SECT-39_GRASSING_AND_SEEDING.docx

SECTION 39 – GRASSING AND SEEDING

Item No. Title

39.2 QUANTITIES

39.3 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS

39.4 MAINTENANCE

39.6 INSPECTION

39.1 GENERAL

39.1.1 DESCRIPTION

Furnish all material, equipment, transportation, tools, water, and labor, unless otherwise specified, to establish grass plus all items called for or that can be reasonably inferred from the drawings, including seeding and mulching, sodding, grading, fertilizing, watering, maintaining, and repairing the area for a complete job. If any items for a complete job are omitted or not shown, furnish and install the same without cost to the OWNER. All sod removed or sod placed will match existing species adjacent or within limits of construction restoration at no additional cost to the OWNER.

39.2 QUANTITIES

Sod and seed quantities are estimates. Provide all sod or seed required to complete the work as shown on the plans and specified herein.

39.3 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS

The portions of publications listed below form a part of this specification, unless stated otherwise.

1.) Florida Department of Transportation, "Standard Specification for Road and Bridge Construction" (F.D.O.T. Spec), 1994 or latest edition.

39.4 MAINTENANCE

The CONTRACTOR shall be required to maintain grassed areas until project is accepted.

39.5 EXECUTION

39.5.1 CONSTRUCTION METHODS - GENERAL

1.) Do not fertilize, seed, or mulch when wind velocities exceed 15 miles per hour. Seed or sod only when the soil is in proper condition to induce growth.

2.) When a length of roadway slopes or adjacent areas have been graded and made ready, commence seeding or sodding in accordance with these specifications. Grass covering shall be incorporated into the project within five (5) working days to reduce potential erosion unless approved otherwise, in writing, by the OWNER.

3.) Store seed and fertilizer in dry locations away from contaminants. Lightly sprinkle sod with water; cover with moist burlap, straw, or other approved covering; and protect from exposure to wind and direct sunlight until planted. Provide covering that will allow air to circulate so that heating will not develop.

39.5.2 CONSTRUCTION METHODS FOR GRASSING

1.) Grassing will be required in all areas disturbed during construction.

2.) The type and location of seeding or sodding will be as called for in the plans and/or specified herein.

3.) Sequence of Operations: The several operations involved in the following sequence:

4.) Preparation of Area to Be Grassed: Bring all planting areas to finished grades, filling as needed or removing weeds, surplus dirt and rock debris over 1 inch in diameter, and floating to a smooth uniform grade. Slope all areas to drain. Establish flow lines to existing or as shown on the plans. Finish grass areas 1 inch below top of adjoining pathway.

5.) Restore existing lawns adjacent to residential or commercial property using grass sod species to match the existing lawns. Use Argentine Bahia sod for a minimum of 15 feet around structures and in other areas where sod is specified or indicated. Use seed in all areas not specified for sod.

39.5.3 SEEDING

1.) Scatter the seed mix uniformly over the grassing area while the soil is still loose and moist at the following rate:

Seed Mix:

Mow the seed area at least twice. The first mowing shall be made when the grass reaches a height of 3 to 4 inches. The second mowing shall be made when the grass reaches a height of 8 to 10 inches and before the seedhead occurs. Subsequent mowing should establish a uniform grass surface of 2-1/2 inches and be made before seedhead occurs. All mowing should be made with a cut height as low as possible to stop shading of the Bahia grass.

2.) Mulching: Apply approximately 2 inches, loose thickness, of the mulch material uniformly over the seeded area, and cut into the soil so as to provide a loose mulched thickness of 3 to 4 inches.

3.) Rolling: Roll thoroughly the entire seeded area immediately after completion of the seeding.

39.5.4 SODDING

The sod shall be Centipede or Bahia and shall be sufficiently thick to secure a dense stand of live grass. The sod shall be live, fresh, and uninjured at the time of planting.

1.) Incorporate sodding into the project per Section 39.5.1.2. Do not use sod, which has been cut for more than 72 hours. Stack any sod, which is not planted within 24 hours after cutting, and maintain properly moistened. Sod shall have a soil mat of sufficient thickness adhering to the roots to withstand all necessary handling.

2.) Place the sod on a prepared surface with closely abutting joints. Fill any gaps or cracks between sod blocks with sod. Roll with a minimum one-ton roller to obtain an even surface. Bring the sod edge in a neat, clean manner to the edge of all paving and shrub areas. Soil shall be moist prior to placing sod.

3.) Where sodding is used in drainage ditches, stagger the setting of the pieces to avoid a continuous seam along the line of flow. Along the edges of such staggered areas, do not offset the individual strips by more than 6 inches. In order to prevent erosion caused by vertical edges at the outer limits, tamp the outer pieces of sod so as to produce a feather edge effect.

4.) On areas where the sod may slide due to height and slope, peg the sod with wooden pegs driven through the sod blocks into firm earth at suitable intervals. Replace any pieces of sod which, after placing, shown an appearance of extreme dryness.

5.) After the sod has been installed, spread a light layer of sand along the outer edges of the sodded area to give the finished product a smooth finish.

6.) Mow the sod to establish a uniform grass surface of 2-1/2 inches.

39.5.5 WATERING

1.) Maintain a balanced watering program until the acceptance of work.

2.) Apply water in sufficient quantities and as often as seasonal conditions require to keep the grassed areas moist at all times to a depth of 6 inches below the root system. Sod should be watered at the rate of one gallon of water per square yard prior to final acceptance of the job unless otherwise directed by the PROJECT ENGINEER.

39.5.6 FERTILIZATION

Broadcast fertilizer, at a rate of 400 pounds per acre, with 12-8-8 commercial fertilizer, prior to sod placement. Notify the Owner and Owner's representative, in writing, 7 days prior to the date of application as to the time and date of application.

39.5.7 SATISFACTORY GROWTH

The term "Satisfactory Growth" as used in this section is defined as even plant growth in healthy conditions without bare spots larger than one square foot. Bare spots larger than one square foot shall be re-seeded and maintained until satisfactory growth has been demonstrated.

39.5.8 MAINTENANCE AND GUARANTEE

1.) Maintain all seeded and sodded areas for a period of 90 days from the date of substantial completion of the work and guarantee against all defects and faults of material and workmanship.

2.) Maintain sod areas by watering, fertilizing, and mowing of sod to establish an even and uniform grass surface of 2-1/2 inches.

3.) In the event that the sod exhibits iron chlorosis symptoms during the establishment period, apply Fe 138 Geigy or equivalent at manufacturer's recommended rates.

39.5.9 GUARANTEE

1.) Guarantee all seeded and sodded areas to be alive and in satisfactory growth at the end of the maintenance and guarantee period (90 days).

2.) Replace any grass that is dead or not in satisfactory growth, as determined by the OWNER or OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE. Guarantee new sod or seed for an additional 90 days.

3.) Replace sod or seed with the same variety as initially specified.

39.6 INSPECTION

Request inspection from the Owner and his representative in writing at least 72 hours in advance of the time inspection is required.