LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT
Make the following changes to the Standard Specifications dated May 1, 2008. Pages 541 to 556, Sections 610 - 615, replace with the following:
SECTION 610 –SITE PREPARATION, GROUND COVER AND VEGETATION MANAGEMENT
610-1 DESCRIPTION.
610-1.01Topsoil. This work shall consist of furnishing, screening, storing, stockpiling and placing topsoil in accordance with the contract documentsandas directed by the Engineer.
610-1.02 Turf Establishment. The work shall consist of producingsatisfactorily established turfin accordance with the contract documents andas directed by the Engineer.
610-1.03 WildflowerSeeding. The work shall consist of furnishing and placing wildflower seeding materials, ground preparation and caring for wildflowers areas in accordance with the contract documents andas directed by the Engineer.
610-1.04Sod. The work shall consist of producing satisfactorily established sod, ground preparationand caring for sod in accordance with the contract documents andas directed by the Engineer.
610-1.05Soil Amendments. The work consists of furnishing and placing soil amendments in accordance with the contract documents andas directed by the Engineer.
610-1.06 Mulch.The work consists of furnishing and placing mulch, in accordance with the contract documents and as directed by the Engineer.
610-1.07Watering Vegetation. This work shall include watering turf, sod, wildflower seeding, trees, shrubs, ground covers, vines and other plants in accordance with the contract documents and as directed by the Engineer.
610-1.08Portable Drip Irrigation System. This work shall consist of furnishing, delivering,andplacingPortable Drip Irrigation System (PDIS) watering bags around newly planted deciduous trees and evergreensin accordance with the contract documents and as directed by the Engineer.
610-1.09 Removal of Portable Drip Irrigation System.This work shall consist of removing Portable Drip Irrigation System (PDIS) watering bags from planted deciduous trees and evergreensin accordance with the contract documents and as directed by the Engineer.
610-1.10Weed Removal. This work shall consist ofremoving all weeds from newly established turf and sod areas, wildflower seeded areas, tree and shrub pits and plant beds.
610-1.11Mowing. This work shall consist ofmowing newly establish seeded or sodded areas andmowing existing vegetation, including the removal and disposal of any debris and litter which has accumulatedbetween mowings, within the areasshown in the contract documentsand as directed by the Engineer.
610-1.12Mowing Limits Markers. This work consists of furnishing mowing limit markers and installing them in accordance with the contract documents andas directed by the Engineer.
610-2 MATERIALS
610-2.01Topsoil. The materials shall meet the requirements of the following subsections of Section 700 Materials and Manufacturing. Unsuitable material as per Section 203-1.09 from required excavations that meets the requirements of Section 713-01 is acceptable.
Topsoil 713-01
Limestone713-02
Fertilizer 713-03
Organic Material 713-15
610-2.02 Turf Establishment. The materials shall meet the requirements of the following subsections of Section 700Materials and Manufacturing.
Water712-01
Limestone713-02
Fertilizer713-03
Rolled Erosion Control Products and Soil Stabilizers713-07
Wood Fiber Mulch713-11
Mulch anchorage713-12
Straw713-19
Seeds713-04
610-2.03 WildflowerSeeding. The materials shall meet the requirements of the following subsections of Section 700Materials and Manufacturing.
Water712-01
Seeds713-04
Mulch anchorage713-12
Straw713-19
610-2.04Sod. The materials shall meet the requirements of the following subsections of Section 700Materials and Manufacturing.
Water712-01
Topsoil713-01
Sod713-14
Fertilizer713-03
610-2.05Soil Amendment. The materials shall meet the requirements of the following subsections of Section 700Materials and Manufacturing.
Water712-01
Limestone713-02
Fertilizer 713-03
Mycorrhizal Fungi 713-09
Moisture Retention Additive 713-10
Wood Fiber Mulch713-11
Organic Material 713-15
610-2.06 Mulch.The materials shall meet the requirements of the following subsections of Section 700Materials and Manufacturing.
Wood Chips713-05
Shredded Bark Mulch713-16
610-2.07Watering Vegetation. The materials shall meet the requirements of the following subsections of Section 700 Materials and Manufacturing.
Water71201
610-2.08Portable Drip Irrigation System. The materials shall meet the requirements of the following subsections of Section 700Materials and Manufacturing. Materials may be new or previously used that meet the following material requirements.
Materials for the Protection of Plants713-08
610-2.09 Removal of Portable Drip Irrigation System. None specified
610-2.10 Weed Removal. None specified. An appropriately licensed applicator is required for chemical weed control methods.
610-2.11Mowing. None specified.
610-2.12Mowing Limits Markers.The materials shall meet the requirements of the following subsections of Section 700 Materials and Manufacturing.
Materials for the Protection of Plants713-08
6103 CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
610-3.01Topsoil. The subsoil within the areas to be covered by topsoil shall be graded so that the completed work after the topsoil is placed shall conform to the specified lines and grades. The Contractor shall scarify or till the surface of the subsoil 6 inches before the topsoil is placed to permit bonding the topsoil with the subsoil. Tillage by disking, harrowing, raking or other approved methods shall be accomplished in such a manner that depressions and ridges formed by tillage shall be parallel to the contours.
Topsoil in an unworkable condition due to excessive moisture, frost or other conditions shall not be placed until its consistency is workable for spreading. Topsoil shall be placed on the designated area and spread to the depth specified in the contract documents or a minimum of 4 inches. The finished surface shall be acceptable and maintained for subsequent contract work such as seeding, sodding, mulching or planting.
A.General. The sites of all stockpiles and areas adjacent thereto, which have been disturbed by the Contractor, shall be graded to a condition acceptable for seeding. Surplus topsoil willbecome the property of the Contractor at no cost to the state.
Invasive Species. Topsoil with invasive species must be treated to eliminate the presence of invasive species, the invasive species material disposed appropriately and then the resulting topsoil may be used within the job limits as per §713-01. Roots and top growth of non-native invasive weeds that emerge from topsoil stockpiles or after placement of the topsoil shall be removed and disposed of in a manner acceptable to the engineer immediately upon emergence. Treatment of invasive species shall be paid for separately.
B. Topsoil – Reuse On-Site Materials. Existing topsoil shall bestripped in accordance with Section 203-Unsuitable Materialsfrom the approved locations and to the depths shown in the contract documents. Topsoil stripping shall be completed prior to starting the general excavation in an area. The Contractor is to take reasonable care that the topsoil is not contaminated during the stripping and other handling operations.
C. Topsoil Types 1, 2 and 3. Only place topsoil from approved stockpiles.
D. Topsoil Types 4 and 5 -Wetland
- General
Site Layout and Work Plan. The Contractor shall stake out the limits of the areas as shown in the contract documents for use as wetland topsoil.
Placement. The Contractor shall scarify or till the surface of the subsoil to a depth of 6 inches or as shown in the contract documents, before the wetland topsoil is placed to permit bonding the wetland topsoil with the subsoil.
Invasive Species. The Contractor shall not use topsoilTypes 4 and 5 which exhibit the presence of invasive species.
- Topsoil Type 4: Reuse On-Site Wetland Materials.
The Contractor shall re-use existing wetland soilstripped in accordance with Section 203-Unsuitable Materialsfrom the approved locations and to the depths shown in the contract documents. Wetland soil stripping shall be completed prior to starting the general excavation in an area. After stripping, wetland topsoil shall be placed immediately or storedwithin the contract limits at a location approved by the Engineer.
Care shall be taken not to impact wetland areas remaining.
610-3.02 Turf Establishment. The Contractor shall notify the Engineer at least fourcalendar days before the start of any seeding operation.The Contractor shall coordinate installation with other site and construction activities. Obtain approval from the Engineer prior to seeding.
The Contractor shall clean all equipment involved in turf establishment to remove plants, seeds and propagules prior to commencement of work.Any work to clean equipment shall be at no additionalcost to the State.
The Contractor shall apply the seed mix at application rates sufficient to support establishment of turf. Any method of sowing that does not injure the seeds in the process of spreading will be acceptable.
The Contractor shall spread straw or wood fiber mulchuniformly in a continuous blanket of sufficient thickness to hide the soil from view, taking care not to over apply. Rolled Erosion Control products will be installed according to manufacturer’s recommendations and paid for separately. Straw or wood fiber mulch may be spread by hand or by machinery. Mulch anchorage shall be applied.
The Contractor shall care for turf establishment areas for the duration of the contract or until turf areas are accepted. Watering, mowing, weedingto care for the turf are paid under separate pay items. Any other work to be corrected shall be at no additional cost to the State.
A. Basis of Acceptance.Turf areas shall be accepted when90 percent covered with established turf grass species, at least 4 inches high, dark green color, free from sizable thin spots with no bare ground visible.
610-3.03 WildflowerSeeding. The Contractor shall notify the Engineer at least three calendardays before the start of any seeding operation.
The Contractor shall clean all equipment involved in wildflower establishment to remove plants, seeds and propagules prior to commencement of work at no additionalcost to the State.
The Contractor shall install wildflower seedingmaterials in accordance with the contract documents. Any method of sowing that does not injure the seeds in the process of spreading will be acceptable. The Contractor shall apply the seed mix at application rates sufficient to support establishment of durable, permanent, wildflowers.
The Contractor shall spread strawuniformly taking care not to over apply. Strawmay be spread by hand or by machinery at a rate consistent with seed supplier recommendations. Anchorage is required unless otherwise specified in the contract documents.
The Contractor shall care for wildflower seeded areas for the duration of the contract. Watering, mowing, weedingto care for the wildflowers are paid under separate pay items. Any other work to be corrected shall be at no additionalcost to the State.
610-3.04Sod. The Contractor shall notify the Engineer at least threecalendar days before beginning to place sod. Sod shall be placed between April 1 to June 15 or August 15 to October 15. If annual and local variations warrant at the particular time of sodding the Contractor may propose adjustments for approval.
The subgrade of areas to be sodded shall be excavated and firmed to a sufficient depth below the finished grade of the sod to accommodate the tamped or rolled thickness of topsoil and sod.No frozen sod shall be placed nor shall sod be placed on frozen ground surface.
The Contractor shall exercise care to retain the soil existing on the roots of the sod during transporting, handling and transplanting operations. Sod shall be delivered to the job within 24 hours after being cut and installed within 48 hours after being cut. Sod that is stored prior to planting shall meet the moisture requirements of '713-14 Sodat the time of planting.
Sod shall be placed on a minimum of 4 inches of moist topsoil. The topsoil shall be paid for separately.
Initial water necessary for laying sod shall be included in the sodding pay item.
The finished sod surface shall be flush with surface of the adjacent soil and adjacent structures. It shall meet the finished grades as shown in the contract documents.
The Contractor shall water, mow, weed and fertilize the sodded areas as necessaryfor the duration of the contract, unless otherwise directed. These items shall be paid for separately. Watering shall be done in a manner that will not cause erosion or other damage to the finished surfaces.
Any surfaces that have settled, become gullied or otherwise damaged shall be repaired to re-establish the grade and conditions of the soil prior to sodding at no added cost to the state.
When any area that has been sodded fails to produce a satisfactory turf after 60 calendar days have elapsed, the Contractor shall re-sod such areas until a satisfactory turf has been established, at no additional expense to the State.
610-3.05Soil Amendments. The Contractor shall incorporate soil amendments, including fertilizer, limestone, mycorrhizal fungi, organic material and/or moisture retention additive in accordance with the contract documents. When mycorrhizal fungi are specified, it shall be applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
The Contractor shall spread amendments evenly over the surface of turf or wildflower areas, applied within plant saucers or applied over the plant beds as appropriate, at the rates recommended by the manufacturer or as specified in the contract documents. The method of application shall ensure an even distribution. When hydraulic application is used, the minimum rate of water shall be in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendation.
610-3.06 Mulch.The Contractor shall apply mulch to the surface of the beds and tree pit areas in accordance with the contract documents. The Contractor shall apply mulch to a uniform depth of 3 inches over the shrub bed and tree pit areas and 2 inches over groundcover beds. The mulch shall be distributed so as to create a smooth, level cover over the exposed soil. Do not cover plants and plant limbs.Mulch shall be six inches from root flare and is not to be in contact with tree trunks and plant stems.
610-3.07Watering Vegetation. The Contractor shall apply sufficient water to maintain vegetation for the duration of the contract.Water shall be applied in such a manner that the required volume of water will be provided without damage to plants, mulch, stakes, plant saucers, sod or other areas to be watered. Damage resulting from watering operations shall be repaired at no added cost to the State.
610-3.08Portable Drip Irrigation System (PDIS). After the requirements for planting under Item 611 are completed, the Contractor shall supply and install the required number of PDISas recommended by the manufacturer for the trees planted.PDIS system shall be so calibrated that the installed PDIS will provide a minimum of 6 gallons of water per square yard of tree planting pit per filling. Watering shall be performed as required and paid for separately. All PDIS bags that are damaged and or missing shall be replaced at no added cost to the State.
610-3.09 Removal of Portable Drip Irrigation System.The Contractor shall remove PDIS in the fall prior to the first frost. The PDIS shall remain the property of the Contractor.
610-3.10Weed Removal.Weed removal shall occur where specified in the contract documents to prepare seed, sod or planting beds and to maintain newly seeded, sodded or planted areas,.The contractor shall remove weeds including rootsby manual, chemical or mechanical means. Any method of weed removal that leaves live roots in the soil will not be permitted.The Contractor shall ensure the preservation of desirable vegetation.
610-3.11Mowing.
A.Mowing
- Method 1. The Contractor shall mow all turf establishment areas to a height of 5 inches whenever growth reaches 8 inchesor as directed by the Engineer for the duration of the contract.Clippings shall be left in place.
- Method 2. The Contractor shall mow all turf establishment and sodded areas to a height of 3 inches after initial growth reaches 5 inches, and then mowed to a height of 3 inches once a week thereafterfor the duration of the contract or as directed by the Engineer. Clippings shall be mulched in place.
- Method 3. The Contractor shall mow existing areas as shown in the contract documents.
B.General. The schedule may be modified, as directed by the Engineer, to accommodate prevailing or forecast weather conditions.The Contractor shall be responsible, prior to eachmowing, for the removal and disposal of any debrisand litter which has accumulated since the last mowing. Care shall be taken to avoid damage to existing plant materials.
610-3.12Mowing Limits Markers. The Contractor shall install mowing limit markers plumb to a depth in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction.The contractor shall care for the mowing limit markers until the final acceptance of the contract. All damage features shall be repaired or replaced, at no additional cost to the state.
610-4 METHOD OF MEASUREMENT
610-4.01Topsoil. The quantity to be measured for payment will be in cubic yardsof topsoil placed, measuredto the nearest cubic yard, from payment lines shown in the contract documents.
Cross sectioning, for the exclusive purpose of determining quantities for payment, shall be employedonly where payment lines are not shown on the Plans, and cannot be reasonably established by the Engineer.
610-4.02 Turf Establishment. The quantity to be measured for payment will be in square yardsto the nearest whole square yard.
610-4.03 WildflowerSeeding. The quantity to be measured for payment will be in square yardsto the nearest whole square yard.
610-4.04Sod. The quantity to be measured for payment will be in square yardsto the nearest whole square yardof sod placed.
610-4.05Soil Amendments. The quantity to be measured for payment will be in poundsto the nearest whole poundof soil amendments applied.
The quantity to be measured for payment of compost will be in cubic yards to the nearest cubic yard.
610-4.06 Mulch.The quantity to be measured for payment will be in cubicyardsto the nearest whole cubic yard of mulch placed.
610-4.07Watering Vegetation. The quantity to be measured for payment will be in gallons to the nearest 10 gallons or in 1000 gallons (MGal) to the nearest MGalof water applied, determined from approved measuring devices, or by measurement in tanks or containers of known capacity.
610-4.08Portable Drip Irrigation System.The quantity to be measured for payment will be the number of watering bags placed.
610-4.09 Removal of Portable Drip Irrigation System.The quantity to be measured for payment will be the number of watering bags removed.
610-4.10Weed Removal. The quantity to be measured for payment will be by the number of square yards weeded.
610-4.11 Mowing. The quantity to be measured for payment will be by the number of square yards mowed.