Pages from Attachment 5e - HAFB Landscape Standards - 06 27 2017-5.pdf

Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 6.2 | pg. 12

C. Commercial Fertilizer: Commercial-grade complete fertilizer of neutral character, consisting of fast- and slow-release nitrogen, 50 percent derived from natural organic sources of urea formaldehyde, phosphorous, and potassium in the following composition:

D. Slow-Release Fertilizer: Granular or pelleted fertilizer consisting of 50 percent water-insoluble nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the following composition:

1. Composition: 20 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphorous, and

10 percent potassium, by weight.

2. Composition: Nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium in amounts recommended in soil reports from a qualified soil-testing laboratory.

E. Planting Tablets: Tightly compressed chip type, long-lasting, slow-release, commercial-grade planting fertilizer in tablet form. Tablets shall break down with soil bacteria, converting nutrients into a form that can be absorbed by plant roots.

1. Size: 10-gram tablets.

2. Nutrient Composition: 20 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphorous, and 5 percent potassium, by weight plus micronutrients.

2.06 MULCHES

A. Organic Mulch: Free from deleterious materials and suitable as a top dressing of trees and shrubs, consisting of one of the following:

1. Type: Shredded hardwood, pine, fir or spruce.

2. Size Range: 3 inches maximum, 1/2 inch minimum.

3. Color: Natural.

B. Compost Mulch: Well-composted, stable, and weed-free organic matter, pH range of 5.5 to 8; moisture content 35 to 55 percent by weight; 100 percent passing through 1-inch sieve; soluble salt content of 2 to 5 decisiemens/m; not exceeding 0.5 percent inert contaminants and free of substances toxic to plantings; and as follows:

1. Organic Matter Content: 50 to 60 percent of dry weight.

2.07 TREE STABILIZATION MATERIALS

A. Stakes and Guys:

1. Upright and Guy Stakes: Rough-sawn, sound, new hardwood, free of knots, holes, cross grain, and other defects, 2-by-2-inch nominal by length indicated, pointed at one end.

2. Wood Deadmen: Timbers measuring 8 inches in diameter and 48 inches long, treated with specified wood pressure-preservative treatment.

3. Flexible Ties: Wide rubber or elastic bands or straps of length required to reach stakes or turnbuckles.

4. Tree-Tie Webbing: UV-resistant polypropylene or nylon webbing with brass grommets.

Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 6.2 | pg. 13

5. Guy Cables: Five-strand, 3/16-inch- diameter, galvanized-steel cable, with zinc-coated turnbuckles, a minimum of 3 inches long, with two 3/8-inch galvanized eyebolts.

6. Flags: Standard surveyor's plastic flagging tape, white, 6 inches long.

2.08 WATER

A. Water: Suitable for irrigation and free from ingredients harmful to plant life.

Hose and other watering equipment required for the work shall be furnished by the Contractor.

2.09 MISCELLANEOUS PRODUCTS

A. Antidesiccant: Water-insoluble emulsion, permeable moisture retarder, film forming, for trees and shrubs. Deliver in original, sealed, and fully labeled containers and mix according to manufacturer's written instructions.

B. Mycorrhizal Fungi: Dry, granular inoculant containing at least 5300 spores per lb of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and 95 million spores per lb of ectomycorrhizal fungi, 33 percent hydrogel, and a maximum of 5.5 percent inert material.

EXECUTION

3.01 EXAMINATION

A. Examine areas to receive plants for compliance with requirements and conditions affecting installation and performance.

1. Verify that no foreign or deleterious material or liquid such as paint, paint washout, concrete slurry, concrete layers or chunks, cement, plaster, oils, gasoline, diesel fuel, paint thinner, turpentine, tar, roofing compound, or acid has been deposited in soil within a planting area.

2. Do not mix or place soils and soil amendments in frozen, wet, or muddy conditions.

3. Suspend soil spreading, grading, and tilling operations during periods of excessive soil moisture until the moisture content reaches acceptable levels to attain the required results.

4. Uniformly moisten excessively dry soil that is not workable and which is too dusty.

B. Proceed with installation only after unsatisfactory conditions have been corrected.

C. If contamination by foreign or deleterious material or liquid is present in soil within a planting area, remove the soil and contamination as directed by Architect and replace with new planting soil.

Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 6.2 | pg. 14

3.02 PREPARATION

A. Protect structures, utilities, sidewalks, pavements, and other facilities and turf areas and existing plants from damage caused by planting operations.

B. Install erosion-control measures to prevent erosion or displacement of soils and discharge of soil-bearing water runoff or airborne dust to adjacent properties and walkways.

C. Lay out individual tree and shrub locations and areas for multiple plantings. Stake locations, outline areas, adjust locations when requested, and obtain Architect's acceptance of layout before excavating or planting.

1. Notify Architect 5 days prior to the first day of planting operations and after the completion of layout.

2. Make minor adjustments to the plant arrangements in the field from those indicated on the plans if directed to do so by the Architect

D. Apply anti-desiccant to trees and shrubs using power spray to provide an adequate film over trunks (before wrapping), branches, stems, twigs, and foliage to protect during digging, handling, and transportation.

1. If deciduous trees or shrubs are moved in full leaf, spray with anti-desiccant at nursery before moving and again two weeks after planting.

E. Wrap trees and shrubs with burlap fabric over trunks, branches, stems, twigs, and foliage to protect from wind and other damage during digging, handling, and transportation.

3.03 PLANTING AREA ESTABLISHMENT

A. Loosen subgrade of planting areas to a minimum depth of 8 inches.

Remove stones larger than 1 inch in any dimension and sticks, roots, rubbish, and other extraneous matter and legally dispose of them off

Owner's property.

B. Soil additives shall be spread and thoroughly incorporated into the layer of topsoil by harrowing or other methods approved by the Architect. The following soil additives shall be incorporated.

1. Ground limestone as required by soil analysis to achieve a pH of

6.0 to 6.5, with a minimum application of 60 pounds per 1,000 square feet and a maximum application of 100 pounds per 1,000 square feet per season.

a. Mix limestone with dry soil before mixing fertilizer.

2. Fertilizer as required by soil analysis with a minimum application of

20 pounds per 1,000 square feet of 10-10-10.

a. Delay mixing fertilizer with planting soil if planting will not proceed within a few days.

3. Superphosphate at the rate of 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet.

Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 6.2 | pg. 15

C. Finish Grading: Grade planting areas to a smooth, uniform surface plane with loose, uniformly fine texture. Roll and rake, remove ridges, and fill depressions to meet finish grades.

D. Before planting, obtain Architect's acceptance of finish grading; restore planting areas if eroded or otherwise disturbed after finish grading.

3.04 EXCAVATION FOR TREES AND SHRUBS

A. Planting Pits and Trenches: Excavate circular planting pits with sides sloping inward at a 45-degree angle. Excavations with vertical sides are not acceptable. Trim perimeter of bottom leaving center area of bottom raised slightly to support root ball and assist in drainage away from center. Do not further disturb base. Ensure that root ball will sit on undisturbed base soil to prevent settling. Scarify sides of planting pit smeared or smoothed during excavation.

1. Excavate approximately three times as wide as ball diameter for balled and burlapped stock.

2. Do not excavate deeper than depth of the root ball, measured from the root flare to the bottom of the root ball.

3. If area under the plant was initially dug too deep, add soil to raise it to the correct level and thoroughly tamp the added soil to prevent settling.

4. Maintain required angles of repose of adjacent materials as shown on the Drawings. Do not excavate subgrades of adjacent paving, structures, hardscapes, or other new or existing improvements.

5. Maintain supervision of excavations during working hours.

6. Keep excavations covered or otherwise protected when unattended by Installer's personnel.

B. Obstructions: Notify Architect if unexpected rock or obstructions detrimental to trees or shrubs are encountered in excavations.

C. Fill excavations with water and allow to percolate away before positioning trees and shrubs.

3.05 TREE AND SHRUB PLANTING

A. Before planting, verify that root flare is visible at top of root ball according to ANSI Z60.1. If root flare is not visible, remove soil in a level manner from the root ball to where the top-most root emerges from the trunk.

After soil removal to expose the root flare, verify that root ball still meets size requirements.

B. Set balled and burlapped stock plumb and in center of planting pit or trench with root flare 2 inches above adjacent finish grades.

1. Use planting soil for backfill and mix in the following proportions:

a. 3 parts topsoil.

b. 1 part manure, peat humus or compost

c. 10 pounds bone meal per 1 cubic yard of mixture.

2. After placing some backfill around root ball to stabilize plant, carefully cut and remove burlap, rope, and wire baskets from tops

Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 6.2 | pg. 16 of root balls and from sides, but do not remove from under root balls. Remove pallets, if any, before setting. Do not use planting stock if root ball is cracked or broken before or during planting operation.

3. Backfill around root ball in layers, tamping to settle soil and eliminate voids and air pockets. When planting pit is approximately one-half filled, water thoroughly before placing remainder of backfill.

Repeat watering until no more water is absorbed.

4. Place planting tablets in each planting pit when pit is approximately one-half filled; in amounts recommended in soil reports from soil-testing laboratory. Place tablets beside the root ball about 1 inch from root tips; do not place tablets in bottom of the hole.

5. Continue backfilling process. Water again after placing and tamping final layer of soil.

C. Set container-grown stock plumb and in center of planting pit or trench with root flare 1 inch above adjacent finish grades.

1. Use planting soil for backfill.

2. Carefully remove root ball from container without damaging root ball or plant.

3. Backfill around root ball in layers, tamping to settle soil and eliminate voids and air pockets. When planting pit is approximately one-half filled, water thoroughly before placing remainder of backfill.

Repeat watering until no more water is absorbed.

4. Place planting tablets in each planting pit when pit is approximately one-half filled; in amounts recommended in soil reports from soil-testing laboratory. Place tablets beside the root ball about 1 inch from root tips; do not place tablets in bottom of the hole.

5. Continue backfilling process. Water again after placing and tamping final layer of soil.

D. When planting on slopes, set the plant so the root flare on the uphill side is flush with the surrounding soil on the slope; the edge of the root ball on the downhill side will be above the surrounding soil. Apply enough soil to cover the downhill side of the root ball.

3.06 GROUND COVER, PERRNIAL AND ANNUAL PLANTING

A. Set out and space ground cover as indicated within the Plant Schedule in even rows with triangular spacing.

B. Use planting soil for backfill.

C. Dig holes large enough to allow spreading of roots.

D. For rooted cutting plants supplied in flats, plant each in a manner that will minimally disturb the root system but to a depth not less than two nodes.

E. Work soil around roots to eliminate air pockets and leave a slight saucer indentation around plants to hold water.

Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 6.2 | pg. 17

F. Water thoroughly after planting, taking care not to cover plant crowns with wet soil.

G. Protect plants from hot sun and wind; remove protection if plants show evidence of recovery from transplanting shock.

3.07 TREE STABILIZATION

A. Install trunk stabilization as follows unless otherwise indicated:

1. Upright Staking and Tying: Use a minimum of 3 stakes of length required to penetrate at least 18 inches below bottom of backfilled excavation and to extend 72 inches above grade. Set vertical stakes and space to avoid penetrating root balls or root masses.

2. Support trees with bands of flexible ties at contact points with tree trunk. Allow enough slack to avoid rigid restraint of tree.

3. Support trees with two strands of tie wire, connected to the brass grommets of tree-tie webbing at contact points with tree trunk.

Allow enough slack to avoid rigid restraint of tree.

4. Site-Fabricated Staking-and-Guying Method:

a. For trees more than 6 inches in caliper, anchor guys to wood deadmen buried at least 36 inches below grade. Provide turnbuckle for each guy wire and tighten securely.

b. Support trees with bands of flexible ties at contact points with tree trunk and reaching to turnbuckle. Allow enough slack to avoid rigid restraint of tree.

c. Support trees with strands of cable or multiple strands of tie wire, connected to the brass grommets of tree-tie webbing at contact points with tree trunk and reaching to turnbuckle.

Allow enough slack to avoid rigid restraint of tree.

d. Attach flags to each guy wire, 30 inches above finish grade.

3.08 TREE AND SHRUB PRUNING

A. Remove only dead, dying, or broken branches. Do not prune for shape.

B. Prune, thin, and shape trees, shrubs, and vines as directed by Architect.

C. Prune, thin, and shape trees and shrubs according to standard professional horticultural and arboricultural practices. Unless otherwise indicated by Architect, do not cut tree leaders; remove only injured, dying, or dead branches from trees and shrubs; and prune to retain natural character.

D. Do not apply pruning paint to wounds.

3.09 PLANT MAINTENANCE

A. Maintain plantings by pruning, cultivating, watering, weeding, fertilizing, mulching, restoring planting saucers, adjusting and repairing tree-stabilization devices, resetting to proper grades or vertical position, and performing other operations as required to establish healthy, viable

Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 6.2 | pg. 18 plantings. Spray or treat as required to keep trees and shrubs free of insects and disease.

B. Water all plant material by applying water twice within the first 24 hours of the time of planting and all plants during the maintenance period shall be watered at least twice each week unless sufficient rainfall has occurred.

At each watering the soil around each tree or shrub shall be thoroughly saturated. If sufficient moisture is retained in the soil, as determined by the Architect, the required watering may be reduced.

1. Trees will require a minimum of 10 gallons of water each week

2. Shrubs will require a minimum of 5 gallons of water each week.

C. Fill in as necessary soil subsidence that may occur because of settling or other processes. Replace mulch materials damaged or lost in areas of subsidence.

D. Apply treatments as required to keep plant materials, planted areas, and soils free of pests and pathogens or disease. Use integrated past management practices whenever possible to minimize the use of pesticides and reduce hazards. Treatments include physical controls such as hosing off foliage, mechanical controls such as traps, and biological control agents.

3.10 CLEANUP AND PROTECTION

A. During planting, keep adjacent paving and construction clean and work area in an orderly condition.

B. Protect plants from damage due to landscape operations and operations of other contractors and trades. Maintain protection during installation and maintenance periods. Treat, repair, or replace damaged plantings.

C. After installation and before Substantial Completion, remove nursery tags, nursery stakes, tie tape, labels, wire, burlap, and other debris from plant material, planting areas, and Project site.

3.11 DISPOSAL

A. Remove surplus soil and waste material including excess subsoil, unsuitable soil, trash, and debris and legally dispose of them off Owner's property.

END OF SECTION

Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 6.3 | pg. 1

6 Specifications

6.3 Turfs and Grasses Specifications

1.01 SUMMARY

A. Provide all labor, materials, equipment, services, and perform all operations necessary to complete the work of this section as indicated within the drawings and specified herein which shall include, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Seeding.

2. Hydro seeding.

3. Sodding.

4. Planting soils.

5. Soil amendments.

6. Erosion control material.

7. Maintenance.

8. Steel edge restraints.

9. Pea stone.

10. Stone dust.

B. Related Sections:

1. Section "Plants" for installation and coordination including bioswale.

1.02 DEFINITIONS

A. Finish Grade: Elevation of finished surface of planting soil for seeding and surface of thatch for sod.

B. Manufactured Topsoil: Soil produced off-site by homogeneously blending mineral soils or sand with stabilized organic soil amendments to produce topsoil or planting soil.

C. Planting Soil or Loam: Standardized topsoil; existing, native surface topsoil; existing, in-place surface soil; imported topsoil; or manufactured topsoil that is modified with soil amendments and fertilizers to produce a soil mixture best for plant growth.

D. Subgrade: Surface or elevation of subsoil remaining after excavation is complete or top surface of a fill or backfill before planting soil is placed.

1.03 SUBMITTALS

A. Product Data: Submit manufacturer's published product data including product specifications, installation instructions, test data and other pertinent technical data for the following prior to ordering items:

1. Erosion control material.

2. Steel edge restraints.

3. Pea stone.

Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 6.3 | pg. 2

4. Stone dust.

B. Soil Test Reports:

1. For existing native surface topsoil.

2. Imported or manufactured topsoil.

C. Qualification Data: For qualified landscape Installer.

D. Certification of Grass Seed: From seed vendor for each grass-seed monostand or mixture stating the botanical and common name, percentage by weight of each species and variety, and percentage of purity, germination, and weed seed. Include the year of production and date of packaging.

E. Certification of each seed mixture for turfgrass sod: Include identification of source and name and telephone number of supplier.

F. Product Certificates: For soil amendments and fertilizers, from manufacturer.

1.04 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Installer Qualifications: A single qualified landscape Installer specializing in this work and employing only experienced workers, familiar with planting procedures, and under the full time supervision of a qualified supervisor.

The Contractor must show previous evidence of having successfully installed and maintained landscape projects of similar scope with regards to quantity and complexity whose work has resulted in successful turf.

1. Professional Membership: Installer shall be a member in good standing of either the Professional Landcare Network or the

American Nursery and Landscape Association.

2. Experience: Five years' minimum experience in turf installation in addition to requirements in Division 01 Section "Quality

Requirements."

3. Installer's Field Supervision: Require Installer to maintain an experienced full-time supervisor on Project site when work is in progress.

B. Soil-Testing Laboratory Qualifications: An independent laboratory or university laboratory, recognized by the State Department of Agriculture, with the experience and capability to conduct the testing indicated and that specializes in types of tests to be performed.

C. Topsoil Testing and Analysis: The Contractor shall submit representative samples of topsoil to a soil testing laboratory for testing and analysis, in conformance with the Standards of the Association of Official Agricultural

Chemicals and the USDA Textural Classification and have testing report sent directly to the Architect.

1. Test and analyze topsoil from the from the following sources:

a. 5 samples from the on-site stripped and stockpiled topsoil.

b. 5 samples from each individual off site loam source.

c. 5 samples from the constructed bioswale planting medium.

Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 6.3 | pg. 3

2. Soil test report that shall include;

a. Mechanical sieve analysis with soil classification.

b. Organic content.

c. Chemical analysis which shall include: pH (1:1 soil-water ratio), buffer pH, Soluble Salts (1:2 soil-water ratio), Nitrate

Nitrogen, Ammonium Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Aluminum, Magnesium, Manganese, Ferric Iron, Sulfate and toxins including but not limited to lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury.

d. Inform the Soil Testing Laboratory that soil tests are for specific applications, i.e.; tree and shrub plantings, turfgrass, wetland restoration and retention areas.

3. Test and analysis reports shall include the laboratory’s recommendations for amending the topsoil, if necessary, to meet these Specifications herein for each planting area.

4. Obtain written approval from the Base Civil Engineer before delivering materials to the site. Do not use topsoil until test results have been received by the Architect and amendments per specifications and laboratory recommendations required have been completed.

D. The Base Civil Engineer reserves the right to request topsoil testing and analyses (up to 10 additional tests) after the material have been placed on site, during the maintenance period or during the guarantee period. All testing shall be paid by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Owner.

1.05 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING

A. Seed and Other Packaged Materials: Deliver packaged materials in original, unopened containers showing weight, certified analysis, name and address of manufacturer, and indication of conformance with state and federal laws, as applicable.

B. Sod: Harvest, deliver, store, and handle sod according to requirements in "Specifications for Turfgrass Sod Materials" and "Specifications for

Turfgrass Sod Transplanting and Installation" in TPI's "Guideline

Specifications to Turfgrass Sodding." Deliver sod in time for planting within 24 hours of harvesting. Protect sod from breakage and drying.

1.06 PROJECT CONDITIONS

A. Seeding Restrictions: Complete seed operations during one of the following periods. Coordinate seeding periods with maintenance periods to provide required maintenance.

1. Spring Seeding: April 15 through June 15.

2. Fall Seeding: August 15 through October 15.

B. Sodding Restrictions: Complete sodding operations during one of the following periods. Coordinate sodding periods with maintenance periods to provide required maintenance.

1. Spring Sodding: April 15 through June 15.

2. Fall Sodding: August 15 through October 31.

Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 6.3 | pg. 4

C. Weather Limitations: Proceed with planting only when existing and forecasted weather conditions permit planting to be performed when beneficial and optimum results may be obtained. Apply products during favorable weather conditions according to manufacturer's written instructions.

1.07 MAINTENANCE SERVICE

A. Turf Maintenance: Provide full maintenance by skilled employees of landscape Installer. Maintain as required in Part 3. Begin maintenance immediately after each area is planted and continue until acceptable turf is established but for not less than the following periods:

1. Seeded Turf: 90 days from date of completion of seeding operations and the following:

a. Seeding operations completed between September 1 through September 15 will continue maintenance during next planting season until April 30.

b. Seeding operations completed between September 16 through September 30 will continue maintenance during next planting season until May 15.

c. Seeding operations completed by October 1 through April 15 will continue maintenance during next planting season until

June 30.

2. Sodded Turf: 90 days from date of completion of sodding operations.

a. Sod installation operations completed between September

16 through September 30 will continue maintenance during next planting season until April 15.

b. Sod installation operations completed by October 1 through

April 15 will continue maintenance during next planting season until June 30.

B. Notify the Base Civil Engineer in writing upon the completion of the installation of the seeding and sodding operations, the beginning date of the maintenance period and the anticipated completion date of the maintenance period.

PRODUCTS

2.01 PLANTING SOILS

A. Topsoil: Topsoil shall be natural, fertile, friable soil, without admixture of subsoil, clean and reasonably free from clay, lumps, stones, stumps, roots or similar materials and free from debris or other objects which might be a hindrance to planting operations, and as follows:

1. Utilize previously stripped and stockpiled topsoil prior to obtaining additional topsoil from off- site sources. If the quantity of stockpiled topsoil is insufficient, provide additional topsoil as required to complete the landscape work.

Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 6.3 | pg. 5

a. All on-site stockpiled topsoil shall be screened and made to comply with the specifications herein for new topsoil (off site) and per laboratory recommendations prior to use.

2. Obtain off-site topsoil from local sources and are from naturally, well drained sites where topsoil occurs at a depth of not less than 4 inches.

3. Texture: Topsoil shall be a “sandy loam” as determined by mechanical analysis and based on the “USDA Textural

Classification” and it shall conform to the following grain size distribution:

a. Percent passing by weight:

U.S. Standard

Sieve

Minimum Maximum

5/8” 100

#10 81 93

#18 66 87

#35 52 82

#60 35 66

#140 12 34

#300 5 18

Silt 4 13

Clay 1 5

1. pH value: Portion of the sample that passes a ¼ inch sieve shall fall within a range of pH 5.5 to pH 7.0.

2. Organic Matter: General seeded areas.

a. Portion of the sample which passes ¼ inch sieve shall contain not less than 5 percent nor more than 7 percent organic matter, as determined by the wet combustion method on a sample directed at 105°C.

b. To adjust organic matter content, the soil may be amended, prior to site delivery, by the addition of composted humus.

Use of organic amendments is acceptable only if random soil sampling indicates thorough incorporation.

B. Bioretention Swale Soils

1. Bioretention swale soils shall be a blending of the following soil mixtures:

a. 30% approved loam with 10 organic soil mixture.

b. 20 % approved loam with 5 organic matter content soil mixture.

c. 50% sand.

2. Organic Matter

a. Portion of the sample which passes ¼ inch sieve shall contain not less than 12 percent nor more than 15 percent organic matter, as determined by the wet combustion method on a sample directed at 105°C.

b. To adjust organic matter content, the soil may be amended, prior to site delivery, by the addition of composted humus.

Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 6.3 | pg. 6

Use of organic amendments is acceptable only if random soil sampling indicates thorough incorporation.

2.02 SEED

A. Grass Seed: Fresh, clean, dry, new-crop seed complying with AOSA's

"Journal of Seed Technology; Rules for Testing Seeds" for purity and germination tolerances.

B. Lawn Seed Mix: State-certified seed of grass species.

1. Refer to “Recommended lawn seed mix” in Section 4 within the

“Landscape Standards”

C. Meadow Mix Seed Mixture:

1. Refer to “Recommended Meadow Mix Seed Mixture” in Section 4 within the “Landscape Standards”

2.03 SOD

A. Turfgrass Sod: Complying with "Specifications for Turfgrass Sod

Materials" in TPI's "Guideline Specifications to Turfgrass Sodding."

Furnish viable sod of uniform density, color, and texture, strongly rooted, and capable of vigorous growth and development when planted.

1. Refer to “Recommended sod mixture” in Section 4 within the

“Landscape Standards”

B. Sod shall be machine cut at a uniform soil thickness of ¾ inch, plus or minus ¼ inch, at the time of cutting. Measurement for thickness shall exclude top growth and thatch. Individual pieces of sod shall be cut to the supplier’s standard width and length. Maximum allowable deviation from standard widths and lengths shall be 5%. Broken pads and torn or uneven ends will not be acceptable. Sod shall be at least 2 years old from time of original seeding. Take sod from approved sources where the soil is of such character that the sod will not break or crumble during cutting, transportation, or laying.

C. Sod shall be harvested, delivered and installed within a period of 24 hours. Sod not transplanted within this period shall be inspected and approved by the Architect prior to its installation. Soil on sod pads shall be kept moist at all times.

2.04 INORGANIC SOIL AMENDMENTS

A. Lime: ASTM C 602, agricultural liming material containing a minimum of

80 percent calcium carbonate equivalent and as follows:

1. Class: T, with a minimum of 99 percent passing through No. 8 sieve and a minimum of 75 percent passing through No. 60 sieve.

2. Provide lime in form of ground dolomitic limestone.

Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 6.3 | pg. 7

B. Aluminum Sulfate: Commercial grade, unadulterated.

C. Agricultural Gypsum: Minimum 90 percent calcium sulfate, finely ground with 90 percent passing through No. 50 sieve.

D. Sand: Clean, washed, natural or manufactured, and free of toxic materials.

2.05 ORGANIC SOIL AMENDMENTS

A. Compost: Well-composted, stable, and weed-free organic matter, pH range of 5.5 to 8; moisture content 35 to 55 percent by weight; 100 percent passing through 1/2-inch sieve; soluble salt content of 5 to 10 decisiemens/m; not exceeding 0.5 percent inert contaminants and free of substances toxic to plantings; and as follows:

1. Organic Matter Content: 50 to 60 percent of dry weight.

B. Sphagnum Peat: Humus or Peat Moss shall be natural humus, reed peat or sedge peat, finely divided peat, decomposed and free of fibers with a minimum 60 per cent Sphagnum composition by volume. pH range approximately 5.5 pH to 7.5 pH and the organic matter shall be not less than 85% as determined by loss on ignition. The minimum water absorbing ability shall be 200% by weight on an oven-dry basis.

C. Muck Peat: Partially decomposed moss peat, native peat, or reed-sedge peat, finely divided or of granular texture, with a pH range of 6 to 7.5, and having a water-absorbing capacity of 1100 to 2000 percent.

D. Manure: Well-rotted, unleached, stable or cattle manure containing not more than 25 percent by volume of straw, sawdust, or other bedding materials; free of toxic substances, stones, sticks, soil, weed seed, and material harmful to plant growth.

2.06 FERTILIZERS

A. Bonemeal: Commercial, raw or steamed, finely ground; a minimum of 4 percent nitrogen and 20 percent phosphoric acid.

B. Superphosphate: Commercial, phosphate mixture, soluble; a minimum of

20 percent available phosphoric acid.

C. Commercial Fertilizer: Commercial-grade complete fertilizer of neutral character, consisting of fast- and slow-release nitrogen, 50 percent derived from natural organic sources of urea formaldehyde, phosphorous, and potassium in the following composition:

D. Slow-Release Fertilizer: Granular or pelleted fertilizer consisting of 50 percent water-insoluble nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the following composition:

1. Composition: 20 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphorous, and

10 percent potassium, by weight.

Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 6.3 | pg. 8

2. Composition: Nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium in amounts recommended in soil reports from a qualified soil-testing laboratory.

2.07 MULCHES

A. Straw Mulch: Provide air-dry, clean, mildew- and seed-free, salt hay or threshed straw of wheat, rye, oats, or barley.

B. Compost Mulch: Well-composted, stable, and weed-free organic matter, pH range of 5.5 to 8; moisture content 35 to 55 percent by weight; 100 percent passing through 1-inch sieve; soluble salt content of 2 to 5 decisiemens/m; not exceeding 0.5 percent inert contaminants and free of substances toxic to plantings; and as follows:

1. Organic Matter Content: 50 to 60 percent of dry weight.

C. Fiber Mulch: Biodegradable, dyed-wood, cellulose-fiber mulch; nontoxic and free of plant-growth or germination inhibitors; with a maximum moisture content of 15 percent and a pH range of 4.5 to 6.5.

D. Nonasphaltic Tackifier: Colloidal tackifier recommended by fiber-mulch manufacturer for slurry application; nontoxic and free of plant-growth or germination inhibitors.

E. Asphalt Emulsion: ASTM D 977, Grade SS-1; nontoxic and free of plant-growth or germination inhibitors.

2.08 EROSION CONTROL MATERIALS

A. Erosion Control General:

1. Straw/Coconut Fiber Erosion Control Blankets: Layer of straw

(0.35 lb./sq. yd.) and coconut fibers (0.15 lb./sq. yd) sewn with cotton biodegradable thread between two UV-stabilized nets.

North American Green SC 150 or approved equal.

B. Erosion Control in Bioswales:

1. Coconut fiber channel liner, consisting of a layer of coconut fibers

(0.15 lb./sq. yd) sewn between two heavy-weight UV-stabilized nets; North American Green C 125 or approved equal.

2.09 STEEL EDGE RESTRAINT

A. Steel Edge Restraints: Painted steel edging 1/4 inch thick by 5 inches high with loops pressed from or welded to face to receive stakes at 36 inches on center and steel stakes 15 inches long for each loop.

1. Color: As selected by Architect from manufacturer's standard range of colors.

2.10 PEA STONE

A. 3/8” washed pea stone.

1. Color: 70% gray mixture with balance comprised of browns and tans.

Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 6.3 | pg. 9

2.11 STONE DUST

A. Stone Dust Screenings: Sound stone screenings complying with

ASTM D 448 for Size No. 10.

EXECUTION

3.01 EXAMINATION

A. Examine areas to be planted for compliance with requirements and other conditions affecting performance.

1. Verify that no foreign or deleterious material or liquid such as paint, paint washout, concrete slurry, concrete layers or chunks, cement, plaster, oils, gasoline, diesel fuel, paint thinner, turpentine, tar, roofing compound, or acid has been deposited in soil within a planting area.

2. Do not mix or place soils and soil amendments in frozen, wet, or muddy conditions.

3. Suspend soil spreading, grading, and tilling operations during periods of excessive soil moisture until the moisture content reaches acceptable levels to attain the required results.

4. Uniformly moisten excessively dry soil that is not workable and which is too dusty.

B. Proceed with installation only after unsatisfactory conditions have been corrected.

C. If contamination by foreign or deleterious material or liquid is present in soil within a planting area, remove the soil and contamination as directed by Architect and replace with new planting soil.

3.02 PREPARATION

A. Protect structures, utilities, sidewalks, pavements, and other facilities, trees, shrubs, and plantings from damage caused by planting operations.

1. Protect adjacent and adjoining areas from hydroseeding and hydromulching overspray.

2. Protect grade stakes set by others until directed to remove them.

B. Install erosion-control measures to prevent erosion or displacement of soils and discharge of soil-bearing water runoff or airborne dust to adjacent properties and walkways.

3.03 TURF AREA PREPARATION

A. Install soil per the following specifications with the exception of the

Bioretention swale soils which shall be installed per detail and Architects field directives.

B. Newly Graded Subgrades: Loosen subgrade to a minimum depth of 14 inches. Remove stones larger than 1 inch in any dimension and sticks, Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 6.3 | pg. 10 roots, rubbish, and other extraneous matter and legally dispose of them off Owner's property.

1. Spread planting soil in 2 lifts for a total minimum depth of 8 inches but not less than required to meet finish grades after light rolling and natural settlement. Do not spread if planting soil or subgrade is frozen, muddy, or excessively wet.

a. Spread approximately 1/2 the thickness of planting soil over loosened subgrade. Mix thoroughly into top 4 inches of subgrade. Spread remainder of planting soil.

b. Reduce elevation of planting soil to allow for soil thickness of sod.

C. Unchanged Subgrades: If “lawn Seed Mix” or “Meadow Mixture” turf is to be planted in areas unaltered or undisturbed by excavating, grading, or surface-soil stripping operations, prepare surface soil as follows:

1. Remove existing grass, vegetation, and turf. Do not mix into surface soil.

2. Loosen surface soil to a depth of at least 8 inches. Apply soil amendments and fertilizers according to planting soil mix proportions and mix thoroughly into top 4 inches of soil. Till soil to a homogeneous mixture of fine texture.

a. Apply superphosphate fertilizer directly to surface soil before loosening.

3. Remove stones larger than 1 inch in any dimension and sticks, roots, trash, and other extraneous matter.

4. Legally dispose of waste material, including grass, vegetation, and turf, off Owner's property.

D. Finish Grading: Grade planting areas to a smooth, uniform surface plane with loose, uniformly fine texture. Grade to within plus or minus 1/2 inch of finish elevation. Roll and rake, remove ridges, and fill depressions to meet finish grades. Limit finish grading to areas that can be planted in the immediate future.

E. Moisten prepared area before planting if soil is dry. Water thoroughly and allow surface to dry before planting. Do not create muddy soil.

F. Before planting, obtain Architect's acceptance of finish grading; restore planting areas if eroded or otherwise disturbed after finish grading.

3.04 INCORPORATION OF ADDITIVES

A. Soil additives shall be spread and thoroughly incorporated into the layer of loam by harrowing or other methods approved by the Architect. The following soil additives shall be incorporated.

1. Ground limestone as required by soil analysis to achieve a pH of

6.0 to 6.5, with a minimum application of 60 pounds per 1,000 square feet and a maximum application of 100 pounds per 1,000 square feet per season

2. Fertilizer as required by soil analysis with a minimum application of

20 pounds per 1,000 square feet of 10-10-10

3. Superphosphate at the rate of 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet.

Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 6.3 | pg. 11

3.05 STEEL EDGE RESTRAINT

A. Locate and install edge restraints with stone screenings complete as indicated within the drawings, approved shop drawings and associated manufacturer’s installation instructions and as directed by the Architect.

3.06 PEA STONE

A. Locate and install pea stone as indicated within the drawings, approved shop drawings and as directed by the Architect.

3.07 STONE DUST

A. Locate and install stone dust as indicated within the drawings, approved shop drawings and as directed by the Architect.

3.08 EROSION CONTROL MATERIAL INSTALLATION

A. Erosion Control Fabrics: Install erosion control fabrics which have been seeded in swales and in areas indicated within the Drawings.

1. Install erosion control fabricate in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Use at least 2 staples, pins or stakes per square yard.

Overlap edges at 9 inches minimum.

3.09 SEEDING

A. Sow seed with spreader or seeding machine. Do not broadcast or drop seed when wind velocity exceeds 5 mph. Evenly distribute seed by sowing equal quantities in two directions at right angles to each other.

1. Do not use wet seed or seed that is moldy or otherwise damaged.

2. Do not seed against existing trees. Limit extent of seed to outside edge of planting saucer.

B. Sow seed at a total rate of indicated in Paragraph 2.02 “Seed”.

C. Rake seed lightly into top 1/8 inch of soil, roll lightly, and water with fine spray.

D. Protect seeded areas with slopes exceeding 1:4 with erosion-control blankets and 1:6 with erosion-control fiber mesh installed and stapled according to manufacturer's written instructions.

E. Protect seeded areas with erosion-control mats where shown on

Drawings; install and anchor according to manufacturer's written instructions.

F. Protect seeded areas with slopes not exceeding 1:6 by spreading straw mulch. Spread uniformly at a minimum rate of 2 tons/acre to form a continuous blanket 1-1/2 inches in loose thickness over seeded areas.

Spread by hand, blower, or other suitable equipment.

1. Bond straw mulch by spraying with asphalt emulsion at a rate of 10 to 13 gal. /1000 sq. ft. Take precautions to prevent damage or

Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 6.3 | pg. 12 staining of structures or other plantings adjacent to mulched areas.

Immediately clean damaged or stained areas.

3.10 HYDROSEEDING

A. Hydroseeding: Mix specified seed, fertilizer, and fiber mulch in water, using equipment specifically designed for hydroseed application.

Continue mixing until uniformly blended into homogeneous slurry suitable for hydraulic application.

1. Mix slurry with nonasphaltic tackifier.

2. Apply slurry uniformly to all areas to be seeded in a one-step process. Apply slurry at a rate so that mulch component is deposited at not less than 1500-lb/acre dry weight, and seed component is deposited at not less than the specified seed-sowing rate.

3.11 SODDING

A. Lay sod within 24 hours of harvesting. Do not lay sod if dormant or if ground is frozen or muddy.

B. Lay sod to form a solid mass with tightly fitted joints. Butt ends and sides of sod; do not stretch or overlap. Stagger sod strips or pads to offset joints in adjacent courses. Avoid damage to subgrade or sod during installation. Tamp and roll lightly to ensure contact with subgrade, eliminate air pockets, and form a smooth surface. Work sifted soil or fine sand into minor cracks between pieces of sod; remove excess to avoid smothering sod and adjacent grass.

1. Lay sod across angle of slopes exceeding 1:3.

2. Anchor sod on slopes exceeding 1:6 with staples spaced as recommended by sod manufacturer but not less than 4 staples per sod strip to prevent slippage.

C. Saturate sod with fine water spray within two hours of planting. During first week after planting, water daily or more frequently as necessary to maintain moist soil to a minimum depth of 1 ½”below sod.

3.12 TURF MAINTENANCE

A. Maintain and establish turf by watering, fertilizing, weeding, mowing, trimming, replanting, and performing other operations as required to establish healthy, viable turf. Roll, regrade, and replant bare or eroded areas and remulch to produce a uniformly smooth turf. Provide materials and installation the same as those used in the original installation.

1. Fill in as necessary soil subsidence that may occur because of settling or other processes. Replace materials and turf damaged or lost in areas of subsidence.

2. In areas where mulch has been disturbed by wind or maintenance operations, add new mulch and anchor as required to prevent displacement.

Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 6.3 | pg. 13

B. Watering: Install and maintain temporary piping, hoses, and turf-watering equipment to convey water from sources and to keep turf uniformly moist to a depth of 4 inches.

1. Schedule watering to prevent wilting, puddling, erosion, and displacement of seed or mulch. Lay out temporary watering system to avoid walking over muddy or newly planted areas.

2. Water turf with fine spray at a minimum rate of 1 inch per week unless rainfall precipitation is adequate.

C. Mow turf as soon as top growth is tall enough to cut. Repeat mowing to maintain specified height without cutting more than 1/3 of grass height.

Remove no more than 1/3 of grass-leaf growth in initial or subsequent mowings. Do not delay mowing until grass blades bend over and become matted. Do not mow when grass is wet. Schedule initial and subsequent mowings to maintain the following grass height:

1. The first mowing shall not be attempted until the grass height has reached a minimum of 3 inches or as directed by the Architect. Turf height shall be maintained at 2-1/2 inch height unless otherwise specified. Thereafter grass shall be mowed at least once a week until written acceptance by the Architect

D. Turf Post fertilization: Apply fertilizer after initial mowing and when grass is dry.

1. Use fertilizer that will provide actual nitrogen of at least 1 lb/1000

sq. ft. to turf area.

E. Liming: : If more than one initial application of limestone is required by the soils analysis to bring the pH of the stockpiled topsoil/loam borrow to a specified range, the Contractor shall be responsible for all additional required lime applications

F. Protection:

1. Protect sod areas from trespassing and damage of any kind by the use of temporary fences. Repair any damage including those resulting from erosion and washouts. Replant bare spots with the specified sod. Secure orange flagging to the temporary fencing/barriers

2. Barriers shall be raised immediately after sodding operations and shall be maintained until acceptance.

3.13 SATISFACTORY TURF

A. Turf installations shall meet the following criteria as determined by

Architect:

1. Satisfactory Seeded Turf: At end of maintenance period, a healthy, uniform, close stand of grass has been established, free of weeds and surface irregularities, with coverage exceeding 95 percent over any 10 sq. ft. and bare spots not exceeding 5 by 5 inches.