inches (24”) long. Panels shall be manufactured with homopolymer polyethylene with added ultraviolet inhibitors. All root barrier panels shall vertically interlock, to prevent roots from prying the panels apart.

2.7.2 The vertical root directing ribs shall be facing inwards toward the root ball and the top edge shall be half inch (½”) above grade. Each of the required number of panels shall be joined in a linear fashion and placed along the adjacent curb.

2.7.3 To determine the correct number of panels to be used, contractor shall take the anticipated mature canopy diameter of the tree and add two (2) feet. This will be the number of feet necessary for a linear style planting application.

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Root Barriers

For One Side of a Tree

Expected Tree Feet of Number of Canopy at Maturity Barrier Panels

12’ (3.6m) Dia. +2’ (61cm) = 14’ (4.2m) 7 Panels 18’ (5.5m) Dia. +2’ (61cm) = 20’ (6.1m) 10 Panels 24’ (7.3m) Dia. +2’ (61cm) = 26’ (7.9m) 13 Panels

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2.8 STAKES AND GUY WIRES

2.8.1 Plants to be staked shall have two (2) stakes. The stakes shall be installed two (2) feet from the edge of the root ball approximately two (2) feet deep on opposite sides of the plant in a transverse direction to the prevailing winds.

2.8.2 Stakes shall be two (2) inch nominal diameter round stakes and sufficient length to support each plant in an upright position, but not impede the plants canopy by more than two (2) inches.

2.8.3 After installation of the tree stakes, the height of each stake shall be a maximum of two inches

(2”) above the tree tie.

2.8.4 Each plant requiring stakes shall be tied with one tie to each stake. The ties shall be installed at the lowest position which will support the plant in an upright position. Ties should provide flexibility, but not allow the trunk to rub against the stakes. Tie shall be of extruded vinyl-base tape, one inch (1”) wide and a minimum of 10 mils thick. Each tie shall form a figure eight by crossing the tie between the plant and stake, and the figure eight shall be formed twice. Each end of the tie shall then be wrapped one and one-half (1-1/2) turns around the stake and securely tied.

2.8.5 Guy wire assemblies shall be used on all evergreen trees ten feet (10’) and taller and all deciduous tree three inches (3”) and greater in caliper.

2.8.6 Three guy wires shall be spaced equally about each tree at approximately 120 degrees between each guy. Each guy shall consist of two strands of galvanized #12 gauge wire and be attached to the tree at an angle of approximately 45 degrees at about one-third (1/3) to one-half (1/2) the height of the tree.

2.8.7 12mm or ½” (half inch) reinforced black rubber hose shall be used to encase guy wires and prevent direct contact with the bark of the tree.

2.8.8 Each guy shall be anchored in the ground using a Duckbill anchor or an approved equal. Drive anchor approximately Twenty-four inches (24”) below finished grade.

2.8.9 Each guy shall be made taut using six inch (6”) turnbuckles.

2.8.10 Brightly colored flagging tape shall be attached to each guy for the duration of the tree support.

2.8.11 Tree stakes and guy wires shall be removed once the trees are stable. Tree stakes and guy wires should remain for a maximum of two years.

2.9 FILTER FABRIC

2.9.1 The fabric consists exclusively of manmade thermoplastic fibers, is a non-woven geo-textile fabric, and forms a mat of uniform quality. Fabric fibers are continuous and random throughout the fabric. The fabric shall be medium weight (6oz to 8oz), 100% polypropylene needle punched that is heatset. The filter fabric shall meet the requirement for AASHTO M-228 for Class 2 applications.

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2.9.2 The fabric is mildew resistant and rot-proof and it is satisfactory for use in a wet soil and aggregate environment..

2.9.3 Following placement, the fabric shall lie flat, smooth and be in uniform contact with the soil surface, without bulges or wrinkles. Fabric shall be stabled or staked in place to keep fabric in place during gravel placement and compaction.

2.10 POST EMERGENT HERBICIDE

“Round Up” or approved equal may be utilized in the planting area to control weeds until final acceptance by the Government. All chemicals must be applied by a licensed Chemical Applicator.

2.11 PLANTING MIXTURE

Soil for use in back-filling tree pits shall be excavated soil from the planting pit unless otherwise specified by the Government. Soil with poor drainage is unsuitable to be used as back-fill. Immediately dispose of unsuitable subsoil from the landscape excavation. Do not mix with amendments or use as back-fill.

2.12 HYDRO-SEEDING

2.12.1 The soil stabilizing emulsion blend to be applied shall be a true emulsion consisting of two completely immiscible liquids, in which minute globules of one liquid are dispersed but not dissolved throughout the other liquid. The blend must also be manufactured exclusively with generally regarded as safe (GRAS) materials.

2.12.2 The soil stabilizing emulsion blend to be used shall consist of at least (3) three different linear anionic copolymer of acrylamide/sodium acrylate in water-in-oil emulsions, lending distinct molecular weights greater than 12x106 and anionic mole percentages (charge density) greater than 25%, within one emulsion. The blend must be guaranteed to contain 30% (+/- 1%) active polymer, in which all of the active particles are ultra fine in size. The blend shall also be guaranteed to have 100 ppm (parts per million) or less of residual acrylamide.

2.12.3 The soil stabilizing emulsion shall be nontoxic to plant and animal life. It must also be registered and licensed by the State of California, Department of Food and Agriculture, as an “auxiliary soil amendment.”

2.12.4 The fiber to be used shall be either of wood fiber, paper fiber or a combination of the two and shall be produced from natural or recycled (pulp) fiber, such as wood chips or similar wood materials or from newsprint, and shall be free of synthetic or plastic materials. Fiber shall not contain more than 7 percent ash as determined by the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) Standard T 413. Fiber shall contain less than 250 ppm boron and shall be otherwise nontoxic to plant or animal life.

2.12.5 Fiber shall have a water-holding capacity by mass of not less than 1200 percent. Fiber shall be of such character that the fiber will disperse into uniformed slurry when mixed with water. Water content of the fiber before mixing into slurry shall not exceed 15 percent of the dry mass of the fiber. The percentage of water in the fiber shall be determined by California Test.

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2.12.6 Fiber shall have the moisture content of the fiber marked on the package. Fiber shall be colored to contrast with the area on which the fiber is to be applied, and shall not stain concrete or painted surfaces. A Certificate of Compliance for fiber shall be furnished to the Project Manger. The seed to be applied shall be as shown on the plans and/or specified within the Statement of Work.

2.12.7 Seed shall be labeled by the vendors supplying the seed. Seed shall have been tested for purity and germination not more than 12 months prior to the application of the seed. The test results from seed testing shall be delivered to the Project Manager prior to applying the seed. Seed labels furnished by the seed vendors supplying the seed shall indicate the purity, germination and pure live seed as determined by testing.

2.12.8 Mixing of materials for application with hydro-seeding equipment shall be performed in a tank with a built-in continuous agitation system of sufficient operating capacity to produce a homogeneous mixture and a discharge system which will apply the mixture at a continuous and uniform rate. The tank shall have a minimum capacity of 1,000 gallons. The Project Manager may authorize use of equipment of smaller capacity, if it is demonstrated that the equipment is capable of performing all operations satisfactorily.

2.12.9 A dispersing agent may be added to the mixture provided the contractor furnishes evidence that the additive is not harmful. Any material considered harmful, as determined by the Project Manager, shall not be used.

2.12.10 Any mixture containing stabilizing emulsion shall not be applied during rainy weather or when soil temperatures are below 40 degrees F. Pedestrians or equipment shall not be permitted to enter areas where mixtures containing stabilizing emulsion have been applied.

2.13 VERTICAL DRAINS

2.13.1 Vertical Drains shall be installed per the drawing. All vertical drains no matter the size of the container plant shall be a minimum of six (6) inches in diameter and a minimum of three (3) feet deep. The size and depth of the vertical drain shall be verified by the Government Inspector before filling.

2.13.2 The drain shall be filled with three-quarters (3/4”) inch angular gravel and covered with a one (1’) foot by one (1’) foot square of 6 oz Non-woven Needle punched Polypropylene fabric. The fabric square shall held in place with four (4) 6”x1”x6” 11-gage galvanized Anchor pins.

2.13.3 The root ball of the plant shall be center over the vertical drain during the planting process.

When two (2) or more vertical drains are required, the plant shall be center between all the drains.

2.14 MISCELLANEOUS MATERIALS

Refer to the SOW or SOO and details. All materials not specifically described here in this document, but required for a complete and proper installation may be selected at the contractor discretion, however, all materials must go through the submittal process and be approved the Government.

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PART 3 EXECUTION

3.1 INSTALLATION OF VEGETATION

3.1.1 No planting shall be done in any area until the area concerned has been prepared in conformance with the Statement of Work and these specifications. When an irrigation system is required, the irrigation system shall be installed and checked for coverage to the satisfaction of the Project Manager prior to the installation of plants.

3.1.2 Trees shall be planted first in planter beds, followed by shrubs, perennials and groundcovers.

3.1.3 A Certified Tree Arborist must be present at the planting of all trees which are forty-eight (48”) boxes size or larger. If there are girdling roots, (girdling roots are roots that are growing in a circular pattern around the base of the trunk) the tree shall not be planted, unless the Certified Arborist can immediately correct the problem. If the arborist cannot correct the problem the tree must be replaced with another tree of the same size and species.

3.1.4 Where vegetation is shown on the plans to be planted in groups, the outer rows shall be parallel to the nearest roadway. Vegetation in adjacent rows shall be set in a staggered pattern. A Staggered Pattern - viewed from the front, the individual shrubs or trees in the second row are planted in the middle of the void space of the shrubs or trees in the first row. The shrubs or trees should alternate like the pattern made by all the red or black squares on a checkerboard. The same on center spacing shall be maintained between rows so the vegetation is equidistant in every direction.

3.1.5 Plants shall be removed from their containers in such a manner that the root-ball of earth surrounding the roots is not broken. Plants shall be planted and watered as herein specified immediately after planting in the ground.

3.1.6 Excavate pits, beds, and trenches according to drawings with vertical but “rough” sides. Avoid creating smooth or “glazed” sides of pit. Leave soil in bottom of pit undisturbed.

3.1.7 All tree pits shall be a minimum two and a half (2-1/2) times the width of the root ball and be no deeper than the root ball to avoid settling. Do not excavate tree pits until preliminary approval has been obtained from the Government. All trees shall be planted two inches (2”) above the existing or anticipated grade.

3.1.8 All other plantings pits shall be a minimum one and a half (1-1/2) times the width of the root ball and excavated eighteen (18”) inches deep. Backfill pits with amended soil. Compact soil under the root ball to avoid settling. All shrubs, perennials and groundcover shall be planted one inch (1”) above the existing or anticipated grade.

3.1.9 Immediately dispose of unsuitable subsoil removed from landscape excavations off site. Do not mix with planting soil or use as back-fill.

3.1.10 Soil samples shall be taken at a minimum depth of two (2’) feet. All samples shall be sent to a soil laboratory for analysis of the pH levels, nutrients, and texture. The contractor shall submit a copy of the soil’s report to the Government before planting.

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3.1.11 If rock, underground construction, or other obstructions are encountered in excavation for the planting of trees, notify the Government. New locations may be selected by the Government, or change order may be issued to direct removal of obstructions to depth of not less than six inches (6”) below required planting depth.

3.1.12 Test all tree planting pits for adequate percolation. If no trees are to be planted follow the soil test requirements per the Statement of Work. If subsoil conditions indicate retention of water in planting areas, or if seepage or other evidence indicating presence of underground water exists, notify the Government before backfilling. A change order may be issued to direct installation of a vertical drain or other measures beyond drainage requirement indicated.

3.1.15 Before backfilling, remove stones, clay lumps, and other extraneous materials harmful or toxic to plant growth, and dispose of offsite.

3.1.16 Nursery stakes in plants containers stored at the project site shall be removed before transporting the plants to the planting areas, unless otherwise directed by the Project Manager.

3.1.17 Set container grown stock the same way as specified for balled and bur-lapped stock, except remove container before setting. Carefully remove cover and sides of wooden boxes after partial backfilling so as not to damage root-balls.

3.1.18 Plants shall be planted in such a manner that the roots are not restricted or distorted. Encircling roots shall be removed.

3.1.21 Construct water retention basin as directed in plans, at least three inches (3”) high and twice the diameter of the root-ball.

3.1.22 Mulch pits, trenches, and planted areas. Provide a minimum three inch (3”) layer of mulch on top of the root-ball. Keep bark six (6”) inches away from the trunk of trees and two (2”) inches from the stem of shrubs. Rock mulch can be placed within one (1”) inch of a tree trunk or shrub stem.

3.1.23 Unless otherwise directed by the Government, do not cut tree leaders, and remove only injured or dead branches. If after pruning, the plant has become misshapen or changed in appearance, the plant will be rejected.

3.1.24 Stake or guy wire trees immediately after planting. Stake deciduous trees less than (>) three inches (3”) in caliper and evergreen tree less than ten feet (10’) tall. Trees that require staking shall be staked in accordance with the tree planting and staking details shown on the drawings.

3.1.25 Two stakes shall be installed on opposite sides of the plant in a transverse direction to the prevailing wind one foot away from the root-ball of the plant to a minimum of twenty-four inches (24”) below finished grade.

3.1.26 Stakes shall be of sufficient lengths to support each plant in an upright position. Tree stakes shall be either two inch (2”) nominal diameter round stakes or two inch by two inch (2” x 2”) nominal size square stakes, at the contractor’s option.

3.1.27 Mulch shall be applied at the depth shown on the plan or specified in the Statement of Work.

When a depth is not shown, the minimum depth shall be three (3”) inches no matter what type of mulch. It shall be placed in areas as shown on the plans. Mulch shall be placed around the vegetation, but not on top of the crown.

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3.2 WATERING

3.21 All one (1) and five (5) gallon plants shall be watered at the rate of one (1) gallon per minute for a minimum of twenty (20) minutes. All fifteen (15) gallon plants shall be watered at the rate of one

(1) gallon per minute for a minimum of forty-five (45) minutes. All twenty-four (24”) and thirty-six (36”) inch boxed or burlap trees shall be watered at the rate of one (1) gallon per minute for a minimum of two (2) hours. All trees larger than thirty-six (36”) inch containers shall be watered at the rate of one (1) gallon per minute for a minimum of six (6) hours.

3.22 Where watering is done with a hose, a hose bubbler shall be used. If a hose bubbler is not available the contractor shall set the water gpm in the presence of the Project Inspector or Project Manager.

The rate shall be no grater than one (1) gallon per minute. Under no circumstances shall the full force of the water from the open end of a hose be allowed to create holes or pockets within the basin or surrounding soil of any plants.

3.23 After watering all plants, Contractor shall adjust vegetation as necessary to correct depth of planting, vertical alignment and/or to compensate for settling. Soil shall be firmed around each plant as final adjustments are made.

3.24 Watering to maintain the health and vigor shall be done as necessary. Check the soil moisture in the rootball of new plants, as well as the surrounding soil on a regular basis. Use a moisture meter or a soil sample probe. Depending on the soil, it is possible for the surrounding soil to be damp to moist and the rootball completely dry.

3.25 Do not water if the soil is moist at the root level. The soil surface will often appear to be dry even though the soil at the roots is properly moist.

3.26 Winter is the time that native plants require water. It is imperative to water the plants thoroughly during the winter and spring months.

3.27 If Santa Ana winds are forecasted, water before their arrival to prevent the plants from drying out.

At all times before you water, check the soil a minimum of eight (8”) inches below the mulch. Is it wet? Do not water. Is it moist? Do not water.

3.28 If you want to give extra water in the spring to increase the rainfall to normal levels, then water. If it is summer or the soil is moist do not water. If the soil is dry you can water for the first summer.

After the first summer, water only in the spring to bring moisture levels up to normal rainfall levels or beyond if your plant comes from a higher rainfall area. Also, if there is a period of no rain for more than 2-3 weeks during the winter rain period in the southwest it is ok to give supplemental water.

3.3 FINAL CLEAN UP

Before final inspection of the work, the contractor shall clean the material sites and all of the grounds occupied by the contractor in connection with the work of all rubbish, excess materials, false work, temporary structures and equipment. All parts of the work site shall be left in a neat and presentable condition. Full compensation for final cleaning up will be considered as included in the prices paid for the various contract items of work and no separate payment will be made therefore.

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3.4 LANDSCAPE PLANTING MAINTENANCE

The contractor is responsible for the restoration and maintenance of all vegetation included in the SOW or SOO for one hundred twenty (120) calendar days; the duration of the maintenance period. During the maintenance period, the contractor shall conduct a survey of all areas and identify by quantity, species, and location, all dead, dying, and diseased vegetation. A copy of said survey shall be turned over to the 61Civil Engineering & Logistics Squadron (CELS) Project Manager and the Contracting Officer. The contractor shall be responsible for restoring dying and diseased vegetation to a healthy state. Restoration and replacement of vegetation is considered routine maintenance and shall be accomplished as often as necessary during the entire maintenance period.

Maintenance of new planting consists of watering, cultivating, applying pre-emergence weed control, weeding, mulching, re-staking, tightening and repairing of guys, resettling plants to proper grades or upright position, restoration of planting saucers, and furnishing and applying such sprays and invigorants as are necessary to maintain the plants free of insects and disease and in a thriving condition.

Irrigate planting areas as required to assure active growth. Regulate irrigation as necessary to avoid erosion and gullying. When hand watering use water wand and/or a metal tree bubbles to break the water force.

Inspect plants, including lawn for disease or insect damage weekly. Treat affected plant material immediately.

As it becomes evident that certain lawns and groundcovers have not established uniformly or properly, replant the areas immediately with the same plants and quantity as specified to achieve 90% coverage of healthy, actively growing lawn and ground covers.

3.4.1 The newly installed plant material (trees, shrubs, groundcovers and/or lawns) shall be maintained in a healthy growing condition for a period of one-hundred-twenty (120) calendar days from the date of acceptance by the Government. Dead, diseased, damaged or stolen plantings shall be replaced on a 1 for 1 basis within fourteen (14) calendar days after written notice has been received (email is written notice) or during the next planting season if the loss does not occur in a planting season.

3.4.2 When plants are replaced, a new maintenance period shall commence on the date of replacement provided the plants are acceptable to the Project Manager and meet the Quality Specification (see Section 1.3). The maintenance period for each and every plant replaced shall be one-hundred-twenty 120 calendar days.

3.4.3 The replacement vegetation shall be denoted on a copy of the site map of the installation area. A copy of this map shall be provided to 61CELS and to AFCEE, AFCESA and/or the PKO Contracting Officer. The contractor shall maintain the newly installed replacement vegetation for a period of one-hundred-twenty (120) days from the dated of replacement acceptance by the Government. The replacement vegetation must be approved by 61CELS and to AFCEE, AFCESA and/or the PKO.

3.4.4 Sixty (60) calendar days after the installation of the new plant materials, the Contractor shall provide to the AFCEE, AFCESA and/or PKO Contracting Officer two (2) copies of detailed instructions on how to maintain the newly installed plant materials in a healthy growing condition.

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3.4.5 Maintenance for lawn areas shall consist of watering, fertilizing, mowing, edging, reseeding, and re-soding, aerating and dethatching. Aerating and detaching will depend on the season in which the lawn was disturbed. Aerating and dethatching shall be done in the fall (September 22nd through December 20th.

3.4.6 Fertilizer shall be applied during the growing season. Warm season grasses like Bermuda, St

Augustine and Zoysia shall be fertilized in the early spring or summer months. Cool season grasses like fine fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, Marathon and perennial rye grasses shall be fertilized in the early spring and in the late fall. Fertilizer in the fall shall take place after the lawn areas have been aerated and detached.

3.4.7 Aerating shall consist of removing plugs of soil with core equipment. Plugs shall be left on the lawn areas.

3.4.8 Dethatching shall consist of removing organic matter, grass stems and layers of matted roots using a “power rake” with sharp tines pulling out debris.

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PART 4 TREE AND PLANT PROTECTION

4.1 TREE PROTECTION:

Tree and plant protection consists of preserving and protecting existing trees and plants that are to remain in an area after construction from damage to foliage, branches, trunk, or roots that could result from construction operations. Plants include but are not limited to: shrubs, ground cover, lawn areas and vines.

Do not trim or remove any trees or plants that are not stated in the contract to be removed.

Prevent the following types of damage:

Compaction of root zone by foot, vehicular traffic, or material storage.

Trunk damage from equipment operations, material storage, or from nailing or bolting.

Trunk and branch damage caused by ropes or guys wires.

Root poisoning from spilled solvents, gasoline, paint, and other noxious materials.

Branch damage due to improper pruning or trimming.

Creating ruts in lawn areas from equipment operations.

Discharge of exhaust into foliage.

Damage from lack of water due to:

Cutting or altering natural water migration pattern near root zone Failure to provide adequate watering

Damage from alteration of soil pH factor caused by depositing lime, concrete, plaster, or other base material near roots. Do not clean or dispose of liquids under trees.

Avoid the cutting of roots larger than 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Only excavation by hand or compressed air shall be allowed within the dripline.

The contractor shall submit a Tree Protection Plan and plan for the installment of the tree protection fence to the Government for approval. The submittals must be approved before construction can start.

It is recommended that an arborist provide periodic inspections during construction. Four (4) week intervals would be sufficient to access and monitor the effectiveness of the Tree Protection Plan and provide recommendations for any additional care or treatment.

4.2 PROTECTIVE FENCING:

Orange vinyl construction fencing, chain link fencing, snow fencing or other similar fencing at least four feet (4’) high and supported at a maximum of ten-foot (10’) intervals by metal T-posts or approved method sufficient enough to keep the fence up right and in place. Wooden stakes and rebar posts are not considered as an approved method sufficient enough to keep the fence up right and in place

All protective fencing shall have a tree protection sign affixed to the fence every twenty feet (20’) in such a manner to be clearly visible to workers on the site.

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Examples of appropriate protective fencing:

4.3 PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION

The contractor or subcontractor shall construct and maintain, for each protected tree or group of trees on a construction site, a protective fencing which encircles the outer limits of the critical root zone of the trees to protect it from construction activities. All protective fencing shall be in place prior to commencement of any site work and remain in place until all exterior work has been completed.

4.4 DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

When a small to medium sized tree(s) other than those permitted for removal are destroyed or badly damaged as the result of constructions operations, remove and replace with the same size, species, and variety. If the same size, species, and variety cannot be found the tree shall be replaced 2 for 1. Two (2) sixty (60”) inch boxed trees shall be planted in a nearby location for each one (1) tree that was destroyed or badly damaged. See Maintenance Period 3.4 and Warranty 5.0.

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Replace trees larger than eight (8) inches (at DBH- See Measurement 1.7) with eight (8) inch diameter tree of same species and variety. If the same size, species, and variety cannot be found the tree shall be replaced 2 for 1. Two (2) eighty-four (84”) inch boxed trees shall be planted in a nearby location for each one (1) tree that was destroyed or badly damaged. See Maintenance Period 3.4 and Warranty 5.0.

4.5 BORING AND TUNNELING

Boring of utilities under protected trees shall be required in those circumstances where it is not possible to trench around the critical root zone of the protected tree. When required, the length of the bore shall be the width of the critical root zone at a minimum and shall be a minimum depth of forty-eight (48”) inches.

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5.0 WARRANTY

3.4.9 The Warranty Period for all plant material shall be for one (1) year from the date of final acceptance of the project by the Government. The contractor shall provide all materials, labor, and equipment to complete the one (1) year warranty at no additional cost to the Government.

When plants are replaced, a new maintenance and warranty period shall commence on the date of replacement provided the plants are acceptable to the Project Manager and meet the Quality Specification (see Section 1.3). Maintenance Period (see Section 3.4).

5.5.1 At any and all times throughout the year all dead, dying and plants determined not to be in a normal vigorous growing condition shall be removed and replaced by the Contractor at no expenses to the Government.

5.5.2 The contractor shall complete replacement of unsuitable plants within 2 weeks (14) calendar days after the email and/or letter notification. The replacement vegetation shall be denoted on a copy of the site map of the area. A copy of this map shall be provided to 61CELS and to the AFCEE, AFCESA and/or PKO Contracting Officer.

5.5.3 The newly installed replacement plant material shall have a one (1) year warranty from the date of acceptance by the Government. It is possible for the contractor to have plant materials in the same area with different warranty expiration dates.

5.5.4 Replacement plants shall be the exact same size and same species as the plants specified in the original construction documents. The contractor and Project Manager may agree to a substitution or alternate species if the specified plant species is unavailable after the contractor has exhausted all resources.

5.5.5 The contractor has the option of planting a larger size replacement plant as long as it is the exact same species as the one which died. The use of a larger size plant for replacement purposes shall be at the contractor’s expense.

5.5.6 The contractor is not responsible to replace vegetation resulting from neglect by the Government or natural disasters.

5.5.7 A natural disaster is the effect of a flood, tornado, volcano eruption, earthquake or landslide that affects the environment, and leads to financial, environmental and/or human loss.

END OF SECTION 07000