240016 Spec 32 93 00_Exterior Plants.pdf

Repair BEQ BB250 Project No. 24-0016 MCB Camp Lejeune, NC

SECTION 32 93 00

EXTERIOR PLANTS

08/17, CHG 1: 08/21

PART 1 GENERAL

1.1 REFERENCES

The publications listed below form a part of this specification to the extent referenced. The publications are referred to within the text by the basic designation only.

AMERICANHORT (AH)

ANSI/ANLA Z60.1 (2004) American Standard for Nursery Stock

ASTM INTERNATIONAL (ASTM)

ASTM A580/A580M (2023) Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Wire

ASTM C602 (2023) Agricultural Liming Materials

ASTM D4972 (2018) Standard Test Methods for pH of Soils

ASTM D5268 (2019) Topsoil Used for Landscaping Purposes

ASTM D6155 (2019) Nontraditional Coarse Aggregate for Bituminous Paving Mixtures

L.H. BAILEY HORTORIUM (LHBH)

LHBH (1976) Hortus Third

TREE CARE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (TCIA)

TCIA A300P1 (2017) ANSI A300 Part1: Tree Care Operations - Trees, Shrubs and Other Woody Plant Maintenance Standard Practices - Pruning

TCIA Z133 (2017) American National Standard for Arboricultural Operations - Pruning, Repairing, Maintaining, and Removing Trees, and Cutting Brush - Safety Requirements

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

DOA SSIR 42 (2022) Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory Methods Manual, Soil Survey Investigations Report, No. 42, Version 6.0

SECTION 32 93 00 Page 1

1.2 RELATED REQUIREMENTS

Section 31 00 00 EARTHWORK, Section 32 92 23 SODDING, and Section 32 05 33 LANDSCAPE ESTABLISHMENT applies to this section for pesticide use and plant establishment requirements, with additions and modifications herein.

1.3 SUBMITTALS

Government approval is required for submittals with a "G" or "S" classification. Submittals not having a "G" or "S" classification are for Contractor Quality Control approval. Submittals not having a "G" or "S" classification are for information only. When used, a code following the "G" classification identifies the office that will review the submittal for the Government. Submit the following in accordance with Section

01 33 00 SUBMITTAL PROCEDURES:

SD-01 Preconstruction Submittals

State Landscape Contractor's License

Time Restrictions and Planting Conditions

Indicate anticipated dates and locations for each type of planting.

SD-03 Product Data

Gypsum

Mulch ; G

Ground Stakes

Fertilizer

Weed Control Fabric ; G

Staking Material

Metal Edging

SD-06 Test Reports

Topsoil Composition Tests

SD-07 Certificates

Nursery Certifications

1.4 QUALITY ASSURANCE

1.4.1 Topsoil Composition Tests

Commercial test from an independent testing laboratory including basic soil groups (moisture and saturation percentages, Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium (N-P-K) ratio, pH ( ASTM D4972), soil salinity), secondary nutrient groups (calcium, magnesium, sodium, Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR)), micronutrients (zinc, manganese, iron, copper), toxic soil elements (boron, chloride, sulfate), cation exchange and base

SECTION 32 93 00 Page 2 saturation percentages, and soil amendment and fertilizer recommendations with quantities for plant material being transplanted. Soil required for each test must include a maximum depth of 18 inches of approximately one quart volume for each test. Areas sampled should not be larger than one acre and should contain at least 6-8 cores for each sample area and be thoroughly mixed. Problem areas should be sampled separately and compared with samples taken from adjacent non-problem areas. The location of the sample areas should be noted and marked on a parcel or planting map for future reference.

1.4.2 Nursery Certifications

a. Indicate on nursery letterhead the name of plants in accordance with the LHBH, including botanical common names, quality, and size.

b. Inspection certificate.

c. Mycorrhizal fungi inoculum for plant material treated

1.4.3 State Landscape Contractor's License

Construction company must hold a landscape contractors license in the state where the work is performed and have a minimum of five years landscape construction experience. Submit copy of license and three references for similar work completed in the last five years.

1.4.4 Pre-Installation Meeting

Convene a pre-installation meeting a minimum of one week prior to commencing work of this section. Require attendance of parties directly affecting work of this section. Review conditions of operations, procedures and coordination with related work. Agenda must include the following:

a. Tour, inspect, and discuss conditions of planting materials.

b. Review planting schedule and maintenance.

c. Review required inspections.

d. Review environmental procedures.

1.5 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING

1.5.1 Delivery

1.5.1.1 Branched Plant Delivery

Deliver with branches tied and exposed branches covered with material which allows air circulation. Prevent damage to branches, trunks, root systems, and root balls and desiccation of leaves.

1.5.1.2 Soil Amendment Delivery

Deliver to the site in original, unopened containers bearing manufacturer's chemical analysis, name, trade name, or trademark, and indication of conformance to state and federal laws. Store in dry locations away from contaminates.

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1.5.1.3 Plant Labels

Deliver plants with durable waterproof labels in weather-resistant ink.

Provide labels stating the correct botanical and common plant name and variety as applicable and size as specified in the list of required plants. Attach to plants, bundles, and containers of plants. Groups of plants may be labeled by tagging one plant. Labels must be legible for a minimum of 60 days after delivery to the planting site.

1.5.2 Storage

1.5.2.1 Plant Storage and Protection

Store and protect plants not planted on the day of arrival at the site as follows:

a. Shade and protect plants in outside storage areas from the wind and direct sunlight until planted.

b. Heel-in bare root plants.

c. Protect balled and burlapped plants from freezing or drying out by covering the balls or roots with moist burlap, sawdust, wood chips, shredded bark, peat moss, or other approved material. Provide covering which allows air circulation.

d. Keep plants in a moist condition until planted by watering with a fine mist spray.

e. Do not store plant material directly on concrete or bituminous surfaces.

1.5.2.2 Fertilizer, Gypsum, pH Adjusters and Mulch Storage

Store in dry locations away from contaminants.

1.5.2.3 Topsoil

Prior to stockpiling topsoil, eradicate on site undesirable growing vegetation. Clear and grub existing vegetation three to four weeks prior to stockpiling existing topsoil.

1.5.2.4 Weed Control Fabric

Store materials on site in enclosures or under protective covering in dry location. Store under cover out of direct sunlight. Do not store materials directly on ground.

1.5.3 Handling

Do not drop or dump plants from vehicles. Avoid damaging plants being moved from nursery or storage area to planting site. Handle balled and burlapped container plants carefully to avoid damaging or breaking the earth ball or root structure. Do not handle plants by the trunk or stem.

Remove damaged plants from the site.

1.5.4 TIME LIMITATION

Except for container-grown plant material, the time limitation from

SECTION 32 93 00 Page 4 digging to installing plant material must be a maximum of 90 days. The time limitation between installing the plant material and placing the mulch must be a maximum of 24 hours.

1.6 TIME RESTRICTIONS AND PLANTING CONDITIONS

Coordinate installation of planting materials during optimal planting seasons for each type of plant material required.

1.6.1 Restrictions

Do not plant when ground is frozen, snow covered, muddy, or when air temperature exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit

1.7 GUARANTEE

All plants must be guaranteed for one year beginning on the date of inspection by the Contracting Officer to commence the plant establishment period, against defects including death and unsatisfactory growth, except for defects resulting from lack of adequate maintenance, neglect, or abuse by the Government or by weather conditions unusual for the warranty period.

Remove and replace dead planting materials immediately unless required to plant in the succeeding planting season. At end of warranty period, replace planting materials that die or have 25 percent or more of their branches that die during the construction operations or the guarantee period.

PART 2 PRODUCTS

2.1 PLANTS

2.1.1 Regulations and Varieties

Existing trees and shrubs to remain must be protected and a planting plan be arranged around them. Furnish nursery stock in accordance with ANSI/ANLA Z60.1 , except as otherwise specified or indicated. Each plant or group of planting must have a "key" number indicated on the nursery certifications of the plant schedule. Furnish plants, including turf grass, grown under climatic conditions similar to those in the locality of the project. Plants specified must be indigenous, low maintenance varieties, tolerant of site's existing soils and climate without supplemental irrigation or fertilization once established. Plants of the same specified size must be of uniform size and character of growth.

Plants must be chosen with their mature size and growth habit in mind to avoid over-planting and conflict with other plants, structures or underground utility lines. All plants must comply with all Federal and State Laws requiring inspection for plant diseases and infestation.

2.1.2 Shape and Condition

Well-branched, well-formed, sound, vigorous, healthy planting stock free from disease, sunscald, windburn, abrasion, and harmful insects or insect eggs and having a healthy, normal, and undamaged root system.

2.1.2.1 Deciduous Trees and Shrubs

Symmetrically developed and of uniform habit of growth, with straight boles or stems, and free from objectionable disfigurements.

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2.1.2.2 Evergreen Trees and Shrubs

Well developed symmetrical tops with typical spread of branches for each particular species or variety.

2.1.2.3 Ground Covers and Vines

Number and length of runners and clump sizes indicated, and of the proper age for the grade of plants indicated, furnished in removable containers, integral containers, or formed homogeneous soil section.

2.1.3 Plant Size

Minimum sizes measured after pruning and with branches in normal position, must conform to measurements indicated, based on the average width or height of the plant for the species as specified in ANSI/ANLA Z60.1 .

Plants larger in size than specified may be provided with approval of the Contracting Officer. When larger plants are provided, increase the ball of earth or spread of roots in accordance with ANSI/ANLA Z60.1 .

2.1.4 Root Ball Size

All box-grown, field potted, field boxed, collected, plantation grown, bare root, balled and burlapped, container grown, processed-balled, and in-ground fabric bag-grown root balls must conform to ANSI/ANLA Z60.1 .

All wrappings and ties must be biodegradable. Root growth in container grown plants must be sufficient to hold earth intact when removed from containers. Root bound plants will not be accepted.

2.1.4.1 Mycorrhizal fungi inoculum

Before shipment, root systems must contain mycorrhizal fungi inoculum.

2.1.5 Growth of Trunk and Crown

2.1.5.1 Deciduous Trees

A height to caliper relationship must be provided in accordance with ANSI/ANLA Z60.1 . Height of branching must bear a relationship to the size and species of tree specified and with the crown in good balance with the trunk. The trees must not be "poled" or the leader removed.

a. Single stem: The trunk must be reasonably straight and symmetrical with crown and have a persistent main leader.

b. Multi-stem: All countable stems, in aggregate, must average the size specified. To be considered a stem, there must be no division of the trunk which branches more than 6 inches from ground level.

2.1.5.2 Broadleaf Evergreen Plant Material

Broadleaf evergreen plant material must have the height-to-spread ratio recommended by ANSI/ANLA Z60.1 . Acceptable plant material must be well shaped and recognized by the trade as typical for the variety grown in the region of the project.

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2.1.5.3 Ground Cover and Vine Plant Material

Ground cover and vine plant material must have the minimum number of runners and length of runner recommended by ANSI/ANLA Z60.1 . Plant material must have heavy, well developed and balanced crown with vigorous, well developed root system and must be furnished in containers.

2.2 TOPSOIL

2.2.1 Off-Site Topsoil

Conform to requirements specified in paragraph COMPOSITION. Additional topsoil must be furnished by the Contractor.

2.2.2 Composition

Evaluate soil for use as topsoil in accordance with ASTM D5268. From 5 to 10 percent organic matter as determined by the topsoil composition tests of the Organic Carbon, 6A, Chemical Analysis Method described in DOA SSIR 42 . Maximum particle size, 3/4 inch , with maximum 3 percent retained on 1/4 inch screen. The pH must be tested in accordance with ASTM D4972. Topsoil must be free of sticks, stones, roots, plants, and other debris and objectionable materials. Other components must conform to the following limits:

Silt 25-50 percent

Clay 10-30 percent

Sand 20-35 percent pH 5.5 to 7.0

Soluble Salts 600 ppm maximum

2.3 SOIL CONDITIONERS

Provide singly or in combination as required to meet specified requirements for topsoil. Soil conditioners must be nontoxic to plants.

2.3.1 Lime

Commercial grade hydrated limestone containing a calcium carbonate equivalent (C.C.E.) as specified in ASTM C602 of not less than 80 percent.

2.3.2 Aluminum Sulfate

Commercial grade.

2.3.3 Sulfur

100 percent elemental

2.3.4 Iron

100 percent elemental

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2.3.5 Gypsum

Coarsely ground gypsum comprised of calcium sulfate dihydrate 80 percent, calcium 18 percent, sulfur 14 percent; minimum 96 percent passing through 20 mesh screen , 100 percent passing thru 16 mesh screen.

2.4 PLANTING SOIL MIXTURES

100 percent topsoil as specified herein.

2.5 FERTILIZER

Fertilizer for groundcover, wildflowers and grasses is not permitted.

Fertilizer for trees, plants, and shrubs must be as recommended by plant supplier, except synthetic chemical fertilizers are not permitted.

Fertilizers containing petrochemical additives or that have been treated with pesticides or herbicides are not permitted.

2.5.1 Granular Fertilizer

Organic, granular controlled release fertilizer containing the following minimum percentages, by weight, of plant food nutrients:

10 percent available nitrogen 10 percent available phosphorus 10 percent available potassium

2.6 WEED CONTROL FABRIC

2.6.1 Roll Type Polypropylene or Polyester Mats

Fabric must be woven, needle punched or non-woven and treated for protection against deterioration due to ultraviolet radiation. Fabric must be minimum 99 percent opaque to prevent photosynthesis and seed germination from occurring, yet allowing air, water and nutrients to pass thru to the roots. Minimum weight must be 5 ounces per square yard with a minimum thickness of 20 mils with a 20 year (minimum) guarantee.

2.7 MULCH

Free from noxious weeds, mold, pesticides, or other deleterious materials.

2.7.1 Inert Mulch Materials

Provide riverbank stone complying with ASTM D6155, ranging in size from 3 to 5 inches. Color shall be Berkshire Blend or approved equal.

2.8 STAKING AND GUYING MATERIAL

2.8.1 Staking Material

2.8.1.1 Tree Support Stakes

Rough sawn hard wood free of knots, rot, cross grain, bark, long slivers, or other defects that impair strength. Stakes must be minimum 2 inches square or 2-1/2 inch diameter by 8 feet long, pointed at one end.

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2.8.1.2 Ground Stakes

Rough sawn hard wood or plastic, 2 inches square are by 3 feet long, pointed at one end.

2.8.2 Guying Material

2.8.2.1 Guying Wire

12 gauge annealed galvanized steel, ASTM A580/A580M .

2.8.2.2 Guying Cable

Minimum five-strand, 3/16 inch diameter galvanized steel cable.

2.8.3 Hose Chafing Guards

New or used 2 ply 3/4 inch diameter reinforced rubber or plastic hose, black or dark green, all of same color.

2.9 EDGING MATERIAL

2.9.1 Metal Edging

Provide 8-inch high, 12 gauge standard top metal edging in minimum 10 foot long sections. Provide manufacturer recommended ground fasteners.

Provide a powder coated finish, black in color.

2.10 WATER

Source of water to be approved by Contracting Officer and suitable quality for irrigation and must not contain elements toxic to plant life , including acids, alkalis, salts, chemical pollutants, and organic matter.

Use collected storm water or graywater when available .

2.11 SOURCE QUALITY CONTROL

The Contracting Officer will inspect plant materials at the project site and approve them. Tag plant materials for size and quality.

PART 3 EXECUTION

3.1 EXTENT OF WORK

Provide soil preparation, including soil conditioners and soil amendments prior to planting. Provide tree, shrub, groundcover, staking, guying, weed control fabric, and mulch topdressing of all newly graded finished earth surfaces, unless indicated otherwise, and at all areas inside or outside the limits of construction that are disturbed by the Contractor's operations.

3.2 PREPARATION

3.2.1 Protection

Protect existing and proposed landscape features, elements, and sites from damage or contamination. Protect trees, vegetation, and other designated features by erecting high-visibility, reusable construction fencing.

Locate fence no closer to trees than the drip line. Plan equipment and

SECTION 32 93 00 Page 9 vehicle access to minimize and confine soil disturbance and compaction to areas indicated on Drawings.

3.2.2 Layout

Stake out approved plant material locations and planter bed outlines on the project site before digging plant pits or beds. The Contracting Officer reserves the right to adjust plant material locations to meet field conditions. Do not plant closer than 24 inches to a building wall, pavement edge, fence or wall edge and other similar structures. Provide on-site locations for excavated rock, soil, and vegetation.

3.2.3 Soil Preparation

3.2.3.1 pH Adjuster Application Rates

Apply pH adjuster at rates as determined by laboratory soil analysis of the soils at the job site.

3.2.3.2 Soil Conditioner Application Rates

Apply soil conditioners at rates as determined by laboratory soil analysis of the soils at the job site.

3.2.3.3 Fertilizer Application Rates

Apply fertilizer at rates as determined by laboratory soil analysis of the soils at the job site.

3.3 PLANT BED PREPARATION

Verify location of underground utilities prior to excavation. Protect existing adjacent turf before excavations are made. Do not disturb topsoil and vegetation in areas outside those indicated on Drawings.

Where planting beds occur in existing turf areas, remove turf to a depth that will ensure removal of entire root system. Measure depth of plant pits from finished grade. Depth of plant pit excavation must be as indicated and provide proper relation between top of root ball and finished grade. Install plant material as specified in paragraph PLANT INSTALLATION. Do not install trees within 10 feet of any utility lines or building walls.

3.4 PLANT INSTALLATION

3.4.1 Individual Plant Pit Excavation

Excavate pits at least twice as large in diameter as the size of ball or container to depth shown.

3.4.2 Plant Beds with Multiple Plants

Excavate plant beds continuously throughout entire bed as outlined to depth shown.

3.4.3 Handling and Setting

Move plant materials only by supporting the root ball or container. Set plants on hand compacted layer of prepared backfill soil mixture 6 inches thick and hold plumb in the center of the pit until soil has been tamped

SECTION 32 93 00 Page 10 firmly around root ball. Replace plant material whose root balls are cracked or damaged either before or during the planting process.

Plant material must be set in plant beds according to the drawings.

Backfill soil mixture must be placed on previously scarified subsoil to completely surround the root balls, and must be brought to a smooth and even surface, blending to existing areas.

3.4.3.1 Balled and Burlapped Stock

Backfill with topsoil to approximately half the depth of ball and then tamp and water. Carefully remove or fold back excess burlap and tying materials from the top a minimum 1/3 depth from the top of the rootball.

Tamp and complete backfill, place mulch topdressing, and water. Remove wires and non-biodegradable materials from plant pit prior to backfill operations.

3.4.3.2 Container Grown Stock

Remove from container and prevent damage to plant or root system.

3.4.3.3 Ground Covers and Vines

Do not remove plant materials from flats or containers until immediately before planting. Space at intervals indicated. Plant at a depth to sufficiently cover all roots. Start watering areas planted as required by temperature and wind conditions. Apply water at a rate sufficient to ensure thorough wetting of soil to a depth of 12 inches without run off or puddling. Smooth planting areas after planting to provide even, smooth finish.

Smooth planting areas before planting to provide even, smooth finish.

Plant after placing weed control fabric and mulch topdressing. Do not remove plant material from flats or containers until immediately before planting. Space at the intervals indicated. Plant at a depth to sufficiently cover all roots. Start watering areas planted as required by temperature and wind conditions. Apply water at a rate sufficient to ensure thorough wetting of soil to a depth of 6 inches without run off or puddling. Add mulch topdressing as needed.

3.4.4 Earth Mounded Watering Basin for Individual Plant Pits

Form with topsoil around each plant by placing a mound of topsoil around the edge of each plant pit. Watering basins must be 6 inches deep for trees and 4 inches deep for shrubs. Construct watering basin in a 4-1/2 foot diameter circle around specimen (not planted in a close group) trees and shrubs.

3.4.5 Weed Control Fabric Installation

Remove grass and weed vegetation, including roots, from within the area enclosed by edging. Completely cover areas enclosed by edging with specified weed control fabric prior to placing mulch layer. Overlap cut edges 6 inches .

3.4.6 Placement of Mulch Topdressing

Place specified mulch topdressing on top of weed control fabric covering total area. Place mulch topdressing to a depth of 4 inches .

SECTION 32 93 00 Page 11

3.4.7 Mulch Topdressing

Provide mulch topdressing over entire planter bed surfaces and individual plant surfaces including earth mound watering basin around plants to a depth of 6 inches after completion of plant installation and before watering. Keep mulch out of the crowns of shrubs. Place mulch a minimum 2 to 3 inches away from trunk of shrub or tree. Place on top of any weed control fabric.

3.4.8 Installation of Edging

Uniformly edge beds of plants to provide a clear cut division line between planted area and adjacent lawn. Construct bed shapes as indicated.

Install metal edging material as indicated and as per manufacturer's instructions. Install edging with minimum one inch left above the material it is containing .

3.4.9 Fertilization

3.4.9.1 Granular Fertilizer

Apply granular fertilizer as a top coat prior to placing mulch layer and water thoroughly.

3.4.10 Watering

Start watering areas planted as required by temperature and wind conditions. Slow deep watering must be used. Apply water at a rate sufficient to ensure thorough wetting of soil to a depth of 12 inches without run off or puddling. Watering of other plant material or adjacent areas must be prevented .

3.4.11 Staking and Guying

3.4.11.1 Staking

Stake plants with the number of stakes indicated. Use hose chafer guards where guy wire comes in contact with tree trunk.

3.4.12 Pruning

Prune in accordance with safety requirement of TCIA Z133 .

3.4.12.1 Trees and Shrubs

Remove dead and broken branches. Prune to correct structural defects only. Retain typical growth shape of individual plants with as much height and spread as practical. Do not cut central leader on trees. Make cuts with sharp instruments. Do not flush cut with trunk or adjacent branches. Collars must remain in place. Pruning must be accomplished by trained and experienced personnel and must be accordance with TCIA A300P1 .

3.4.12.2 Wound Dressing

Do not apply tree wound dressing to cuts.

SECTION 32 93 00 Page 12

3.5 RESTORATION AND CLEAN UP

3.5.1 Restoration

Turf areas, pavements and facilities that have been damaged from the planting operation must be restored to original condition at the Contractor's expense.

3.5.2 Clean Up

Excess and waste material must be removed from the installed area and must be disposed offsite at an approved landfill, recycling center, or composting center. Adjacent paved areas must be cleared.

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1.7 GUARANTEE

2.8.3 Hose Chafing Guards