OSUT_32_05_33_Landscape_Establishment.pdf

OUST-AR RANGE PROJECTS FY19

SECTION 32 05 33

LANDSCAPE ESTABLISHMENT

02/10

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.

ASTM INTERNATIONAL (ASTM)

ASTM D 2103 (2008) Standard Specification for Polyethylene Film and Sheeting

ASTM D 5851 (1995; R 2006) Planning and Implementing a Water Monitoring Program

ASTM D 6155 (2006) Nontraditional Coarse Aggregate for Bituminous Paving Mixtures

TREE CARE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (TCIA)

TCIA Z133.1 (2006) American National Standard for Arboricultural Operations - Pruning, Repairing, Maintaining, and Removing Trees, and Cutting Brush - Safety Requirements

1.2 DEFINITIONS

1.2.1 Pesticide

Any substance or mixture of substances, including biological control agents, that may prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate pests and are specifically labeled for use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Also, any substance used as a plant regulator, defoliant, disinfectant, or biocide. Examples of pesticides include fumigants, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, molluscicides and rodenticides.

1.2.2 Stand of Turf

95 percent ground cover of the established species.

1.2.3 Planter Beds

A planter bed is defined as an area containing one or a combination of the following plant types: shrubs, vines, wildflowers, annuals, perennials, ground cover, and a mulch topdressing excluding turf. Trees may also be found in planter beds.

1.3 (not used)

1.4 SUBMITTALS

Government approval is required for submittals with a "G" designation;

submittals not having a "G" designation are for Contractor Quality Control approval. The following shall be submitted in accordance with Section

01 33 00 SUBMITTAL PROCEDURES:

SD-01 Preconstruction Submittals

Integrated Pest Management Plan; G, SD-03 Product Data

Fertilizer; G, Hose;

Mulches Topdressing;

Submit documentation indicating percentage of post-industrial and post-consumer recycled content per unit of product. Indicate relative dollar value of recycled content products to total dollar value of products included in project.

Organic Mulch Materials

Submit documentation indicating type of biobased material in product and biobased content. Indicate relative dollar value of biobased content products to total dollar value of products included in project.

SD-07 Certificates

Maintenance inspection report

Plant quantities; G, SD-10 Operation and Maintenance Data

Maintenance

SD-11 Closeout Submittals

Tree, staking and guying removal

1.5 DELIVERY, STORAGE AND HANDLING

1.5.1 Delivery

Deliver fertilizer, to the site in original containers bearing manufacturer's chemical analysis, name, trade name, or trademark, and indication of conformance to state and federal laws. Instead of containers, fertilizer, may be furnished in bulk with a certificate indicating the above information.

1.5.2 Storage

1.5.2.1 Fertilizer, Lime and mulch Storage

Material shall be stored in designated areas. Lime and fertilizer shall be stored in cool, dry locations away from contaminants.

1.5.2.2 Antidessicants Storage

Do not store with fertilizers or other landscape maintenance materials.

1.5.3 Handling

Do not drop or dump materials from vehicles.

PART 2 PRODUCTS

2.1 POST-PLANT FERTILIZER

2.1.1 Granular Fertilizer

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

13 percent available nitrogen 13 percent available phosphorus 13 percent available potassium

2.2 WATER

Source of water shall be approved by the Contracting Officer, and be of suitable quality for irrigation.

2.2.1 Hose

Hoses used for watering shall be post-consumer rubber or plastic.

2.3 MULCHES TOPDRESSING

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

2.3.1 Inert Mulch Materials

Recycled concrete, stone, or other recycled material complying with ASTM D 6155, riverbank stone, crushed pit-run rock, granite chips, crushed bricks ranging in size from 3/8 to 3/4 inches. Mulch may contain a minimum percent post-consumer recycled content, or a minimum of post-industrial recycled content.

2.3.2 Organic Mulch Materials

Wood cellulose fiber, wood chips, ground or shredded bark, shredded hardwood, bark peelings, pine straw mulch or pine needles or mulch from site when available. Wood cellulose fiber shall be processed to contain no growth or germination-inhibiting factors, dyed with non-toxic, biodegradable dye to an appropriate color to facilitate visual metering of materials application. Paper-based hydraulic mulch shall contain a minimum of post-consumer recycled content. Wood-based hydraulic mulch shall contain a minimum a percentage of recycled material.

2.3.3 Recycled Organic Mulch

Recycled mulch may include compost, tree trimmings, or pine needles with a gradation that passes through a 2-1/2 by 2-1/2 inch screen. It shall be cleaned of all sticks a minimum 1 inch in diameter and plastic materials a minimum 3 inch length. The material shall be treated to retard the growth of mold and fungi.

2.4 PESTICIDES

Use black sheet polyethylene conforming to ASTM D 2103, minimum thickness 5/32 inch. Submit an Integrated Pest Management Plan, including weed and pest management strategies proposed alternatives to herbicides and pesticides. Use biological pest controls as approved in the Plan.

PART 3 EXECUTION

3.1 EXTENT OF WORK

Provide landscape construction maintenance to include irrigation equipment cleaning and adjustments, mowing, edging, overseeding, aeration, fertilizing, watering, weeding, pruning, stake and guy adjusting for all newly installed landscape areas and existing plant material, unless indicated otherwise, and at all areas inside or outside the limits of the construction that are disturbed by the Contractor's operations.

3.1.1 Policing

The Contractor shall police all landscaped areas. Policing includes removal of leaves, branches and limbs regardless of length or diameter, dead vegetation, paper, trash, cigarette butts, garbage, rocks or other debris. Policing shall extend to both sides of fencing or walls. Collected debris shall be promptly removed and disposed of at an approved disposal site.

3.1.2 Drainage System Maintenance

The Contractor shall remove all obstructions from surface and subsurface drain lines to allow water to flow unrestricted in swales, gutters, catch basins, storm drain curb inlets, and yard drains. Remove grates and clear debris in catch basins. Open drainage channels are to be maintained free of all debris and vegetation at all times. Edges of these channels shall be clear of any encroachment by vegetation.

3.2 IRRIGATION ESTABLISHMENT PERIOD

The irrigation establishment period will commence on the date that inspection by the Contracting Officer shows that the temporary irrigation equipment furnished under this contract have been satisfactorily installed and is functional and shall continue for a period of one summer growing season.

3.2.1 Maintenance During the Irrigation Establishment Period

Begin maintenance immediately after temporary irrigation equipment has been installed and is functional. Inspect irrigation equipment at least once a week during the installation and establishment period and perform needed maintenance promptly. Automatic controllers not equipped with rain shut-off sensors shall be turned off during periods of rain that exceed twelve hours of continuous rainfall in one day or during rain storms of one day or more. Once the rain has subsided timers shall be reactivated.

Irrigation controllers shall be inspected and reprogrammed after power outages. Contractor shall be responsible for winterization and startup.

Sprinkler heads shall direct water away from buildings and hard surfaced areas.

3.2.2 Water Restrictions

The Contractor shall abide by state, local or other water conservation regulations in force during the establishment period. Automatic controller shall be adjusted to comply with the water conservation regulations schedule.

3.2.3 Fire Hydrants

To use a fire hydrant for irrigation, the Contractor shall obtain prior clearance from the Contracting Officer and provide the tools and connections approved for use on fire hydrants. If a fire hydrant is used, Contractor shall provide a reduced pressure backflow preventer for each connection between hose and fire hydrant. Backflow preventer used shall be tested once per month by a certified backflow preventer tester.

3.2.4 Final Acceptance

Upon completion of the temporary irrigation establishment period and final acceptance of groundcover and exterior plants, irrigation equipment shall be removed.

3.2.5 Controller Charts

Provide one chart for each controller supplied. Indicate in chart area controlled by the automatic controller. The chart is a reduction of the actual plan that will fit the maximum dimensions inside the controller housing. Use a black line print for the chart and a different pastel or transparent color to indicate each station zone of coverage. After chart is completed and approved for final acceptance, seal chart between two 20 mil pieces of clear plastic.

]3.3 GROUNDCOVER ESTABLISHMENT PERIOD

Groundcover establishment period will commence on the date that inspection by the Contracting Officer shows that the new and renovated turf furnished under this contract has been satisfactorily installed to a 100 percent stand of coverage. The establishment period shall continue for a period of 365 days starting the begining of the summer growing season (15 MAY to 15

JUN).

3.3.1 Frequency of Maintenance

Begin maintenance immediately after turf has been installed and fully renovated. Inspect areas once a week during the installation and establishment period and perform needed maintenance promptly.

3.3.2 Promotion of Growth

Groundcover shall be maintained in a manner that promotes proper health, growth, natural color.Turf shall have a neat uniform manicured appearance, free of bare areas, ruts, holes, weeds, pests, dead vegetation, debris, and unwanted vegetation that present an unsightly appearance. Mow, remove excess clippings, eradicate weeds, water, fertilize, overseed, aerate, topdress and perform other operations necessary to promote growth, as approved by Contracting Officer and consistent with approved Integrated Pest Management Plan. Remove noxious weeds common to the area from planting areas by mechanical means.

3.3.3 Mowing

3.3.3.1 Turf

Turf shall be mowed at a uniform finished height. Mow turfed areas to a minimum average height of 3 inches when average height of grass becomes 4 inches for spring/summer maintenance and to a minimum average height of 4 inches when the average height of grass reaches 5 inches for winter maintenance. The height of turf is measured from the soil. Mowing of turf shall be performed in a manner that prevents scalping, rutting, bruising, uneven and rough cutting. Prior to mowing, all rubbish, debris, trash, leaves, rocks, paper, and limbs or branches on a turf area shall be picked up and disposed. Adjacent paved areas shall be swept/vacuumed clean.

3.3.3.2 Native Grasses

Mow above height of native grass seedlings (approximately 3.5 to 4 inches ). Mow during spring or early summer. Do not mow after early summer during the second growing season.

3.3.3.3 Wildflowers

Mow three times per season above height of the wildflowers (approximately 10 to 13 inches).

3.3.4 Turf Edging and Trimming

Perimeter of planter bed edges, sidewalks, driveways, curbs, and other paved surfaces shall be edged. Uniformly edge these areas to prevent encroachment of vegetation onto paved surfaces and to provide a clear cut division line between planter beds, turf, and ground cover. Edging is to be accomplished in a manner that prevents scalping, rutting, bruising, uneven and rough cutting. Edging shall be performed on the same day that turf is mowed. Use of string line trimmers is permitted in "soft" areas such as an edge between turfgrass and a planter bed. Care shall be exercised to avoid damage to any plant materials, structures, and other landscape features.

Trimming around trees, fences, poles, walls, valve boxes, training structures and other similar objects is to be accomplished to match the height and appearance of surrounding mowed turf growth. Trimming shall be performed on the same day the turf's mowed. Care shall be exercised to avoid "Girdling" trees located in turf areas. The use of protective tree collars on trees in turf areas may be utilized as a temporary means to avoid injury to tree trunks. At the end of the plant establishment period Contractor will be responsible for removing all protective tree collars.

3.3.5 Post-Fertilizer Application

Apply turf fertilizer in a manner that promotes health, growth, vigor, color and appearance of cultivated turf areas. The method of application, fertilizer type and frequencies shall be determined by the laboratory soil analysis results the requirements of the particular turf species. Organic fertilizer shall be used. In the event that organic fertilizer is not producing the desired effect, the Contractor shall contract the Contracting Officer for approval prior to the use of a synthetic type of fertilizer.

Fertilizer shall be applied by approved methods in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

3.3.6 Turf Watering

The Contractor shall perform irrigation in a manner that promotes the health, growth, color and appearance of cultivated vegetation and that complies with all Federal, State, and local water agencies and authorities directives. The Contractor shall be responsible to prevent over watering, water run-off, erosion, and ponding due to excessive quantities or rate of application. The Contractor shall abide by state, local or other water conservation regulations or restrictions in force during the establishment period.

3.3.7 Turf Aeration

Upon completion of weed eradication operations and Contracting Officer's approval to proceed, aerate turf areas by approved device. Core, by pulling soil plugs, to a minimum depth of 2 inches. Leave all soil plugs that are produced in the turf area. After aeration operations are complete, topdress entire area 1/2 inch depth with the following mixture:

50 percent sand 10percent humus 5 percent lime

Blend all parts of topdressing mixture to a uniform consistency throughout. Keep clean at all times at least one paved pedestrian access route and one paved vehicular access route to each building. Clean all soil plugs off of other paving when work is complete. This work shall commence 15 days prior final acceptance of the maintenance establishment period.

3.3.8 Turf Clearance Area

Trees located in turf areas shall be maintained with a growth free clearance of 48 inches minimum from the tree trunk base or the tree drip line which ever is greater. The use of mechanical weed whips to accomplish the turf growth free bed area is prohibited.

]3.3.9 Replanting

Replant in accordance with specification section for instalation of planting materials and within specified planting dates areas which do not have a satisfactory stand of turf.

3.3.10 Final Inspection and Acceptance

Final inspection will be make upon written request from the Contractor at least 10 days prior to the last day of the turf establishment period.

Final turf acceptance will be based upon a satisfactory stand of turf.

]3.4 EXTERIOR PLANT ESTABLISHMENT PERIOD

The exterior plant establishment period will commence on the date that inspection by the Contracting Officer shows that the new plant or transplanted materials furnished under this contract has been satisfactorily installed and shall continue for a period of 365 days.

3.4.1 Frequency of Maintenance

Begin maintenance immediately after plants have been installed. Inspect exterior plants at least once a week during the installation and establishment period and perform needed maintenance promptly.

3.4.2 Promotion of Plant Growth and Vigor

Water, prune, fertilize, mulch, adjust stakes, guys and turnbuckles, eradicate weeds and perform other operations necessary to promote plant growth, and vigor.

3.4.3 Planter Bed Maintenance

Planter beds shall be weeded, fertilized, irrigated, kept pest free, turf free, pruned, and mulch levels maintained. Planter beds will not be allowed to encroach into turf areas. A definite break shall be maintained between turf areas and planter beds.

3.4.3.1 Shrub Selective Maintenance

In addition to the above requirements, shrubs shall be selectively pruned, and shaped for health and safety when the following conditions exist:

Remove growth in front of windows, over entrance ways or walks, and any growth which will obstruct vision at street intersections or of security personnel; Remove dead, damaged or diseased branches or limbs; where shrub growth obstructs pedestrian walkways; where shrub growth is found growing against or over structures; where shrub growth permits concealment of unauthorized persons. All pruning debris shall be disposed of in a proper manner.

3.4.3.2 Tree Maintenance

Tree maintenance shall include adjustment of stakes, ties, guy supports and turnbuckles, watering, fertilizing, pest control, mulching, pruning for health and safety and fall leaf cleanup. Stakes, ties, guy supports and turnbuckles shall be inspected and adjusted to avoid girdling and promote natural development. All trees within the project boundaries, regardless of caliper, shall be selectively pruned for safety and health reasons.

These include but are not limited to removal of dead and broken branches and correction of structural defects. Prune trees according to their natural growth characteristics leaving trees well shaped and balanced.

Pruning of all trees including palm trees shall be accomplished by or in the presence of a certified member of the International Society of Arboriculture and in accordance with TCIA Z133.1. All pruning debris generated shall be disposed of in a proper manner.

3.4.4 Slope Erosion Control Maintenance

The Contractor shall provide slope erosion control maintenance to prevent undermining of all slopes in newly landscaped and natural growth areas.

Maintenance tasks include immediate repairs to weak spots in sloped areas, and maintaining clean, clear training structures, culverts, and graded berms, and terraces to intercept and direct water flow to prevent development of large gullies and slope erosion and during periods of extended rainfall, irrigation systems shall be secured. Eroded areas shall be filled with amended topsoil and replanted with the same plant species.

Erosion control netting and/or blankets damaged due to slope erosion shall be reinstalled.

]3.4.5 Removal of Dying or Dead Plants

Remove dead and dying plants and provide new plants immediately upon commencement of the specified planting season, and replace stakes, guys, mulch and eroded earth mound water basins. No additional plant establishment period will be required for replacement plants beyond the original warranty period. A tree shall be considered dying or dead when the main leader has died back, or a minimum of 20 percent of the crown has died. A shrub or ground cover shall be considered dying or dead when a minimum of 20 percent of the plant has died. This condition shall be determined by scraping on a branch an area 1/16 inch square, maximum, to determine the cause for dying plant material and shall provide recommendations for replacement. The Contractor shall determine the cause for dying plant material and provide recommendations for replacement.

3.4.6 Tracking of Unhealthy Plants

Note plants not in healthy growing condition, as determined by the Contracting Officer, and as soon as seasonal conditions permit, remove and replace with plants of the same species and sizes as originally specified.

Install replacement plantings in accordance with Section 32 93 00 EXTERIOR

PLANTS.

3.4.7 Final Inspection

Final inspection will be made upon written request from the Contractor at least 10 days prior to the last day of the establishment period. Final inspection will be based upon satisfactory health and growth of plants and on the following:

3.4.7.1 Total Plants on Site

Plants have been accepted and required number of replacements have been installed.

3.4.7.2 Mulching and Weeding

Planter beds and earth mound water basins are properly mulched and free of weeds.

3.4.7.3 Tree Supports

Stakes guys guys and turnbuckles are in good condition.

3.4.7.4 Remedial Work

Remedial measures directed by the Contracting Officer to ensure plant material survival and promote healthy growth have been completed.

3.5 FIELD QUALITY CONTROL

3.5.1 Maintenance Inspection Report

Provide maintenance inspection report to assure that landscape maintenance is being performed in accordance with the specifications and in the best interest of plant growth and survivability. Site observations shall be documented at the start of the establishment period, then quarterly following the start, and at the end of establishment period. Results of site observation visits shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer within 7 calendar days of each site observation visit.

3.5.2 Plant Quantities

The Contractor shall provide Contracting Officer with the number of plant quantities. In addition, provide total exterior area of hardscape and landscaping such as turf and total number of shrubs.

3.5.3 Tree Staking and Guying Removal

The Contractor shall provide a certified letter that all stakes and guys are removed from all project trees at the end of the establishment period.

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