Special Provisions Section 700.pdf

Date: November 1, 2002

Revised: April 27, 2004

Revised: October 31, 2005 Revised: October 23, 2008

Revised: December 14, 2010

Revised: April 15,2011

Revised July 26, 2012

First Use Date: January 18, 2013

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

STATE OF GEORGIA

SPECIAL PROVISION

Section 700—Grassing

Delete Section 700 and substitute the following:

700.1 General Description

This work includes preparing the ground, furnishing, planting, seeding, fertilizing, sodding, and mulching disturbed areas within the Right-of-Way limits and easement areas adjacent to the right-of-way as shown on the Plans except as designated by the Engineer to remain natural.

700.1.01 Definitions

General Provisions 101 through 150.

700.1.02 Related References

A. Standard Specifications

Section 160—Reclamation of Material Pits and Waste Areas

Section 163—Miscellaneous Erosion Control Items

Section 718—Wood Fiber

Section 822—Emulsified Asphalt

Section 882—Lime

Section 890—Seed and Sod

Section 891—Fertilizers

Section 893—Miscellaneous Planting Materials

Section 895—Polyacrylamide

B. Referenced Documents

QPL 33

QPL 84

700.1.03 Submittals

Submit manufacturer’s product expiration date along with written instructions to ensure proper application, safety, storage, and handling of Polyacrylamide products used in The Work.

http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/theSource/specs/ss160.pdf http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/theSource/specs/ss163.pdf http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/theSource/specs/ss718.pdf http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/theSource/specs/ss822.pdf http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/theSource/specs/ss882.pdf http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/theSource/specs/ss890.pdf http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/theSource/specs/ss891.pdf http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/theSource/specs/ss893.pdf http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/theSource/specs/ss895.pdf http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/Materials/qpl/Documents/qpl33.pdf http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/Materials/qpl/Documents/qpl84.pdf

700.2 Materials

Use materials that meet the requirements of the following Specifications:

Material Section

Wood Fiber Mulch 718.2

Agricultural Lime 882.2.01

Seed 890.2.01

Sod 890.2.02

Fertilizer 891.2.01

Plant Topsoil 893.2.01

Mulch 893.2.02

Inoculants 893.2.04

Tackifiers QPL 33

Anionic Polyacrylamide QPL 84 & Section 895

A. Seeds

Whenever seeds are specified by their common names, use the strains indicated by their botanical names.

B. Water

Obtain the water for grassing from an approved source. Use water free of harmful chemicals, acids, alkalies, and other substances that may harm plant growth or emit odors. Do not use salt or brackish water.

C. Agricultural Lime

Agricultural lime rates will be based on a laboratory soil test report. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring the tests are performed by an approved laboratory. Provide a copy of test results to the Engineer. Refer to Section 882 Lime and

GSP 18 of the Sampling and Testing Inspection manual for additional information on rates, use, handling and sampling procedures.

D. Fertilizer Mixed Grade

Fertilizer analysis and rates will be based on a laboratory soil test report. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring the tests are performed by an approved laboratory. Provide a copy of test results to the Engineer. Refer to Section 891

Fertilizer and GSP 18 of the Sampling and Testing Inspection manual for additional information on rates, use, handling and sampling procedures.

E. Mulch

Use straw or hay mulch according to Subsection 700.3.05.G.

Use wood fiber mulch in hydroseeding according to Subsection 700.3.05.F.1.

700.2.01 Delivery, Storage, and Handling

General Provisions 101 through 150.

700.3 Construction Requirements

700.3.01 Personnel

General Provisions 101 through 150.

700.3.02 Equipment

Use grassing equipment able to produce the required results.

Never allow the grading (height of cut) to exceed the grassing equipment’s operating range.

http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/theSource/specs/ss718.pdf#X7182 http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/theSource/specs/ss822.pdf#X882201 http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/theSource/specs/ss890.pdf#X890201 http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/theSource/specs/ss890.pdf#X890202 http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/theSource/specs/ss891.pdf#X891201 http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/theSource/specs/ss893.pdf#X893201 http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/theSource/specs/ss893.pdf#X893202 http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/theSource/specs/ss893.pdf#X893204 http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/Materials/qpl/Documents/qpl33.pdf http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/Materials/qpl/Documents/qpl84.pdf http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/theSource/specs/ss895.pdf

A. Mulch Material Equipment

Use mulching equipment that uniformly cuts the specified materials into the soil to the required control depth.

B. Hydroseeding Equipment

For hydroseeding equipment, see Subsection 700.3.05.F.

700.3.03 Preparation

General Provisions 101 through 150.

700.3.04 Fabrication

General Provisions 101 through 150.

700.3.05 Construction

Follow the planting zones, planting dates, types of seed, seed mixtures, and application rates described throughout this

Section. The Engineer has the authority to alter the planting dates as set forth by a period of 2 weeks. This 2-week period may be applied to either the beginning of the specified planting and/or to the end of the end of the specified planting season.

In general:

Obtain the Engineer’s approval before changing the ground cover type.

Do not use annual rye grass seeds with permanent grassing.

Follow the planting zones indicated on the Georgia State Planting Zone Map, below.

Sod may be installed throughout the year, weather permitting.

For permanent grassing, apply the combined amounts of all seeds for each time period within each planting zone and roadway location listed in the Seeding Table, below. Do not exceed the amounts of specified seed.

NON-NATIVE GRASS SEEDING TABLE 1

(Temporary and Permanent Seed Types for Shoulders, Medians and Slopes 3:1 or Flatter)

Common

Name

Botanical Name Class/Type Rate/Acre Planting

Zone

Planting Dates

Common

Bermuda

Grass

(Hulled) Cynodon dactylon

Required

Permanent

Grass

10 (11)

April 16 –

August 31 Common

Bermuda

Grass

(Unhulled)

10 (11)

Common

Bermuda

Grass

(Hulled)

Cynodon dactylon

Required

Permanent

Grass

10 (11)

2,3,4 April 1 –

October 15

Common

Bermuda

Grass

(Unhulled)

10 (11)

Bahaia Grass Paspalum motatum 10 (11)

Rye Grass, Millet, Cereal

Grass (Oats)

Lolium penne spsp.

Multiflorum, Echinochloa cursgalli, Avena sativa

Temporary

Grass 50 (56) 1

September 1-

April 15

Rye Grass, Millet, Cereal

Grass (Oats)

Lolium penne spsp.

Multiflorum, Echinochloa cursgalli, Avena sativa

Temporary

Grass 50 (56) 2,3,4

October 16-

March 31

NON-NATIVE SEEDING TABLE 2

(Temporary and Permanent Seed Types for back slopes, fill slopes and areas which will not be subject to frequent mowing, slopes steeper than 3:1)

Common Name Botanical Name Class/Type Rate/Acre Planting

Zone Planting Dates

Interstate

Lespedeza

Lespedeza sericea

50(56)

1,2 March 1 –

August 31

Weeping

Lovegrass

Eragrostis curvula Temporary

Grass

10(11)

Interstate

75(84)

1,2 September 1-

February 28

Tall Fescue Festuca arundinacea Temporary

Grass

50(56)

Interstate

50(56)

3,4 April 1 –

October 31

Weeping Love

Grass

Eragrostis curvula Temporary

Grass

10(11)

Interstate

Lespedeza

Lespedeza sericea Permanent

Grass

50(56) 3,4 November 1 –

March 31

Weeping Love

Eragrostis curvula Temporary

10(11)

NATIVE GRASS SEEDING TABLE 3

For Non-mowable Slopes or Areas Designated as Permanent Native Grass Plots.

Plant native seed mixes on back slopes, fill slopes and areas which will not be subject to frequent mowing (slopes steeper than 3:1).

See plan sheets/plant lists for detailed native restoration and riparian mitigation seed mix combinations to be applied at a minimum rate total of 10 (11) lbs per acre (kg/hectare) for each combined mix. If the mix is not provided in the plan sheets, use a minimum of 3 species based on planting dates shown above.

Common

Name

Botanical Name Class/Type Rate/Acre Planting

Zone

Planting

Dates

Canada Wild

Rye Elymus canadensis Cool Season Minimum

2 (2)

1,2,3,4 October 31 -

March 31

Virginia Wild

Rye Elymus virginicus Cool Season Minimum

2 (2)

1,2,3,4 October 31 -

March 31

Bottle-brush

Grass Hystrix patula Cool Season Minimum

2 (2)

1,2,3,4 October 31 -

March 31

Little

Bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium

(Andropogon scoparius)

Warm Season Minimum

2 (2)

1,2,3,4 March31-

August 31

Indiangrass Sorghastrum nutans Warm Season Minimum

2 (2)

1,2,3,4 March 31-

August 31

Eastern Gama

Grass Tripsacum dactyloides Warm Season Minimum

2 (2)

1,2,3,41,2,3,4 March 31-

August 31

Rice Cut

Grass Leersia oryzoides Warm Season Minimum

2 (2)

1,2,3,4 March 31-

August 31

Deertongue Panicum clandestinum Warm Season Minimum

2 (2)

1,2,3,4 March 31-

August 31

Switchgrass Panicum virgatum Warm Season Minimum

2 (2)

1,2,3,4 March 31-

August 31

Woolgrass Scirpus cyperinus Cool Season Minimum

2 (2)

1,2,3,4 October 31 -

March 31

River Oats Chasmanthium latifolium Cool Season Minimum

2 (2)

1,2,3,4 October 31 -

March 31

Purple Top Tridens flavus Warm Season Minimum

2 (2)

1,2,3,4 March 31-

August 31

HERBACEOUS PLANT SEEDING TABLE 4

(Approved for Riparian Mitigation or for Seed Mixes on Slopes Steeper than 3:1-Requiring Permanent Planting)

For native restoration and riparian mitigation seed mix combinations, use Table 4 for approved native herbaceous seed types in combination with Table 3 of native grass seeds. Native restoration and riparian seed mixes should incorporate a mix of 60% native grass types (see Table 3) and 40% native herbaceous types (see Table 4) applied at a minimum rate total of 10 (11) lbs per acre (kg/hectare) for each combined mix.

Common name Botanical name Class/type Rate/Acre Planting

Zone

Planting

Dates

Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium fistulosum Herbaceous Perennial Minimum

2 (2)

1,2,3,4 September 1

– May 1

Ironweed Vernonia novaboracensis Herbaceous

Perennial

Up to

10(11)

1,2,3,4 March 1 -

August 31, White snakeroot Ageratina altissima (Eupatorium rugosum)

Herbaceous

Perennial

Up to

10(11)

1,2,3,4 September 1

– May 1

Swamp milkweed Asclepias incarnata Herbaceous

Perennial

Up to

10(11)

1,2,3,4 March 1 -

August 31, Frost aster Aster pilosus (Symphyotrichum pilosum) Herbaceous

Perennial

Up to

10(11)

1,2,3,4 September 1

– May 1

Partridge pea Chamaecrista fasciculata (Cassia fasciculata)

Herbaceous

Perennial

Up to

10(11)

1,2,3,4 March 1 -

August 31, Lance-leaf coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata Herbaceous

Perennial

Up to

10(11)

1,2,3,4 September 1

– May 1

Tall coreopsis Coreopteris tripteris Herbaceous

Perennial

Up to

10(11)

1,2,3,4 September 1

– May 1

Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum Herbaceous

Perennial

Up to

10(11)

1,2,3,4 September 1

– May 1

Sneezeweed Helenium autumnale Herbaceous

Perennial

Up to

10(11)

1,2,3,4 September 1

– May 1

Swamp sunflower Helianthus angustifolius Herbaceous

Perennial

Up to

10(11)

1,2,3,4 March 1 -

August 31, Fringed loosestrife Lysimachia ciliata Herbaceous

Perennial

Up to

10(11)

1,2,3,4 September 1

– May 1

Wild bergamot Monarda fistulosa Herbaceous

Perennial

Up to

10(11)

1,2,3,4 September 1

– May 1

Mountain mint Pycnanthemum tenuifolium Herbaceous

Perennial

Up to

10(11)

1,2,3,4 September 1

– May 1

Black-eyed susan Rudbeckia hirta Herbaceous

Perennial

Up to

10(11)

1,2,3,4 September 1

– May 1

Goldenrod Solidago nemoralis Herbaceous

Perennial

Up to

10(11)

1,2,3,4 September 1

– May 1

Butterfly Weed Aesclepias tuberose Herbaceous

Perennial

Up to

10(11)

1,2,3,4 March 1 -

August 31, TABLE 5: TEMPORARY GRASS - SPECIES, SEEDING RATES AND PLANTING DATES

Species Rates per

1000 sq. ft.

Rates per

Acre

Planting Date By Zone

1 & 2 2 3 & 4

Rye (Grain) 3.9 lbs 168 lbs 8/1 - 11/30 8/15 - 12/1 9/1 - 2/28

Ryegrass 0.9 lbs 40 lbs 8/1 - 11/30 9/1 - 12/15 9/15 - 1/1

Rye & Annual

Lespedeza

0.6 lbs

0.6 lbs

28 lbs

24 lbs 3/1 - 4/1 2/1 - 3/1 2/1 - 3/1

Weeping

Lovegrass

0.1 lbs 4 lbs 3/15 - 6/15 3/15 - 7/15 3/15 - 7/15

Sudangrass 1.0 lbs 60 lbs 4/1 - 8/31 4/1 - 8/31 3/15 - 8/1

Browntop

Millet

1.1 lbs 50 lbs 4/1 - 6/30 4/1 - 7/15 4/1 - 7/15

Wheat 3.9 lbs 168 lbs 9/1 - 12/31 9/1 - 12/31 9/15 - 1/31

When stage construction or other conditions prevent completing a roadway section continuously, apply temporary grassing to control erosion. Temporary grassing is used to stabilize disturbed areas for more than sixty (60) calendar days. Temporary grass may be applied any time of the year, utilizing the appropriate seed species and application rate as shown in the chart above. Apply mulch to areas planted in temporary grass at the rate of ¾ inch to 1.5 inches. Do not place slope mats on areas planted in temporary grass.

A. Ground Preparation

Prepare the ground by plowing under any temporary grass areas and preparing the soil as follows:

1. Slopes 3:1 or Flatter

On slopes 3:1 or flatter, plow shoulders and embankment slopes to between 4 in and 6 in (100 mm and 150 mm) deep.

Plow front and back slopes in cuts to no less than 6 in (150 mm) deep. After plowing, thoroughly disk the area until pulverized to the plowed depth.

2. Slopes Steeper Than 3:1

Serrate slopes steeper than 3:1 according to Plan details when required.

On embankment slopes and cut slopes not requiring serration (sufficient as determined by the Engineer), prepare the ground to develop an adequate seed bed using any of the following methods as directed by the Engineer:

Plow to a depth whatever depth is practicable.

Use a spiked chain.

Walk with a cleated track dozer.

Scarify.

Disking cut slopes and fill slopes is not required.

3. All Slopes

a. Obstructions

Remove boulders, stumps, large roots, large clods, and other objects that interfere with grassing or may slide into the ditch.

b. Topsoil

Spread topsoil stockpiled during grading evenly over cut and fill slopes after preparing the ground.

Push topsoil from the top over serrated slopes. Do not operate equipment on the face of completed serrated cuts.

4. Native Restoration Areas, Riparian Areas, Stream Restoration Areas, and Wetland and Stream Mitigation Areas.

For Permanent Grassing in native restoration areas, multitrophic native planting areas, riparian areas, stream restoration areas, and wetland and stream mitigation areas, provide the minimum ground preparation necessary to provide seed to soil contact. Riparian areas may also be seeded using the no-till method. The no-till method is defined by planting permanent grass seeds using a drill-type seeder over existing vegetation without plowing or tilling soil. Ensure that existing vegetation is less than 3 inches in height (this may be achieved by mowing or using a mechanical string trimmer).

B. Grassing Adjacent to Existing Lawns

When grassing areas adjacent to residential or commercial lawns, the Engineer shall change the plant material to match the type of grass growing on the adjacent lawn. The Contract Unit Price will not be modified for this substitution.

C. Temporary Grassing

Apply temporary grassing according to Subsection 163.3.05.F. Determine lime requirements by a laboratory soil test.

Refer to seeding Table 5 for species, amounts of seed and planting dates.

In March or April of the year following planting and as soon as the weather is suitable, replace all areas of temporary grass with permanent grass by plowing or overseeding using the no-till method. If the no-till method is used, ensure that temporary grass is less than 3 inches in height (this may be achieved by mowing). Additional mulch will be required only if the temporary grass does not provide adequate mulch to meet the requirements of Subsection 700.3.05.G, “Mulching”.

Temporary grass, when required, will be paid for according to Section 163.

Projects that consist of asphalt resurfacing with shoulder reconstruction and/or shoulder widening: Type II Wood Fiber

Blanket is used to stabilize disturbed areas, no till seeding will be used when permanent grassing is applied and the areas will not be re-disturbed.

D. Applying Agricultural Lime and Fertilizer Mixed Grade

Apply and mix lime and fertilizer as follows:

1. Agricultural Lime

Uniformly spread agricultural lime on the ground at the approximate rate determined by the laboratory soil test.

a. Agricultural Lime may be used as filler material in mixed grade fertilizer in lieu of inert material. The use of agricultural lime as filler material is to be shown on the fertilizer bag or invoice from the supplier. Do not deduct any amount of fertilizer when lime is used as filler.

2. Fertilizer Mixed Grade

Uniformly spread the fertilizer selected according to Subsection 700.2.D over the ground or by use of hydroseeding.

For bid purposes base estimated quantities on an initial application of 400 lb/acre of 19-19-19.

3. Mixing

Before proceeding, uniformly work the lime and fertilizer into the top 4 in (100 mm) of soil using harrows, rotary tillers, or other equipment acceptable to the Engineer.

On cut slopes steeper than 3:1, other than serrated slopes, reduce the mixing depth to the maximum practical depth as determined by the Engineer.

Omit mixing on serrated slopes.

4. Native Restoration Areas, Multitropic Native Planting Areas, Riparian Areas, Stream Restoration Areas, and

Wetland and Stream Mitigation Areas

Omit the application of lime and fetilizer within riparian areas.

E. Seeding

Prepare seed and sow as follows:

1. Inoculation of Seed

Inoculate each kind of leguminous seed separately with the appropriate commercial culture according to the manufacturer’s instructions for the culture.

When hydroseeding, double the inoculation rate.

http://www.dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/theSource/specs/ss163.pdf#X163305F

Protect inoculated seed from the sun and plant it the same day it is inoculated.

2. Sowing

Weather permitting, sow seed within 24 hours after preparing the seed bed and applying the fertilizer and lime.

Sow seed uniformly at the rates specified in the seeding tables. Use approved mechanical seed drills, rotary hand seeders, hydroseeding equipment, or other equipment to uniformly apply the seed. Do not distribute by hand.

To distribute the seeds evenly sow seed types separately, except for similarly sized and weighted seeds. They may be mixed and sown together.

Do not sow during windy weather, when the prepared surface is crusted, or when the ground is frozen, wet, or otherwise non-tillable.

3. Overseeding

Temporary grass areas that were prepared in accordance with Subsection 700.3.05.A, may be overseeded using the no-till method. The no-till method is defined by planting permanent grass seeds using a drill-type seeder over existing temporary grass without plowing or tilling soil and in accordance with Subsection 700.3.05.C.

4. Riparian Seed Mix shall be used when specified in the Plans. A mix of at least three (3) species from Seeding Table

3 (Native Grasses) and at least two (2) species from Seeding Table 4 (Approved Riparian Mitigation - Herbaceous

Plants). The seed, shall be applied as Permanent Grassing within those areas designated on the Plans. The kinds of seed, shall be used according to the appropriate Planting Dates given in the tables.

F. Hydroseeding

Hydroseeding may be used on any grassing area. Under this method, spread the seed, fertilizer, and wood fiber mulch in the form of a slurry. Seeds of all sizes may be mixed together. Apply hydroseeding as follows:

1. Use wood fiber mulch as a metering agent and seed bed regardless of which mulching method is chosen. Apply wood fiber mulch at approximately 500 lbs/acre (560 kg/ha).

2. Prepare the ground for hydroseeding as for conventional seeding in Subsection 700.3.05.A.

3. Use specially designed equipment to mix and apply the slurry uniformly over the entire seeding area.

4. Agitate the slurry mixture during application.

5. Discharge slurry within one hour after being combined in the hydroseeder. Do not hydroseed when winds prevent an even application.

6. Closely follow the equipment manufacturer’s directions unless the Engineer modifies the application methods.

7. Mulch the entire hydroseeded area according to Subsection 700.3.05.F.1, above, and Subsection 700.3.05.G, below.

Native Restoration Areas, Multitropic Native Planting Areas, Riparian Areas, Stream Restoration Areas, and

Wetland and Stream Mitigation Areas may be hydroseeded. When hydroseeding in these areas only use water, seed and wood fiber mulch.

G. Mulching

Except as noted in Subsection 700.3.05.B and Subsection 700.3.05.C, apply mulch immediately after seeding areas as follows:

Areas with permanent grass seed and covered with slope mats or blankets will not require mulch.

Evenly apply straw or hay mulch between 3/4 in and 1-1/2 in (20 mm and 40 mm) deep, according to the texture and moisture content of the mulch material.

Mulch shall allow sunlight to penetrate and air to circulate as well as shade the ground, reduce erosion, and conserve soil moisture. If the type of mulch is not specified on the Plans or in the Proposal, use any of the following as specified.

1. Mulch with Tackifier

Apply mulch with tackifier regardless of whether using ground or hydroseeding equipment for seeding.

a. Mulch uniformly applied manually or with special blower equipment designed for the purpose. When using a blower, thoroughly loosen baled material before feeding it into the machine so that it is broken up.

b. After distributing the mulch initially, redistribute it to bare or inadequately covered areas in clumps dense enough to prevent new grass from emerging (if required).

Do not apply mulch on windy days.

c. Apply enough tackifier to the mulch to hold it in place. Immediately replace mulch that blows away.

If distributing the mulch by hand, immediately apply the tackifier uniformly over the mulched areas.

Tackifier: Use a tackifier listed in the Laboratory Qualified Products Manual and apply at the manufacturer’s recommended rates.

2. Walked-in-Mulch

Apply walked-in-mulch on slopes ranging in steepness from 5:1 to 2:1 and treat as follows:

a. Immediately walk it into the soil with a cleated track dozer. Make dozer passes vertically up and down the slope.

b. Where walked-in-mulch is used, do not roll or cover the seeds as specified in Subsection 700.3.05.E.3.

3. Apply only wheat straw mulch on Riparian Areas, Stream Restoration Areas, and Wetland and Stream Mitigation

Areas after they have been seeded. The wheat straw mulch is to be applied with a maximum thickness of 1 inch.

H. Sod

Furnish and install sod in all areas shown on the Plans or designated by the Engineer.

1. Kinds of Sod

Use only Common Bermudagrass (Cyndon dactylon) or one of the following Bermudagrass varieties:

Tifway 419

Tifway II

Tift 94

Tifton 10

Midlawn

Midiron

GN-1

Vamont

No dwarf Bermuda types shall be used. Sod shall be nursery-grown and be accompanied with a Georgia Department of Agriculture Live Plant License Certificate or Stamp. Sod shall consist of live, dense, well-rooted material free of weeds and insects as described by the Georgia Live Plant Act.

2. Type And Size Of Sod:

Furnish either big roll or block sod. Ensure that big roll sod is a minimum of 21 inches wide by 52 feet long.

Minimum dimensions for block sod are 12 inches wide by 22 inches long. Ensure all sod consists of a uniform soil thickness of not less than 1 inch.

3. Ground Preparation

Excavate the ground deep enough and prepare it according to Subsection 700.3.05.A to allow placing of sod. Spread soil, meeting the requirements of Subsection 893.2.01, on prepared area to a depth of 4 inches.

4. Application of Lime and Fertilizer

Apply lime and fertilizer according to Subsection 700.3.05.D within 24 hours prior to installing sod.

5 Weather Limitation

Do not place sod on frozen ground or where snow may hinder establishment.

6. Install Sod

Install Sod as follows:

Place sod by hand or by mechanical means so that joints are tightly abutted with no overlaps or gaps. Use soil to fill cracks between sod pieces, but do not smother the grass.

Stake sod placed in ditches or slopes steeper than 2:1 or any other areas where sod slipping can occur.

Use wood stakes that are at least 8 in (200 mm) in length and not more than 1 in ( 25 mm) wide.

Drive the stakes flush with the top of the sod. Use a minimum of 8 stakes per square yard (meter) to hold sod in place.

Once sod is placed and staked as necessary, tamp or roll it using adequate equipment to provide good contact with soil.

http://tomcat2.dot.state.ga.us/thesource/pdf/specs/ss893.html#X893201

Use caution to prevent tearing or displacement of sod during this process. Leave the finished surface of sodded areas smooth and uniform.

7. Watering Sod

After the sod has been placed and rolled or tamped, water it to promote satisfactory growth. Additional watering will be needed in the absence of rainfall and during the hot dry summer months. Water may be applied by Hydro Seeder, Water Truck or by other means approved by the Engineer.

8. Dormant Sod

Dormant Bermuda grass sod can be installed. However, assume responsibility for all sod through establishment and until final acceptance.

9. Establishment

Sod will be inspected by the Engineer at the end of the first spring after installation and at the time of Final

Inspection. Replace any sod that is not live and growing. Any cost for replacing any unacceptable sod will be at the

Contractor’s expense.

I. Application of Nitrogen

Apply nitrogen at approximately 50 lbs/acre (56 kg/ha) when specified by the Engineer after plants have grown to 2 inches (50 mm) in height.

One application is mandatory and must be applied before Final Acceptance.

Apply nitrogen with mechanical hand spreaders or other approved spreaders capable of uniformly covering the grassed areas. Do not apply nitrogen on windy days or when foilage is damp.

Do not apply nitrogen between October 15 and March 15 except in Zone 4.

1. Native Restoration Areas, Multitropic Native Planting Areas, Riparian Areas, Stream Restoration Areas, and

Wetland and Stream Mitigation Areas

Do not apply nitrogen to these areas.

J. Application of Polyacrylamide (PAM)

1. Prepare soil according to project Plans and Specifications prior to applying PAM.

2. Apply PAM according to manufacturer’s recommendations and the requirements listed herein.

3. Apply Polyacrylamide (PAM) to all areas that receive permanent grassing.

4. Apply PAM (powder) before grassing or PAM (emulsion) to the hydroseeding operation.

5. Use only anionic PAM.

6. Ensure that the application method provides uniform coverage to the target and avoids drift to non-target areas including waters of the state.

7. Achieve > 80% reduction in soil loss as measured by a rainfall simulator test performed by a certified laboratory (1 hour storm duration, 3 inches (75 mm) rainfall per hour).

8. Ensure uniform coverage to the target area and minimize drift to non-target areas. Apply anionic PAM to all cut and fill slopes, permanently grassed or temporarily grassed, either prior to grassing or in conjunction with hydroseeding operations. Mulch will not be eliminated.

9. Use application rates in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

10. Do not exceed 200 lbs/acre/year (224 kg/ha/year).

11. Do not include polyacrylamide when planting in Riparian Areas, Stream Restoration Areas, and Wetland and Stream

Mitigation Areas

700.3.06 Quality Acceptance

The Engineer may require replanting of an area that shows unsatisfactory growth for any reason at any time.

Except as otherwise specified or permitted by the Engineer, prepare replanting areas according to the Specifications as if they were the initial planting areas. Use a soil test or the Engineer’s guidance to determine the fertilizer type and application rate, then furnish and apply the fertilizer.

700.3.07 Contractor Warranty and Maintenance

A. Plant Establishment

Before Final Acceptance, provide plant establishment of the specified vegetation as follows:

1. Plant Establishment

Preserve, protect, water, reseed or replant, and perform other work as necessary to keep the grassed areas in satisfactory condition.

2. Watering

Water the areas during this period as necessary to promote maximum growth.

3. Mowing

Mow seeded areas of medians, shoulders, and front slopes at least every 6 months. Avoid damaging desirable vegetation.

In addition, mow as necessary to prevent tall grass from obstructing signs, delineation, traffic movements, sight distance, or otherwise becoming a hazard to motorists.

Do not mow lespedezas or tall fescue until after the plants have gone to seed.

4. Do not mow riparian areas, stream restoration areas, or wetland and stream mitigation areas after planting.

B. Additional Fertilizer Mixed Grade

Apply fertilizer based on the initial soil test report at half the recommended rate each spring after initial plant establishment. For bid purposes apply 200 lbs/acre of 19-19-19. Continue annual applications until Final Acceptance.

This additional fertilizer will be measured and paid for at the Contract Unit Price for fertilizer mixed grade.

Do not apply additional fertilizer to Native Restoration Areas, Multitropic Native Planting Areas, Riparian Areas, Stream

Restoration Areas, and Wetland and Stream Mitigation Areas.

C. Growth and Coverage

Provide satisfactory growth and coverage, ensuring that vegetation growth is satisfactory with no bare spots larger than1 ft² (0.1 m²). Bare spots shall comprise no more than 1 percent of any given area. An exception is given for seed not expected to have germinated and shown growth at that time.

D. Permissible Modifications

When all Items of the work are ready for Final Acceptance except for newly planted repaired areas or other areas with insufficient grass, the Contractor may fill the eroded areas or treat bare areas with sod obtained, placed, and handled according to Subsection 700.3.05.H.

Carefully maintain the line and grade established for shoulders, front slopes, medians, and other critical areas.

Sod as described above will not be paid for separately, but will be an acceptable substitute for the satisfactory growth and coverage required under this Specification. These areas treated with sod are measured for payment under the Item for which the sod is substituted.

700.4 Measurement

A. Permanent Grassing

Permanent Grassing will be measured for payment by the acre (hectare).

B. Mulches

Straw or hay mulch applied to permanent grassing areas will be measured by the ton (megagram). Wood fiber mulch furnished by the Contractor for permanent grassing is not measured for separate payment.

C. Quantity of Sod

Sod is measured for payment by the number of square yards (meters) , surface measure, completed and accepted.

D. Water

Water furnished and applied to promote a satisfactory growth is not measured for payment.

E. Quantity of Lime and Fertilizer Mixed Grade

Lime and fertilizer are measured by the ton (megagram). Lime used as a filler in fertilizer is measured by the ton

(megagram).

F. Quantity of Nitrogen Used for Permanent Grassing

Nitrogen is measured in pounds (kilograms) based on the weight of fertilizer used and its nitrogen content.

G. Replanting and Plant Establishments

No measurement for payment is made for any materials or work required under Subsection 700.3.06 and Subsection

700.3.07.

H. Temporary Grass

Temporary grass is measured for payment by the acre (hectare) according to Section 163.

I. Seeded Native Restoration Areas, Multitropic Native Planting Areas, Riparian Areas, Stream Restoration Areas, and Wetland and Stream Mitigation Areas

Seeded Native Restoration Areas, Multitropic Native Planting Areas, Riparian areas, Stream Restoration area, and

Wetland and Stream Mitigation areas will be measured by the acre (hectare). and included under the pay item “Native

Restoration and Riparian Seeding”.

700.4.01 Limits

General Provisions 101 through 150.

700.5 Payment

As grassing and planting progress, the Contractor will receive full measurement and payment on regular monthly estimates provided the work complies with the Specifications.

A. Permanent Grassing

Permanent grassing will be paid for at the Contract Price per acre (hectare), complete and in place. Payment is full compensation for preparing the ground, seeding, wood fiber mulch, polyacrylamide, and providing plant establishment, soil tests and other incidentals.

B. Straw or Hay Mulch

Straw or hay mulch required for Permanent Grassing will be paid for according to Section 163.

C. Fertilizer Mixed Grade

Fertilizer mixed grade will be paid for at the Contract Price per ton (megagram). Payment is full compensation for furnishing and applying the material.

D. Lime

Lime will be paid for at the Contract Price per ton (megagram). Lime used as filler in fertilizer will be paid for per ton

(megagram). Payment is full compensation for furnishing and applying the material.

E. Nitrogen

Nitrogen will be paid for at the Contract Price per pound (kilogram) of nitrogen content. Payment is full compensation for furnishing and applying the material.

F. Sod

Sod will be paid by the square yard (meter) in accordance with the following schedule of payments. Payment is full compensation for ground preparation, including addition of topsoil, furnishing and installing live sod, and for Plant

Establishment.

1. 70% of the Contract Price per square yard will be paid at the satisfactory completion of the installation.

2. 20% of the Contract Price will be paid upon satisfactory review of sod which is healthy, weed free and viable at the inspection made at the end of the first spring after installation.,.

3. 10% of the contract price will be paid upon satisfactory review of sod that is healthy, weed free and viable at the

Final Acceptance.

G. Temporary Grass

Temporary Grass will be paid for under Section 163.

H. Seeded Native Restoration Areas, Multitropic Native Planting Areas, Riparian Areas, Stream Restoration Areas, and Wetland and Stream Mitigation Areas

Seeded Native Restoration Areas, Multitropic Native Planting Areas, Riparian areas, Stream Restoration area, and

Wetland and Stream Mitigation areas will be paid for at the Contract Price per acre (hectare), complete and in place.

Payment is full compensation for preparing the ground, seeding, and providing plant establishment and other incidentals.

and included under the pay item “Native Restoration and Riparian Seeding”.

Payment will be made under:

Item No. 700 Permanent grassing Per acre (hectare)

Item No. 700 Agricultural lime Per ton (megagram)

Item No. 700 Fertilizer mixed grade Per ton (megagram)

Item No. 700 Fertilizer nitrogen content Per pound (kilogram)

Item No. 700 Sod Per square yard (meter)

Item No. 700 Native Restoration and Riparian Seeding Per acre (hectare)

700.5.01 Adjustments

General Provisions 101 through 150.