329200 - TURF AND GRASSES.DOC

UNIT TRAINING EQUIPMENT SITE ADD/ALT

Copyright 2009 by The American Institute of Architects (AIA)

Exclusively published and distributed by Architectural Computer Services, Inc. (ARCOM) for the AIA

SECTION 329200 - TURF AND GRASSES

Revise this Section by deleting and inserting text to meet Project-specific requirements.

This Section uses the term "Architect." Change this term to match that used to identify the design professional as defined in the General and Supplementary Conditions.

Verify that Section titles referenced in this Section are correct for this Project's Specifications; Section titles may have changed.

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1 SUMMARY

A. Section Includes:

1. Seeding

1.2 DEFINITIONS

Retain definition(s) remaining after this Section has been edited.

A. Duff Layer: The surface layer of native topsoil that is composed of mostly decayed leaves, twigs, and detritus.

B. Finish Grade: Elevation of finished surface of planting soil.

C. Manufactured Topsoil: Soil produced off-site by homogeneously blending mineral soils or sand with stabilized organic soil amendments to produce topsoil or planting soil.

D. Pesticide: A substance or mixture intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating a pest. This includes insecticides, miticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, and molluscicides. It also includes substances or mixtures intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant.

E. Pests: Living organisms that occur where they are not desired or that cause damage to plants, animals, or people. These include insects, mites, grubs, mollusks (snails and slugs), rodents (gophers, moles, and mice), unwanted plants (weeds), fungi, bacteria, and viruses.

F. Planting Soil: Standardized topsoil; existing, native surface topsoil; existing, in-place surface soil; imported topsoil; or manufactured topsoil that is modified with soil amendments and perhaps fertilizers to produce a soil mixture best for plant growth.

G. Subgrade: Surface or elevation of subsoil remaining after excavation is complete, or top surface of a fill or backfill before planting soil is placed.

H. Subsoil: All soil beneath the topsoil layer of the soil profile, and typified by the lack of organic matter and soil organisms.

I. Surface Soil: Whatever soil is present at the top layer of the existing soil profile at the Project site. In undisturbed areas, the surface soil is typically topsoil, but in disturbed areas such as urban environments, the surface soil can be subsoil.

1.3 ACTION SUBMITTALS

A. Product Data: For each type of product indicated.

1.4 INFORMATIONAL SUBMITTALS

A. Certification of grass seed.

Retain subparagraph below for turfgrass sod.

1. Certification of each seed mixture for turfgrass sod.

B. Product certificates.

1.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Installer's Field Supervision: Require Installer to maintain an experienced full-time supervisor on Project site when work is in progress.

1. Pesticide Applicator: State licensed, commercial.

Retain paragraph below for existing topsoil or surface soil to be reused, or for imported or manufactured topsoil.

B. Soil Analysis: For each unamended soil type, furnish soil analysis and a written report by a qualified soil-testing laboratory.

1. The soil-testing laboratory shall oversee soil sampling.

2. Report suitability of tested soil for turf growth.

a. State recommendations for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash nutrients and soil amendments to be added to produce satisfactory planting soil suitable for healthy, viable plants.

b. Report presence of problem salts, minerals, or heavy metals; if present, provide additional recommendations for corrective action.

1.6 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING

A. Seed and Other Packaged Materials: Deliver packaged materials in original, unopened containers showing weight, certified analysis, name and address of manufacturer, and indication of conformance with state and federal laws, as applicable.

1.7 MAINTENANCE SERVICE

A. Initial Turf Maintenance Service: Provide full maintenance by skilled employees of landscape Installer. Maintain as required in Part 3. Begin maintenance immediately after each area is planted and continue until acceptable turf is established but for not less than the following periods:

Retain subparagraphs below to suit Project. Revise minimum maintenance periods to suit local customs and growing conditions.

1. Seeded Turf: 60 Calendar days from date of planting completion.

a. When initial maintenance period has not elapsed before end of planting season, or if turf is not fully established, continue maintenance during next planting season.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.1 SEED

Retain this article if planting with seed. Selection of turfgrass species depends on climate, exposure, durability, and soil conditions.

A. Grass Seed: Fresh, clean, dry, new-crop seed complying with AOSA's "Journal of Seed Technology; Rules for Testing Seeds" for purity and germination tolerances.

Retain first paragraph below if specifying grass seed and mixes by species. Delete paragraph if specifying proprietary grass seed mixes.

B. Seed Species: State-certified seed of grass species as follows:

Subparagraphs below are examples only. Determine if a single grass species or mixture of two or more grass species is required. Insert specific cultivars to each grass species if required. Consult university cooperative extension service or county extension agency for current recommendations. Revise descriptions if preferred. Indicate, here or on Drawings, areas of full sun, sun and partial shade, and shade.

1. Sun and Partial Shade: Proportioned by weight as follows:

a. 23.5 percent Nodding Wild Rye (Elymus Canadensis)

b. 25 percent Virginia Wild Rye (Elymus Virginicus)

c. 22 percent Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium Scoparium)

d. 18.75 percent Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista Fasciculata)

e. 7.75 percent Thin Leaved Cone Flower (Rudbeckia Triloba)

f. 1.5 percent Brown Fox Sedge (Carex Vulpinoidea)

g. 1.5 percent Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia Hirta)

Retain paragraph below if specifying proprietary grass seed mixes.

C. Grass Seed Mix: Proprietary seed mix as follows:

See Editing Instruction No. 1 in the Evaluations for cautions about naming manufacturers and products. See Division 01 Section "Product Requirements."

1. Products: Subject to compliance with requirements, the seed mix is available from the following:

a. Western Reserve Co-Op, 467 Cleveland Road, Ravenna, OH, 44266. 1-800-688-4565.

2.2 INORGANIC SOIL AMENDMENTS

Limestone is used to raise pH and neutralize acidic soils.

A. Lime: ASTM C 602, agricultural liming material containing a minimum of 80 percent calcium carbonate equivalent and as follows:

Retain one of two subparagraphs below. Class T is more finely ground and quicker acting but dustier than Class O.

1. Class: T, with a minimum of 99 percent passing through No. 8 (2.36-mm) sieve and a minimum of 75 percent passing through No. 60 (0.25-mm) sieve.

2. Class: O, with a minimum of 95 percent passing through No. 8 (2.36-mm) sieve and a minimum of 55 percent passing through No. 60 (0.25-mm) sieve.

Retain one or more of first three paragraphs below. Sulfur is used to lower pH and neutralize alkaline soils. Revise descriptions and insert proprietary products if required.

B. Sulfur: Granular, biodegradable, containing a minimum of 90 percent sulfur, and with a minimum of 99 percent passing through No. 6 (3.35-mm) sieve and a maximum of 10 percent passing through No. 40 (0.425-mm) sieve.

C. Iron Sulfate: Granulated ferrous sulfate containing a minimum of 20 percent iron and 10 percent sulfur.

D. Aluminum Sulfate: Commercial grade, unadulterated.

E. Perlite: Horticultural perlite, soil amendment grade.

F. Agricultural Gypsum: Minimum 90 percent calcium sulfate, finely ground with 90 percent passing through No. 50 (0.30-mm) sieve.

G. Sand: Clean, washed, natural or manufactured, and free of toxic materials.

Retain one of two paragraphs below if required for planting soil mix(es) retained in "Planting Soils" Article.

H. Diatomaceous Earth: Calcined, 90 percent silica, with approximately 140 percent water absorption capacity by weight.

I. Zeolites: Mineral clinoptilolite with at least 60 percent water absorption by weight.

2.3 ORGANIC SOIL AMENDMENTS

Compost is a widely used bulk organic soil amendment and a recycled product. Consider each plant's pH and soluble salt requirements and how they relate to the compost being used and the resulting soil-compost mix.

A. Compost: Well-composted, stable, and weed-free organic matter, pH range of 5.5 to 8.

Retain first paragraph below if sphagnum peat moss, an acidic peat, is required. Retain second paragraph if peat types with a neutral pH are required.

B. Sphagnum Peat: Partially decomposed sphagnum peat moss, finely divided or of granular texture, with a pH range of 3.4 to 4.8.

C. Muck Peat: Partially decomposed moss peat, native peat, or reed-sedge peat, finely divided or of granular texture, with a pH range of 6 to 7.5, and having a water-absorbing capacity of 1100 to 2000 percent.

D. Wood Derivatives: Decomposed, nitrogen-treated sawdust, ground bark, or wood waste; of uniform texture and free of chips, stones, sticks, soil, or toxic materials.

E. Manure: Well-rotted, unleached, stable or cattle manure containing not more than 25 percent by volume of straw, sawdust, or other bedding materials; free of toxic substances, stones, sticks, soil, weed seed, and material harmful to plant growth.

2.4 FERTILIZERS

Bonemeal in first paragraph below is organic and primarily phosphorous, has an alkaline reaction, and is nonburning.

A. Chemical Fertilizer: 12:12:12.

Superphosphate is an inorganic, neutral source of phosphorus useful in alkaline calcareous soils of arid areas.

Note that use of phosphate-containing fertilizers in remaining paragraphs may be limited or disallowed in some jurisdictions. Before specifying, verify use with authorities having jurisdiction.

2.5 PLANTING SOILS

Copy paragraph below and re-edit for each type of planting soil mix required to suit Project.

Insert number to complete drawing designation. Use these designations on Drawings to identify each product.

Unamended soils rarely meet the requirements for "planting soils" that are best for plant growth and they seldom contain more than 1 or 2 percent organic matter. Consult a soil expert or testing laboratory on how to modify and fertilize soil types to obtain acceptable planting soils for site conditions and each grass species.

Retain first option in paragraph below if standardized topsoil will be used. Retain second option if existing, on-site topsoil will be reused. Retain third option if existing surface soil is not of topsoil quality or is of unknown quality and will be amended and used. Retain fourth option if topsoil must be imported.

A. Topsoil: ASTM D 5268, pH range of 5.5 to 7, a minimum of 4 percent organic material content; free of stones 1 inch (25 mm) or larger in any dimension and other extraneous materials harmful to plant growth.

Retain one of two subparagraphs below or revise to suit Project.

1. Topsoil Source: Reuse surface soil stockpiled on-site and supplement with imported or manufactured topsoil from off-site sources when quantities are insufficient. Verify suitability of stockpiled surface soil to produce topsoil.

2. Topsoil Source: Amend existing in-place surface soil to produce topsoil. Verify suitability of surface soil to produce topsoil. Surface soil may be supplemented with imported or manufactured topsoil from off-site sources.

Retain applicable subparagraphs below or revise to suit Project.

2.6 MULCHES

Straw mulch in first paragraph below may be required in areas where seeded turf is subject to wind or water erosion.

A. Straw Mulch: Provide air-dry, clean, mildew- and seed-free, salt hay or threshed straw of wheat, rye, oats, or barley.

Peat mulch in first paragraph below may be required if seeded turf is subject to hot, dry weather or drying winds within 30 days of planting.

B. Sphagnum Peat Mulch: Partially decomposed sphagnum peat moss, finely divided or of granular texture, and with a pH range of 3.4 to 4.8.

Retain paragraph above if sphagnum peat moss, an acidic peat, is required. Retain first paragraph below if peat types with a neutral pH are required.

C. Muck Peat Mulch: Partially decomposed moss peat, native peat, or reed-sedge peat, finely divided or of granular texture, with a pH range of 6 to 7.5, and having a water-absorbing capacity of 1100 to 2000 percent.

Compost is a widely used bulk organic mulch and a recycled product. Consider each plant's pH and soluble salt requirements and how they relate to the compost being used.

2.7 PESTICIDES

A. General: Pesticide, registered and approved by EPA, acceptable to authorities having jurisdiction, and of type recommended by manufacturer for each specific problem and as required for Project conditions and application. Do not use restricted pesticides unless authorized in writing by authorities having jurisdiction.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.1 TURF AREA PREPARATION

Retain first paragraph below if turf subgrades are stripped of surface soil or regraded by excavating, filling, or backfilling.

A. Newly Graded Subgrades: Loosen subgrade to a minimum depth of 4 inches (100 mm). Remove stones larger than 1 inch (25 mm) in any dimension and sticks, roots, rubbish, and other extraneous matter and legally dispose of them off Owner's property.

Retain first subparagraph below if required. Coordinate with "Planting Soils" Article.

1. Apply chemical fertilizer directly to subgrade before loosening.

2. Thoroughly blend planting soil off-site before spreading or spread topsoil, apply soil amendments and fertilizer on surface, and thoroughly blend planting soil.

3. Spread planting soil to a depth of 4 inches (100 mm) but not less than required to meet finish grades after light rolling and natural settlement. Do not spread if planting soil or subgrade is frozen, muddy, or excessively wet.

Retain subparagraph below for sodded turf.

a. Reduce elevation of planting soil to allow for soil thickness of sod.

Retain first paragraph below if surface soils are amended in place and reused.

B. Unchanged Subgrades: If turf is to be planted in areas unaltered or undisturbed by excavating, grading, or surface-soil stripping operations, prepare surface soil as follows:

1. Remove existing grass, vegetation, and turf. Do not mix into surface soil.

2. Loosen surface soil to a depth of at least 6 inches (150 mm). Apply soil amendments and fertilizers according to planting soil mix proportions and mix thoroughly into top 4 inches (100 mm) of soil. Till soil to a homogeneous mixture of fine texture.

Retain first subparagraph below if required.

a. Apply chemical fertilizer directly to surface soil before loosening.

3. Remove stones larger than 1 inch (25 mm) in any dimension and sticks, roots, trash, and other extraneous matter.

4. Legally dispose of waste material, including grass, vegetation, and turf, off Owner's property.

C. Finish Grading: Grade planting areas to a smooth, uniform surface plane with loose, uniformly fine texture. Grade to within plus or minus 1/2 inch (13 mm) of finish elevation. Roll and rake, remove ridges, and fill depressions to meet finish grades. Limit finish grading to areas that can be planted in the immediate future.

D. Moisten prepared area before planting if soil is dry. Water thoroughly and allow surface to dry before planting. Do not create muddy soil.

E. Before planting, obtain Architect's acceptance of finish grading; restore planting areas if eroded or otherwise disturbed after finish grading.

3.2 SEEDING

A. Do not broadcast or drop seed when wind velocity exceeds 5 mph (8 km/h). Evenly distribute seed by sowing equal quantities in two directions at right angles to each other. Do not seed against existing trees. Limit extent of seed to outside edge of planting saucer.

Revise first paragraph below to suit Project. Sowing rates vary with grass species and mixtures.

B. Sow seed at a total rate of 3.5 lb/1000 sq. ft. (1.6 kg/92.9 sq. m).

C. Rake seed lightly into top 1/8 inch (3 mm) of soil, roll lightly, and water with fine spray.

Retain first paragraph below if straw protection is required for seeded areas.

D. Protect seeded areas with slopes not exceeding 1:6 by spreading straw mulch. Spread uniformly at a minimum rate of 4 bales/1000 sq. ft. to form a continuous blanket 1-1/2 inches (38 mm) in loose thickness over seeded areas. Spread by hand, blower, or other suitable equipment.

Retain subparagraph below for anchoring straw against erosion.

1. Anchor straw mulch by crimping into soil with suitable mechanical equipment.

Protection in paragraph below is usually required in warm, dry climates.

E. Protect seeded areas from hot, dry weather or drying winds by applying straw mulch within 24 hours after completing seeding operations. Soak areas, scatter mulch uniformly at a rate of 4 bales/1000 sq. ft., and roll surface smooth.

3.3 TURF MAINTENANCE

A. Maintain and establish turf by watering, fertilizing, weeding, mowing, trimming, replanting, and performing other operations as required to establish healthy, viable turf. Roll, regrade, and replant bare or eroded areas and re-mulch to produce a uniformly smooth turf. Provide materials and installation the same as those used in the original installation.

B. Mow turf as soon as top growth is tall enough to cut. Repeat mowing to maintain height appropriate for species without cutting more than 1/3 of grass height. Remove no more than 1/3 of grass-leaf growth in initial or subsequent mowings.

C. Apply pesticides and other chemical products and biological control agents in accordance with authorities having jurisdiction and manufacturer's written recommendations. Coordinate applications with Owner's operations and others in proximity to the Work. Notify Owner before each application is performed.

3.4 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 90 percent over any 10 sq. ft. (0.92 sq. m) and bare spots not exceeding 5 by 5 inches (125 by 125 mm).

B. Use specified materials to reestablish turf that does not comply with requirements and continue maintenance until turf is satisfactory.

END OF SECTION 329200