TE GR4 Sod Specifications.doc

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT GR4PRIVATE

SPECIFICATIONS FOR SOD MATERIALS AND INSTALLATION

1.

GENERAL. The Contractor shall conform to the following specifications when performing sod replacement.

2.

SOD SPECIFICATIONS.

2.1

Class of Sod. Sod shall be Commonwealth of Virginia certified turf. Grass species shall be proportional as specified in Technical Exhibit GR3. Sod that has become yellow or moldy from heating will be rejected.

2.2

Thickness of Cut. Sod shall be machine cut to a uniform soil thickness of 3/4 –1 ¼ inch, plus or minus 1/4 inch, at the time of cutting. Measurement for thickness shall exclude top growth and thatch.

2.3

Pad Size. Individual pieces of sod shall be one square yard (18" x 6') in size. Maximum allowable deviation from specified widths and lengths shall be five percent. Broken pads and torn or uneven ends will not be acceptable.

2.4

Strength of Sod Sections. Standard size sections of sod shall be strong enough to support their own weight and retain their size and shape when suspended vertically from a firm grasp on the upper ten percent of the section.

2.5

Time Specifications. Sod shall be harvested, delivered and installed within a period of 36 hours. Sod not transplanted within this period shall be inspected and approved by the COR or designated representative prior to installation.

3.

INSTALLATION OF SOD.

3.1

Moistening the Soil. The soil shall be lightly irrigated immediately prior to laying the sod.

3.2

Starter Strip. The first row of sod shall be laid in a straight line with subsequent rows placed parallel to and tightly against each other. Lateral joints shall be staggered to promote more uniform growth and strength. Care shall be exercised to ensure that the sod is not stretched or overlapped and that all joints are butted tight in order to prevent voids which would cause air drying of the roots.

3.3

Sloping Surfaces. On sloping areas where erosion may be a problem, sod shall be laid with staggered joints and secured by tamping, pegging or other approved methods. Sod shall be installed with the length perpendicular to the slope.

3.4

Watering and Rolling. The Contractor shall water sod immediately after installation to prevent excessive drying during progress of the work. As sodding is completed in any one section, the entire area shall be rolled. It shall then be thoroughly irrigated to a depth sufficient that the underside of the new sod pad and soil immediately below the sod are thoroughly wet. Water is available at the site. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing hoses and other watering devices.