Pages from Attachment 5f - HAFB Landscape Standards - 06 27 2017-6.pdf

Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 7 | pg. 1

7 Maintenance Guidelines

7.1 Tree & Shrub Landscape Maintenance

7.1.1 MULCH

Properly applied shredded pine bark mulch effectively suppresses weeds, conserves moisture and generally improves the growth of plant material. It will be necessary to add new mulch periodically as the original mulch decomposes and does not effectively control weeds. Mulch should be added to increase total depth to three inches. Prior to application of new mulch, broadleaf and grassy weeds should be controlled or removed. Mulch is best applied during the late winter. Care should be taken to avoid damage to landscape plants. Monitor vegetative growth for nitrogen depletion.

7.1.2 FERTILIZING

Fertilization of landscape plantings will provide essential plan nutrients necessary for good plant growth. Fertilizer is best applied during the dormant winter season prior to onset of spring growth. Fertilizer applications should be avoided during the growing seasons in order to avoid leaf burning and over stimulation during the summer months and before winter.

For shrub beds, a balanced fertilizer with a 1:1:1 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium should be used. Spread the fertilizer uniformly over the shrub bed with a cyclone spreader or hydraulically at a rate of .5 to 1 pound per shrub depending on size.

Established trees should require no fertilizer since the tree roots are deep and difficult to feed without special equipment. In individual cases as required, tree food spikes maybe used or holes bored and filled with fertilizer around tree at the crown line. Use 4 to 6 pounds of a 10-10-10 for each established tree. Soil injection (deep root feedings) of water suspended or water soluble fertilizers may also be used at comparable rates.

7.1.3 PRUNING

Correct pruning requires special attention to the natural growth habit of the tree or shrub. Shrub beds should be pruned to maintain the mass effect of the entire bed.

Individual plants should not be pruned so that they stand out. Shearing or rounding of individual shrubs should always be avoided.

Deciduous trees should be pruned when young to develop their natural form by removing crossing branches, sucker growth, low branches, side shoots, narrow-angle crotches and double leaders. The lower branches of deciduous trees located in areas where mowing is normally performed should be removed to provide a minimum of six feet of clearance for trees 2-3” caliper and seven feet for trees of 3” or more in caliper.

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.

Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 6.3 | pg. 14

3.14 CLEANUP AND PROTECTION

A. Promptly remove soil and debris created by turf work from paved areas.

Clean wheels of vehicles before leaving site to avoid tracking soil onto roads, walks, or other paved areas.

B. Erect temporary fencing or barricades and warning signs as required to protect newly planted areas from traffic. Maintain fencing and barricades throughout initial maintenance period and remove after plantings are established.

C. Remove nondegradable erosion-control measures after grass establishment period.

END OF SECTION

Maintenance Guidelines 7

Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 7 | pg. 2

Evergreen trees seldom require any pruning except to remove dead, diseased or broken branches. Double leaders may be pruned on young trees. Lower branches should not be removed.

The branch to be pruned should be cut cleanly without twisting, which could produce a ragged surface and tearing of bark. Larger limbs should be sawed cleanly. When over three inches in diameter, limbs should be removed by making three cuts. The first cut should be made from the underside of the limb six to twelve inches out from the main limb or trunk. A second cut is made several inches beyond the first cut to sever the limb. A third cut is then made flush with the main limb or trunk to remove the stub.

This method will prevent tearing the bark.

When cutting a branch to shape or control the direction of growth, make cuts just above an outward-facing bud or branch. Similarly, when cutting back a broken, diseased or weak twig or branch, cut close above a strong branch growing outward.

Spring flowering shrubs bloom on wood developed from previous season’s growth.

Perform pruning immediately after flower blossoms fade or fall off. Delayed pruning done after the “flowering wood” has grown will most likely result in removing unborn flowers (buds) of next year.

Summer or fall flowering shrubs bloom on current season’s wood. Prune immediately after flowering or wait until early spring after frost is no longer a factor. Be sure to prune early in the spring prior to new growth.

7.1.4 INSECT AND DISEASE CONTROL

Periodic inspection of landscape plantings by trained personnel is necessary to detect problems during early stages of insect infestations or disease infections. Samples of affected plants parts may be submitted to appropriate specialists, located at state laboratories, for diagnosis and recommendations for control. Application of insecticides and fungicides should be carried out in accordance with Massachusetts regulations and State law.

Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 7 | pg. 3

7.2 Twelve Month Maintenance Program Guidelines

7.2.1 GENERAL GUIDELINES

March, April and May

1. General Spring cleanup of entire lawn areas including all plant beds. Rake and remove fallen leaves, debris and branches. To include removal of all leaves, debris and branches. Edge all plant beds and curb lines.

2. Prune any broken, rubbing, sucker or diseased branches.

3. Prune branches to maintain tree and shrub shape or to maintain compact habit.

4. Test soil for pH, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium levels.

5. Apply pre-emergent herbicide to shrub beds or individual tree areas.

May 1. Prune and shape any flowering shrubs or trees after the blooms have died off.

2. Inspect trees and shrubs for disease or dieback.

3. Top-dress bark mulch areas, if needed.

4. Remove weed growth as needed.

5. Spray all trees and shrubs for preventative maintenance as needed for disease and insect control.

June 1. Inspect for disease or insect activity.

2. Prune and shape shrub flush growth.

July 1. Adjusting watering program per weather conditions. Provide additional weekly watering to minimize drought stress, if weather warrants.

2. Complete shrub trimming by mid-month.

August 1. Continue watering as explained above.

September 1. Prune shrub flush growth as needed.

2. Reduce additional watering to trees.

October 1. Remove fallen leaves.

November 1. Remove fallen leaves.

2. Prune to shape trees as needed.

3. Inspect mulch layer (stone or shredded bark) and top-dress to maintain 3” maximum depth.

December, January, February, and March

1. Trees and shrubs are dormant.

2. Pruning during these months as optional as needed.

3. Avoid excessive snow stockpiling on or near shrubs and trees.

7.2.2 DETAILED GUIDELINES

Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 7 | pg. 4

Spring Season (approximately from March 15 to May 31)

a. Thatch entire lawn areas, if required, rake and remove all excess debris.

b. Application of a slow release fertilizer with a pre-emergent weed control to be applied at approximately 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Initiate schedule of turf mowing, edging, trimming, weeding of all plant beds, and sweeping of all lawn areas and walkways to be performed each and every week.

c. If applicable, select and plant all annual flowers and fill flower beds to their capacity. Flower installation to include adding new soil to plant beds as required, installing slow release fertilizer to the surface areas of the flower bed as well as on 5 gram Agriform slow release fertilizer tablet per each flower plant. Prior to planting annuals all bulbs shall be cut back flush to the ground and care shall be taken not to disturb their placement. All flowers shall be pinched back as needed and kept free of all weed growth. At the end of the season all annuals shall be removed and all beds shall be raked smooth for the winter.

d. Application of insecticide to entire turf area as required should be done for all surface insects as well as grub-type insects during the last week of May. A granular application of Merit .3% is recommended, especially in full sun areas.

e. Re-mulch all plant beds with 1” of Bark Mulch.

Summer Season (approximately from June 1 to August 31)

a. Initiate an integrated pest management control program on the entire site including all trees and shrubs in the landscaping, the large trees on the entrance drives and the wood lines. Spray as needed to control all insects, diseases and fungus as determined by the IPM program and as many time as required throughout the year.

Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 7 | pg. 5

7.3 Lawn Turf Management

7.3.1 SEASONAL TURF MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

April 15 (March 1 – May 15)

Apply slow release organic fertilizer; Agrestart as supplied by Agresource or

Pelletized Peruvian Seabird Guano as supplied by Dirt Works.

Apply microbial soil conditioner and Kelp Booster as supplied by Dirt Works.

Apply pre-emergent crabgrass control as needed.

Apply limestone as needed per pH soil testing recommendations.

June 15 (May 15 – September 15)

Apply slow release organic fertilizer; Lawn Booster as supplied by Dirt Works.

Apply pre-emergent weed control as needed.

Apply insect control as needed.

August 15 (June 15 – September 15)

Apply slow release organic fertilizer; Lawn Booster as supplied by Dirt Works.

October 15 (September 15 – November 30)

Apply slow release organic fertilizer; Agrestart as supplied by Agresource or

Pelletized Peruvian Seabird Guano as supplied by Dirt Works.

Apply limestone as needed per pH soil testing recommendations.

November 15

Apply limestone (fall application preferred to maintain desired soil pH) per soil testing recommendations. In lieu of test results apply 50 pounds per 1,000 square feet of turf.

Additional components for turf maintenance program:

1. Watering frequency and moisture depth.

2. Mowing frequency and cutting height in relation to growth and weather.

3. Over seeding.

4. Weed Control.

5. Insect Control.

6. Disease and fungus control.

7. Core aeration.

7.3.2 MOWING GUIDELINES

Spring

Initial or spring mowing shall take place when lawn areas have grown to a blade height of 2”. Turf shall be cut using a mower with sharp cutting blades. Height of cut shall be set at 1-1/2”. This height of cut shall be maintained through spring period of growth

(April through mid-June). No more than one third of the leaf shall be removed in any

Landscape Standards Hanscom Air Force Base, MA SECTION 7 | pg. 6 one mowing. Frequency of mowing may vary depending on weather conditions and growth rate.

Summer

The height of cut shall be raised to 2-1/2” commencing with the start of summer. This height of cut shall be maintained until the return of cooler temperatures in early

September. A longer frequency of mowing may be necessary if turf growing rate slows down in response to summer heat or drought.

Fall

The height of cut shall be reduced to 1-1/2” in mid-September when there is a noticeable change towards cooling daytime temperatures usually between September

10 and 20.

Late Fall

Between October 15 and November 10, begin to lower the height of cut in incremental stages so that the final cut shall establish the winter dormant height of turf at 1”. No more than one-third of the leaf shall be removed in any one mowing operation.

7.3.3 CLIPPINGS:

Grass clippings shall be returned to the turf surface during regular mowing operations.

Remove clippings only if heavy clumping occurs from cutting excessively long grass blades.

7.3.4 WATERING:

Water turf as necessary to maintain an adequate supply of moisture within the root zone. An adequate supply of moisture is the equivalent of 1” of absorbed water per week that is delivered at weekly intervals in the form of natural rain or is augmented as required by periodic watering.

It is imperative that mowing height and frequency be adjusted to weather conditions, grass types, and specific site conditions.

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

7.4 Meadow Mix Maintenance

7.4.1 WATERING and FEEDING

A Meadow Mix area does not require watering or feeding once established. Many native grasses and wildflowers prefer to colonise in poor soils and the addition of extra nutrients and water will encourage excessive vigour in the selected grasses, which will consequently out-compete the more desirable native grasses and wildflowers.

7.4.2 MOWING

New meadows Mix areas: To encourage perennial flowers and grasses to make good root development, it is important to mow the meadow in the first year after sowing. Cut to a height of 3” +/- two to four times during the first year. Leave the initial mowings in place for a few days to allow seed to drop to the ground but then it is important to collect mowings to reduce soil fertility. Subsequent years cut to a height of 6”-8” two times per year.

Do not use a lawn mower or equivalent equipment to cut the Meadow Mix.

Established spring-flowering meadows: Cut in July and for the remainder of the summer to reduce the vigour of coarse grasses and to allow flowers such as cowslips, fritillary, lady's smock, selfheal and bugle to prosper. Leave un-mown from February to

July.

Established summer-flowering meadows: Don't mow until late August or September, after wildflowers have set seed. Use this summer-flowering meadow regime for meadows with plants flowering at various times, including spring and summer species.

Minimal maintenance of mowings of 1 to 2 times per year would maintain a meadow but the medium to taller grasses predominate with limited wildflower growth appearing.

A program of mowings between 2 to 4 times per year encourage shorter grasses and greater abundance of wildflowers.

7.4.3 WILDFLOWER ENHANCEMENT GUIDELINES

To enhance the edge condition and to encourage greater wildflower growth the following maintenance efforts should be employed:

Mow 5’-0” from the edge of the pathways or roadway to the inboard side where

Meadow Mix material was seeded to a height of 2” in mid to late October.

Lightly cultivate these areas to disturb the ground in upper 2” to 3” of the soil.

Reseed the all the mowed and cultivated areas with the specified Meadow Mix seed mixture. The mix can be applied by hydro seeding (no tackifiers), by mechanical spreader, or by hand. Lightly rake or roll after sowing to increase seed-to-soil contact.

Specific Building Site

Preparation

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE LANDSCAPE DESIGN STANDARDS

8.01 BUILDING 1305

10. REMOVE SHRUBS

7. REMOVE SHRUBS

4. REMOVE MAPLE

1. REMOVE

RHODODENDRONS

AROUND GAZEBO

2. REMOVE PINE

3. REMOVE SHRUB

5. REMOVE BIRCH

12. REMOVE SHRUB

17. REMOVE BIRCH

16. REMOVE (1) PINE

15. REMOVE (1) PINE

14. REMOVE

RHODODENDRON

8. REMOVE SHRUBS

6. PROTECT SHRUBS

13. REMOVE SHRUBS

11. REMOVE

RHODODENDRON

9. REMOVE CRABAPPLE

7. REMOVE SHRUBS 8. REMOVE SHRUBS

2 & 3 & 5. REMOVE PINE & SHRUB & BIRCH

9. REMOVE CRABAPPLE

4. REMOVE MAPLE

1. REMOVE RHODODENDRONS AROUD GAZEBO

10. REMOVE SHRUBS

6. PROTECT SHRUBS

12. REMOVE SHRUB

11. REMOVE RHODODENDRON

13. REMOVE SHRUBS

14 & 15. REMOVE RHODODENDRON & (1) PINE 13 & 16 & 17. REMOVE SHRUBS & (1) PINE & BIRCH

10. REMOVE SHRUBS

8.02 BUILDING 1515

8. REMOVE SHRUBS

AND TREE

5. REMOVE PLANTER

4. REMOVE SHRUBS

3. REMOVE

SHRUBS AND

ROCKS

2. REMOVE OAK

AND AZALEA

6. REMOVE SHRUB

9. REMOVE SHRUB

7. REMOVE YEW

TREE

1. REMOVE

ARBORVITAE

8.02 BUILDING 1515

5 & 6. REMOVE PLANTER & SHRUB

8. REMOVE SHRUBS ANS TREE

3. REMOVE SHRUBS AND ROCKS

2. REMOVE OAK AND AZALEA1. REMOVE ARBORVITAE

4. REMOVE SHRUBS

7. REMOVE YEW TREE

9. REMOVE SHRUB

8.03 BUILDING 1530

7. REMOVE YEW

3. REMOVE SHRUBS

1. REMOVE SHRUBS

6. REMOVE SHRUBS

8. REMOVE SHRUBS

SHEAR SHRUB

TREE IN POOR

HEALTH, REMOVE

OR HEAVY PRUNE

4. REMOVE SHRUBS

2. REMOVE ARBORVITAE

5. REMOVE SHRUBS

AND ROCKS

1. REMOVE SHRUBS

4. REMOVE SHRUBS

2. REMOVE ARBORVITAE

1. REMOVE SHRUBS

3. REMOVE ALL SHRUBS

4. REMOVE SHRUBS

7. REMOVE YEW

8. REMOVE SHRUBS8. REMOVE SHRUB

8. REMOVE SHRUB

5. REMOVE SHRUBS AND ROCKS 6 & 8. REMOVE SHRUBS

8.04 BUILDING 1531