7 LANDSCAPE CONTENTS. Section 7 Landscape

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1 7 LANDSCAPE CONTENTS 7 LANDSCAPE... I 7.1 Introduction Objectives Reserves and Land Protection Covenants Design Design Principles and Requirements Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Landscape Plans Access Fencing Lighting Signs Structure and Furniture General Species Design Selection, Layout and Sourcing Streetscape Planting Construction and Maintenance Protecting Existing Vegetation and Trees Protecting Newly Planted Areas in Work Sites Reserves Specimen Tree Location Site Preparation Excavation and Bedding of Planting Areas Soil and Fertility Soil Laboratory Testing Soil Composition Tree Pits Grassing, Sowing and Turfing Establishment of Sown Areas Street Tree Planting Irrigation and Fertilising Quality Control Weed and Litter Control Mulching Staking, Fencing and Protection Pruning Defects and Liability Works clearance Inspection Defects Liability Period Final Inspection Street Trees Defects Liability Period General Planting Defects Liability Period Fencing and Landscape Structure Defects Liability Maintenance Grassing and Turf Defects Liability Period LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix A Drawings Appendix B Plant Number Calculator Appendix C Forms

2 LIST OF TABLES Table 7-1: CPTED Principles Table 7-2: Fencing Types Table 7-3: Infill Areas Table 7-4: Design Criteria for Roundabouts Table 7-5: Planting Definitions Table 7-6: Minimum Excavation Distances Table 7-7: Acceptable Soil Parameters Table 7-8: Tree Pits Design Criteria Table 7-9: Tree Root Barriers Table 7-10: Livestock Fencing Standards Table 7-11: Length of Defects Period Summary Table 7-12: Minimum General Landscape Maintenance Schedule during Defects Liability Period Table 7-13: Minimum On-going General Landscape Maintenance Schedule Table 7-14: Drawing Register Table 7-15: Forms and Checklists

3 7.1 Introduction The landscape section sets out requirements for the design and construction of landscaping and planting for land development and subdivision. For landscape areas requiring planting and vegetation in wetlands, dry detention basins, swales, filter strips and rain gardens refer to the Stormwater Section Objectives Landscape design has application throughout the subdivision and development process. As such, it should be considered in the early stages of a development and at this initial concept stage it is important to establish objectives for overall landscape design involving the appropriate professionals to assess the natural systems, vegetation, and landscape features. The objective of any landscape design shall: a) Maximise long term benefit b) Minimise on-going maintenance works c) Protect, maintain and restore existing natural ecosystems, vegetation, and landscape features d) Respond to the surrounding landscape character and context including cultural and heritage (including waahi tapu), ecological and geological elements e) Contribute to ecological and habitat biodiversity f) Provide amenity open space, buffer areas, open space connections and access to watercourses g) Enhance and strengthen existing character and intended future character h) Promote integrated neighbourhoods i) Use species that will quickly establish and form a weed suppressing canopy j) Provide a coherent design k) Protect and enhance existing vegetation l) Ensure public safety Reserves and Land Protection Covenants 7.2 Design Layout plans, the location of reserves and land protection covenants should be discussed with the Council prior to the lodgement of finalised plans Design Principles and Requirements Landscaping and planting should be designed to respond to the overall environmental context of an area such as vegetation and water bodies, cultural and heritage elements, local road geometry stormwater and reserve design, and utilities placement. Planting may include specimen trees, edible gardens, rain gardens, swales, and other amenity garden features. Page 7-1 Last Updated 19 August 2013

4 Infrastructural services should be planned at the same time as the landscape design so that tree and garden planting location does not compromise the integrity and efficient operation of services. lf particular landscape conditions or objectives are required for a subdivision or development then these will need to be taken into account prior to undertaking detailed engineering design Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) All landscape design, irrespective of location shall ensure that CPTED principles are applied. This is detailed further in the relevant District Plan. The basic principles are: Table 7-1: CPTED Principles Territoriality Natural Surveillance Access Control Space Management Activity Support The physical design is used to promote a sense of ownership, respect, responsibility and community well-being. All areas throughout the site that are publicly accessible can be seen from other parts of the site so that people can see and be seen. Likewise, ensuring there are no visually closed entrapment areas. The site has well-defined routes, spaces and entrances that provide for convenient movement without compromising security. The site has an appropriate use of space, is well-cared for, attractive and has vandal resistant facilities and buildings. The site promotes positive human activity that is appropriate to the location. This includes ensuring: Landscape Plans Adequate visibility for road and path users Adequate sight lines exist for people within parks and reserves Adequate separation between pedestrians and parking areas Obstructions to pedestrians and cyclists are avoided The development of entrapment areas is avoided Refer to the relevant District Plan for specific Site Plan and Landscape Plan requirements. In conjunction with these requirements, accompanying information to be included for approval by Council includes: a) A Statement of Design Intent and Design Objectives b) A Plant Schedule, detailing proposed plant species (botanical and common names), the centres/spacing s, and plant grades and quantities c) Existing Tree and Vegetation Plan d) Technical Specifications for landscape implementation if these deviate from this ITS. If these are not provided, Council assumes the developer shall abide by the ITS and shall be assessed accordingly Page 7-2 Last Updated 19 August 2013

5 7.2.4 Access Section 7 Landscape e) A Landscape Maintenance Schedule that will be applied during the defects and liability period Connecting existing reserves, accessways and open spaces provide routes and return loops for recreational use, encourages sustainable transport choices by allowing for continuous off-road journeys and can contribute to creating larger open space areas. These can provide more direct routes to destinations than vehicular routes and encourage a more healthy access alternative. Consideration should be given to how the development will link to the surrounding landscape including existing areas of open space, and to other public areas, such as schools, town centres, community facilities or public transport routes. Neighbourhood Parks should be accessible to all surrounding neighbourhoods and communities Pedestrian/Cycle Access Generally paths in reserves and on accessways to reserves are required to be three metres wide to allow for shared use by pedestrians and cyclists and should be straight and direct according to pedestrian desire lines, in order to provide long lines of sight and reduce the potential for entrapment. Ensure there is a clear space buffer on either side of paths of at least one metre between the height of 500mm to 2.4m to ensure adequate visibility for pedestrians and cyclists. Furniture should be set back at least 1m from paths, whilst still providing for connectivity and access for people with disabilities (such as wheel chair and mobility scooter users), and any plant species should be selected so that future growth will not encroach into the clear space buffer. Groundcovers may be planted within the clear space buffer, at a minimum of 400mm setback from the path edge, as long as the mature height is no more than 500mm and the plant(s) do not encroach over the path edge. Pedestrian/cycle accessways should have an easy gradient (maximum 1:12 where practicable) and avoid steps where possible to allow for cycle and mobility vehicle use. Where steps are required then a half-round open concrete channel should be formed adjacent the steps to assist cycle movement. Consider the location of the path and plantings on reserve accessways to ensure the path receives maximum sunlight hours in winter and that any planting avoids the ability to create damp and cold pathway conditions, which could in turn lead to firsting and ice. Path and track construction standards shall be considered in conjunction with the standards set within the Transportation Section to enable vehicle access for maintenance purposes. For further information in relation to pedestrian and cycle access, please refer to the relevant District Plan and Transport Section Vehicle Access Generally vehicle access will be installed by the applicant prior to the vesting of the reserve. Vehicle access points are required for vehicles to undertake mowing, rubbish collection, maintenance and for emergency vehicles. Vehicle access points must be wide enough to allow for heavy machinery (minimum 4m). Vehicle crossings must comply with the Transportation Section. Page 7-3 Last Updated 19 August 2013

6 Access roadways and off-street parking may be required for reserves such as sports parks, amenity parks, horticultural parks, the starting point of walking tracks and neighbourhood parks receiving high-use or serving a regional function. Consult with Council to see if parking areas and access roadways are required. The design and construction of roadways, parking areas and vehicle crossings must comply with the Transportation Section Vehicle Barriers (to prevent vehicular access) Fencing Generally vehicle barriers will be installed by the applicant prior to vesting of the reserve. Barriers between reserves and the road are generally not encouraged. Where possible planting and landscaping should be used as the means of deterring unauthorised vehicles. Where vehicle barriers are required to control unauthorised vehicles, this may be in the form of a standard non-mountable kerb, a physical vehicle barrier or bollards. Vehicle barriers should meet the following objectives: a) Prevent vehicles from accessing reserve land b) Continue to allow pedestrian and cycle access c) Be of a design that ensures consistency with other reserve structures and furniture d) Does not adversely affect the visual amenity of the area e) Does not greatly increase maintenance requirements f) Able to withstand or discourage vandalism pressure g) Where bollards are required a HCC standard wooden bollard and chain fence shall be constructed on road frontages to reserves (other than entrances) unless approved otherwise by Council h) Bollards should be placed to allow for easy mowing and maintenance and either be on a mowing square (350 x 350mm) or incorporate a mowing strip and should be spaced either 2m apart or 3m apart with a connecting chain Refer to the relevant District Plan and Council s Fencing Policy Standard Types of Fences Fencing may be up to 2.5 metres high; however any fence over this height will require a building consent from Council. Table 7-2: Fencing Types Standard Paling Fence Close Boarded Fence Seven Wire Fence A paling fence at least 1.0m high, posts 100 x 75mm and placed not more than 2.75m apart. There should be two rails (three if the fence is higher than 1.0m), with sawn timber palings placed upright and well nailed to both rails, with a gap of no more than 40mm between palings. All rails and palings should be tanalised and the posts ground treated. The same sizes and wood treatment as the paling fence but with the boards butted closely A seven-wire fence, properly strained, the wire to be 12.5 H.T. galvanised or similar. The posts are to be concrete or treated timber placed no more than 4m apart, and the battens or droppers should be of treated timber, metal or plastic, evenly spaced, and at least three between posts. The top wire is to be at least 1000mm from ground level, and no barbed Page 7-4 Last Updated 19 August 2013

7 wire is to be used Mesh Fence As for the seven wire fence, but without battens and all wires except the top, middle and bottom ones replaced by 75mm galvanised chain link mesh fixed to the wires at every second mesh row Livestock Fence Refer Section Lighting Signs If the fence is to be painted, brunswick green colour shall be used. For further information in relation to fencing types and requirements, contact Council. Refer to the relevant District Plan and Transportation Section. Signs will be installed by Council following vesting of the reserve Structure and Furniture Provision of any structure or furniture is to be discussed with Council prior to design Play Equipment (refer to Council s Playground Policy) Play equipment may be installed by the developer or by Council following vesting of the reserve. The Council s objective is to provide interesting playgrounds that meet the needs of the local community. Any equipment and surfacing installed shall comply with NZS 5828:2004, In addition all the equipment and surfacing shall meet the requirements of required building or resource consents. All play space design shall be approved by Council prior to installation Landscape Structures Landscaping structures include (but are not limited to) sculptures, walls, fences, screens, bollards, tree cages and grates, entranceways, and posts. The materials should be robust to suit their purpose and ideally reflect the local character. Durability and maintenance requirements shall be considered. Structures shall not: a) Inappropriately limit safe sight lines b) Be a hazard to pedestrians, people with disabilities, cyclists, or vehicle traffic Entranceway wall structures shall be located fully on private land. Any other immovable landscape structure (for example boulders) shall be located to prevent obstructing access to underground services. Structures shall be designed to safely withstand appropriate loadings. Structures not exempt under the Building Act shall only be constructed on receipt of a building consent. All retaining walls, including those not requiring a building consent, should be constructed to resist lateral earth pressures, including those from any surcharge loading that may be present and which should be located wholly within private land. Page 7-5 Last Updated 19 August 2013

8 7.2.9 General Species Design Selection, Layout and Sourcing General Species Selection Section 7 Landscape In selecting species for planting, the overall composition, level of maintenance, longevity, and the need to comply with the Council s planting policies are to be taken into account. The Council maintains a register of suitable species for local conditions. The following matters shall be considered: a) Suitability of eco-sourced native plants for re-vegetation planting of the ecological region to protect the local biodiversity b) Suitability to environmental conditions, for example climate, ground moisture, wind, and shade c) Tolerance to high foot traffic use where appropriate d) Pest and disease resistance e) Invasive or pest species recognised under the National Pest Plant Accord (refer to f) Non-suckering habit g) Final height, form, longevity, and potential impact upon neighbouring properties, structures and infrastructure h) Maintenance requirements i) Safety such as toxicity of leaves, flowers, seeds, and bark in areas likely to be used by young children, along with impairments to pedestrians j) Plant species on the road should be selected to avoid interfering with sight lines inconsistent with the target operating speed and provide minimal leaf fall in autumn Streetscape Landscaping within a road reserve is otherwise known as streetscaping. This applies to all proposed road reserve landscape design or works in any part of the Transportation Corridor (in respect to both existing and proposed roads, including any subdivision or where required as a condition of subdivision consent). This section applies to all public road landscape works. For more detailed information, refer to Council s online publication Hamilton City Road Reserve Planting Strategy, January 2007 and all amendments thereafter (RRPS). Landscaped traffic control devices, such as splitter islands, round abouts etc. should only be installed when necessary for traffic management purposes Refer Transportation Section for information regarding sight distances. For transportation corridors where speeds are greater than 50km/hr, landscape design is to take into account potential for errant vehicles to strike objects and landscape which increases the likelihood of crash severity. Frangibility of proposed trees and features is to be considered Visibility Splay Requirements Driver sight distances need to relate to traffic function and vehicle speeds, and as such tree planting should not be placed in the visibility splay. The achievement of Austroads Criterion Visibility 3 is therefore desirable, although the minimum acceptable design will be Criterion 1 and 2 using LV Distances (being the minimum distance from limit lines to view point), which is 5.0m for Local Roads and 9.0m for Collector, Industrial and Arterial Roads. Page 7-6 Last Updated 19 August 2013

9 No trees are to be planted within the Austroads SISD or RSD visibility splays. Any trees planted within the CSD visibility splays must be clear pruned to 2.5m above ground level. In front of low intersection sign boards, planting shall be designed to be not more than 300mm high at maturity or these areas are to be paved to ensure compliance with visibility splay requirements. Within all SISD and RSD visibility splays, planting shall be designed to be no more than 450mm high at maturity (excluding flowers) Traffic-Calming and Shared Space Environments All traffic calming and shared space initiatives must be approved by Council. Traffic Calming From a traffic-calming perspective, landscaping helps to reduce vehicular speed by reducing the perceived openness of streets, signals where an area is not intended to be traversed or moved through, and indicate where traffic-calming initiatives have been implemented. When landscape planting is used in this context, vegetation is intended to visually block, reduce or impair motorist s line of sight, either along the carriageway berms or within the carriageway. The mature height of the vegetation will therefore be according to the traffic engineering specifications instead of normal carriageway landscape specifications. Other considerations include. a) Ensuring there will be sufficient drainage (and water) for new landscaped traffic calming devices to be installed in existing carriageways b) Ensuring that existing infrastructure (such as underground piping, cabling, Aqua Cells etc) will not be compromised by the plant roots c) Maintenance requirements (including the establishment of traffic management plans) d) Landscape replacement costs should a traffic calming device be traversed by a motorist e) Proximity to other services such as lighting columns and utilities f) Signage, bus stop and pedestrian crossing (formal and informal) visibility g) CPTED principles, especially passive surveillance h) Using the appropriate plant species for the traffic engineering, ecological, sense of place and amenity requirements Types of traffic-calming devices that may be landscaped (planted and paved) are: Kerb extensions Centre Island Chicane Threshold Median Strip Roundabout Splitter Island Street Closure (partial, half, full) Page 7-7 Last Updated 19 August 2013

10 Textured Pavement Berms Shared Space Environments Landscaping in shared space environments is intended to reduce speed, through measures such as reducing forward visibility and introducing a horizontal deflection to create a meandering route through the space. This is especially useful in long straight streets; however, pedestrian and motorist visibility should not be reduced to impair safety for either Minimum Design Requirements Species are to be selected as per the Road Reserve Planting Strategy, with the exception of those plants listed as Problematic Plant Species and held by Council in a document. A service-free corridor for landscaping purposes, of a minimum 1100mm wide shall be located within the berm on both sides of the road. Unless otherwise stated by the relevant District Plan, street trees are to be planted at an equivalent rate of one tree per residential property although groups of trees may be approved where the kerb line and location of services allow for local features. Alternative tree planting areas shall be provided where streets are narrow or such a corridor cannot be provided. Alternative areas are equivalent to 1.0m 2 per metre of street length with any one area having a minimum site area of 12.0m 2. Areas protecting existing trees may be accepted as contributing to dedicated tree planting areas. Typically, tree planting locations should conform to those shown on Drawing D7.2. Design of streets may include kerb extensions for intersections and speed controls which allow non-standard tree planting where utilities are not a problem and visibility requirements are designed to incorporate planting as a means of slowing traffic. Traffic Islands and Berms Only traffic islands, splitters and median strips with open infill areas of more than 6.0m 2 shall be planted. This applies to each infill area, not the whole island/strip. The width of the planted area is not to be less than 1000mm, internal kerb to internal kerb. Tapered or curved areas should be squared off and paved or concreted when the infill width is less than 1000mm. Infill areas less than 6.0m 2 must have a hardscape application such as paving or concrete that is consistent with the streetscape amenity. However, infill areas less than 6.0m 2 may be planted if they serve a specific traffic engineering purpose (such as traffic calming) these will require Council approval. Table 7-3: Infill Areas Per Infill Area Infill Area less than 6m 2 Infill Area more than 6m 2 Internal Kerb to Kerb Width less than 1000mm Internal Kerb to Kerb Width more than 1000mm Specific Purpose (less than 6m 2 and less than 1000mm internal width) Surface Application Hard Surface Landscaping Hard Surface Landscaping To be assessed Page 7-8 Last Updated 19 August 2013

11 Ensure that plants are designed to a) Form a solid mass planting that will grow to the back of kerb, but not beyond into the carriageway, with a minimum setback of 300mm (depending on species selection). b) Maintain sightlines to road signs Roundabouts Ensure that plants are designed to a) Form a solid mass planting that will grow to the back of kerb, but not beyond into the carriageway, with a minimum setback of 200mm (depending on species selection) b) Maintain sightlines to road signs Table 7-4: Design Criteria for Roundabouts Visibility Splay Austroads Criterion 2 Areas Visibility Splay Austroads Criterion 3 Areas Roundabouts: More than 12m Diameter Roundabouts: Between 6-12m Diameter Roundabouts: Less than 6m Diameter Design Criteria Groundcovers and bedding should not exceed 300mm in height although these may vary depending on road grades and levels Groundcovers and bedding should not exceed 400mm in height although these may vary depending on road grades and levels These roundabouts are to have at least 65 % of the internal area planted with approved intersection plant species while ensuring that visibility splays, frangibility requirements and utility services remain uncompromised. Include one centralised tree at Council s approval. In alignment with the RRPS tree framework, the centre shall be planted with taller approved shrub and tree species to aid in slowing traffic and act as a visual nodal reference These roundabouts may be planted with up to 50% of the internal area in-filled with low groundcovers or shrubs, otherwise they are to have a Council-approved hardscape application such as paving, concrete, concrete embedded with rocks One centralised tree shall be installed subject to Council approval These roundabouts are to have a Council-approved hardscape application such as paving, concrete, concrete embedded with rocks Street Tree Layout Unless otherwise stated all street trees are to be centrally located within all road berms. All trees are to be planted a minimum of: a) 3.0m from any driveway b) 8.0m from any light stand c) 20.0m from any intersection Page 7-9 Last Updated 19 August 2013

12 Tree Pits Planting d) 5.0m from any bus stop or school speed sign e) Or any other location that causes a safety concern For Street Tree Clearances, Refer Drawing D7.2. Section 7 Landscape All service locations shown on the planting plans are to be used as an indicative guide only. All services shall be located on site and any damage repaired or mitigated. Refer to Drawings D7.4, D7.5 and D7.6 for tree pits that are installed within existing carriageways. Carriageway tree pits require additional design consideration such as frangibility, tree root intrusion into base material, the possibility of the tree drowning in a confined root space or obtaining insufficient water. Optimum species would be those with a ball root system or those which have a deep rooting habit with minimum surface roots. Species will be site specific according to conditions and soil type. Consult with Council prior to installation Planting Definitions The following definitions are applicable when implementing and maintaining landscape planting. Table 7-5: Planting Definitions Status Established Definition Plants are established when the following attributes are present Are healthy and free of pests, disease, spray and weed-trimmer damage Are grown to the approximate species mature height Have obtained a shape and form generally consistent with the species type Are producing seeds/propagating naturally Establishing Failed Plants are establishing when the following attributes are present Plants have failed when they have one or more of the following is present or has occurred Are healthy and free of pests, disease, spray and weed-trimmer damage Are growing generally consistent with the species type shape and form Stunted growth (up to five years post installation). This requires further investigation to determine the cause and who or what is responsible Been more than 25% irreparably damaged by pests and/or disease and/or weed cover suppression Been severely spray damaged Been ring barked or severely damaged by a weedtrimmer or manual tool Died Installed Installed plants are those that have been planted correctly and intentionally according to the planting plan Page 7-10 Last Updated 19 August 2013

13 Problematic Plant Species A number of plant species are not to be planted in the city s parks, reserves or road reserves unless approved in writing by Council. A list of these species is held by Council and can be provided for up on request. 7.3 Construction and Maintenance There are minimum construction and maintenance standards and recommended procedures to be followed to ensure that all landscaping is to an acceptable standard prior to final inspection and release of the bond( if a bond is required). It is the Developer s responsibility to ensure that the landscaping meets these required standards at the termination of the maintenance period. The developer is responsible (and may be bonded) for the routine maintenance and replacement of the planting including dead wooding, weed control, mulching, replacing dead trees, shrubs, and plants, and watering for a defined period from the time of acceptance of as-built landscape plans by the Council or issue of a section 224 completion certificate under the Resource Management Act Protecting Existing Vegetation and Trees All existing vegetation and trees to be retained during works shall be cordoned off to protect the root zone and vegetation prior to the commencement of construction and the cordon shall remain in place until completion of construction. The minimum protection for existing trees in a work site is to be achieved by erecting temporary fencing in a circle with a radius equal to the maximum crown extension of the tree (drip line) or a 4m radius from the trunk whichever is greatest. This area is the tree protection zone. A suitably qualified HCC staff member shall be used to determine the protected area and supervise construction. At no time shall anything be deposited in the root zones of protected vegetation and trees Existing Tree and Vegetation Plan An existing tree and vegetation plan with construction methodology is required when works are to be undertaken in proximity to existing vegetation that is to be retained. The plan is to be approved by Council prior to earthworks commencing. The plan is to include the following details a) The location of existing trees to be retained post-works b) The tree protection zone around each tree to be retained, which is determined by either the tree canopy drip-line or a 2.0m radius from the trunk (whichever is greatest) c) The position and design of temporary protective fencing or other methods of protection d) The type of arboriculture maintenance required e) The methods of protection of the tree and root zone where construction is to occur near the root zone and tree canopy f) The maintenance required for the long-term health and stability of the tree or vegetation Site works are unable to commence within a 10m proximity of existing trees or vegetation drip line(s) until this Plan has been approved by Council. Page 7-11 Last Updated 19 August 2013

14 Above Ground Works Section 7 Landscape When any machinery is working in close proximity to established trees, adequate protection measures must be taken to avoid accidental contact with the tree that may adversely affect the health and value of the tree. Where possible heavy equipment will be kept outside the Tree Protection Zone. Where pruning is required to maintain clearance between a utility service and a tree trunk or branch, the pruning operation must be carried out by a qualified person trained in arboriculture or that directed by the Council. Pruning or removal of branches or roots 50mm in diameter or more may only be carried out in consultation with the Council Below Ground Works All tree roots that need to be severed and are between 10mm and 50mm are to be neatly cut with a saw or other suitable pruning equipment. Roots larger than 25mm in diameter should be retained in an undamaged state and protected whenever possible. Exposed roots and cut roots must be protected from drying winds and frost with damp sacking or similar material if not backfilled immediately. When there is a need for an open cut trench near trees, hand excavation should be used. Under no circumstances may a digger be used to sever tree roots within the Tree Protection Zone. lf installation is required under existing trees and vegetation then trenchless technology should be considered. If this is not practicable, advice from a qualified arborist is required to minimise damage to the vegetation. Table 7-6: Minimum Excavation Distances Tree Trunk Diameter mm 100mm 200mm 250mm 300mm 350mm 400mm 500mm+ Minimum Excavation Distance from Edge of Trunk 300mm from trunk or drip line which ever is the greatest 500mm away from trunk or drip line which ever is the greatest 1m away from trunk or drip line which ever is the greatest 2m away from trunk or drip line which ever is the greatest 3m away from trunk or drip line which ever is the greatest 4m away from trunk or drip line which ever is the greatest 5m away from trunk or drip line which ever is the greatest To be assessed by Council Note that these distances do not apply to historic/protected or notable trees No works are to commence within 30m of historic/protected or notable trees without written notification to Council and their written approval given. A suitably qualified HCC staff member may be required to monitor all works in or around these trees. This will be evaluated on an individual case basis Protecting Newly Planted Areas in Work Sites Newly planted areas shall be protected from any possible damage from site works and onsite storage of plant and material, and any other damage. Page 7-12 Last Updated 19 August 2013

15 If necessary, to ensure protection for the duration of the site works, 1 metre (minimum) high boundaries are to be erected around new, and single, trees and shrubs. Similarly, during planting, existing structures, turf, other planting, or irrigation system shall be protected by appropriate means from possible damage. All damage to existing utilities, structures, planting and irrigation systems shall be repaired Reserves Specimen Tree Location All reserve plantings shall be marked out on site prior to planting works commencing Site Preparation All irrigation and drainage works, utilities installation, signs or landscape structures shall be completely installed prior to planting. Saw cutting of existing seal where required shall be undertaken between 250mm to 300mm from the back of the kerb. The cut line shall be parallel to the kerb line wherever possible. Small radius curves shall be cut using a series of short incisions to approximate as best as possible to the curve arc Excavation and Bedding of Planting Areas Excavation shall be carried out where necessary to achieve either of the following required soil profiles where depths indicated are post consolidation Landscape Planting Refer to Drawing D7.1 Figures 1 and Annual Bedding Planting Refer to Drawing D7.1 Figure 3. All waste material shall be removed from site. The exposed subgrade shall be trimmed and levelled so that no part of the subgrade shall be above the required depth of cut Soil and Fertility Topsoil, both imported and existing on site, shall be a loam soil of good quality, free draining, free of perennial weeds and debris and capable of sustaining the required plant growth. All topsoil shall be inspected at its source and shall not be placed without Council s consent. Stockpiles of imported or site topsoil to be used in planting areas shall be left to grow vegetation and sprayed to eliminate perennial weeds prior to their seeding and prior to the soil s use. A knock-down systemic herbicide without long term residues shall be used (refer to section Weed and Litter Control). Treated soil shall not be placed without Council s consent. If, after placing the topsoil and prior to any final cultivation, there is evidence of vegetation growth, the surface shall again be sprayed with a knock-down systemic herbicide. Areas so treated shall not be planted for at least two weeks. All new planting areas on existing topsoil shall be deep ripped to a minimum of 300mm prior to planting. Page 7-13 Last Updated 19 August 2013

16 Heavily compacted soils shall be deep ripped to 600mm. If in Council s opinion, at time of planting, the soil has consolidated to a density unsuitable for planting out, re-cultivation of the soil to a depth of 150mm shall be undertaken. All new planting areas shall be filled with topsoil or excavated (as appropriate), to be 100mm below adjacent paving, kerbs or lawns after cultivation and reasonable consolidation. Prior to planting, all planting areas shall be cleaned of rubbish, stones, unwanted vegetation and other debris. At planting, all planting areas shall have a minimum uniform soil moisture level of greater than 50% to 200mm depth Soil Laboratory Testing At the Council s discretion, proposed topsoil shall require nutrient laboratory testing when: Large specimen trees are to be planted; and/or, At least 2,500 or more shrubs and/or trees are to be planted into a site. When there are less than 2,500 shrubs and/or trees to be installed, testing will be at Council s discretion. Planting shall not proceed without Council soil test approval. Council reserves the right to: View the topsoil at its source; and/or Request further topsoil sample testing; and/or Undertake further topsoil sample testing Prior to Considering Topsoil Approval The laboratory results and a plan indicating sample site locations shall be provided to Council prior to planting. Where sample results are beyond acceptable parameters, the topsoil shall be modified to ensure that it aligns within these parameters or another conforming topsoil source shall be identified to be used for planting. Soils with a high ph level may require Extractable Aluminium testing Soil Sampling Protocol Soil samples shall be taken as per the Hills Laboratories Soil Testing Pastoral Farm methodology or Reams soil testing methodology. The minimum number of sample sites depends on the following criteria. a) If the topsoil has already been installed on site or existing topsoil is being used for planting, a minimum of 10 soil samples shall be taken throughout the site b) If the topsoil has yet to be installed then a minimum of five soil samples shall be taken at its source and approved by Council. Verification is required that the tested topsoil is installed on the site Table 7-7: Acceptable Soil Parameters Hills Methodology Reams Methodology Soil Component Parameters Unit Parameters Unit ph Phosphorus ug/ml kg/ha Page 7-14 Last Updated 19 August 2013

17 Hills Methodology Reams Methodology Section 7 Landscape Soil Component Parameters Unit Parameters Unit Potassium me/100g kg/ha Calcium 6-12 me/100g kg/ha Magnesium 1-3 me/100g kg/ha Sodium 0.5 me/100g - (Not tested) CEC me/100g Varies according to soil type Base Saturation % TDN kg/ha Volume Weight g/ml Varies according to soil type Available Nitrogen kg/ha kg/ha (NO3, N) Organic Matter 7-17 % % Total Nitrogen % kg/ha (NH4, N) ORP Paramagnetism Ca:Mg - 7:1 P:K - 1: Soil Composition The subgrade of the proposed planting area shall be firm but free draining. If required by Council the subgrade strata shall be made permeable by the insertion of vertical holes to permeable layers, by scarifying of the surface to ensure free draining through the underlying material, or by undercutting the existing subgrade to a greater depth than specified. In this case, the unsuitable material shall be removed and replaced by imported pit sand to top of subgrade level. In areas of new planting, base soil (either 2nd grade topsoil or pit sand) shall be placed evenly over the prepared subgrade and consolidated to a depth of 150mm. The sand/soil shall be free of debris and perennial weeds. No sand/soil shall be placed without Council s prior consent. In all sites, except natural gully systems, where the slope gradient is steeper than 1:3 (one metre high by three metres long), it is preferable that the embankment is either scarified or grooved on an angle to a depth of 200mm, from the top of the bank to the base. This assists topsoil adhesion and prevents separation of the top 150mm topsoil from the base material due to gravity and/or glazed/planning of base material. Should site conditions, such as gradient or compaction, prevent scarifying, the embankment sub-base shall be benched to develop an adequate topsoil profile. The horizontal benching depth is dependent on the slope gradient Tree Pits Saw-cutting of existing seal where required shall be undertaken between 250mm to 300mm from the back of the kerb. The design and measurements must be approved by Council prior to Page 7-15 Last Updated 19 August 2013

18 works commencing. The cut line shall be parallel the kerb lines wherever possible. All cut-outs are to be square and to be a minimum 1.0m x 1.0m dimension. Refer to Drawing, 8.4 and 8.5 for tree pit details Planting holes shall be excavated, according to the following specification. Table 7-8: Tree Pits Design Criteria Tree Type Tree Grade Pit Shape Pit Depth Street Trees PB95 1.0m x 1.0m square 1000mm Park/Reserve Tree PB95 2.0m diameter 1000mm Park/Reserve Tree PB m diameter 1000mm The base of the planting hole shall be forked to a minimum depth of 200mm and any stones over 50mm diameter or poor quality subsoil shall be removed from the hole. The sides of the planting hole shall also be loosened by forking to 150mm minimum, and the surrounding ground to two times the root ball diameter shall be forked over to reduce compaction. Where topsoil is unsuitable for backfilling, imported or modified top soil for backfilling shall be used. The imported topsoil shall be a free draining loam of a quality and subject to inspection by Council prior to placement. Modified backfill soil shall consist of a homogenous mixture of the following. a) Parts by volume of good quality, friable topsoil from the site or imported b) Three parts by volume of approved compost e.g. that produced from the Hamilton Organic Recycling Centre c) Two parts by volume of coarse river sand Grassing, Sowing and Turfing This section covers the preparation and sowing of any new grassed areas or those requiring reinstatement, or turfing of such areas. It includes berms, lawns and embankments Preparation for Sowing or Turfing Grassing and fertilising shall be carried out over all existing grassed areas disturbed by contract activity and other specified areas which may require reinstatement. In existing grassed areas, excessive compaction of the subsoil shall be relieved by subsoiling or similar as required, to achieve satisfactory long term growing conditions. All topsoil removed to permit contract works to be carried out shall be stockpiled for reuse. All new grass areas shall be built on subgrades prepared to a CBR of not less than five and no greater than seven. A minimum 75mm layer of clean, friable peat loam or sandy loam topsoil, free of all perennial weeds, stones and rubbish shall be placed on the subgrade. If the subgrade has been backfilled with sand or if the existing subgrade material is of a sandy nature then the 75mm topsoil shall be of a heavier silt loam. The topsoil shall be lightly compacted or consolidated, and may be laid proud of adjoining features (such as kerb and channel, path, crossings etc.) by not more than 25mm to allow for settlement, provided that it does not cause water to pond on any footpath or vehicle crossing Page 7-16 Last Updated 19 August 2013

19 area. All finish levels shall be those specified on the plans or to a 2-2.5% slope. New areas shall be neatly contoured into adjoining grassed areas. The top 25mm of topsoil shall have a loose tilth. No soil shall be cultivated or handled when the moisture content is at a level where soil structure damage will result. Perennial weeds shall be sprayed with Glyphosate plus Versatil, if clover, thistles (and such) are a problem, according to manufacturer's instructions and at least 14 days before cultivation. All stones, rubbish and other foreign materials shall be removed from the areas to be grassed, and the whole area rotary hoed to a depth of 150mm or such lesser depth of topsoil as may be approved by Council Grass Sowing With the exception of the New Zealand Browntop component, all seed shall be certified and less than 12 months old at the time of sowing. Ryegrass component to be certified as having greater than 80% live endophyte content. Council may prohibit the use of seed which has deteriorated because of wetting, fertiliser-burning, and other reasons at their discretion. The seed mixture shall be NZ Browntop 50 kg/ha and High Endophyte Turf Rye 200 kg/ha. On large areas, the seed shall be check sown in at least two directions, to ensure an even spread, and covered by brush harrowing. The surface shall then be rolled with a suitable flat roller. On small areas, grass seed shall be evenly applied to the prepared surface and raked thoroughly into the soil so that little seed remains exposed Establishment of Sown Areas Turf Newly established grass shall be protected from damage by pedestrian and vehicular traffic until such time as the grass growth has reached a self-sustaining state. The grassed areas shall be watered as required, to achieve an efficient germination of the seed and maintain satisfactory growth throughout the maintenance period. Watering shall commence when root zone moisture is depleted to 50% and shall ensure full re-wetting of the root zone to 200mm depth. During the establishment, the newly grassed areas shall be maintained as follows. a) Upon the grass reaching 100mm in height, it shall be cut to 50mm high b) For subsequent mowings, the mowing frequency shall be governed by growth rate. Minimum grass height to be 20mm - maximum grass height to be 30mm c) The turf shall be maintained free of all broadleaf weeds d) Areas where there has been a poor strike of grass shall be either re-cultivated and resown or undersown e) Upon completion of mowing, all grass clippings shall be collected and removed from all sown grass areas except non kerb and channelled berms. All clippings shall be removed from adjacent hard surfaces The turf shall be of good quality, free of weeds and pests and with an even thickness of approximately 20mm x 450mm wide and of a consistent length. The constituent grasses of the turf should include Browntop and Fescue, i.e. Readylawn or similar approved by Council. The Page 7-17 Last Updated 19 August 2013

20 turf should be sufficiently fibrous for turves to hold together when handled but excess fibre or thatch is undesirable. Turf should be packed to avoid drying out in transit. In hot weather it shall be sprayed with water and covered with hessian. Turf shall be delivered to the site within 24 hours of lifting and shall be off-loaded by hand unless arranged on pallets for mechanical handling. Any turf permitted to dry out shall be rejected when, in the opinion of Council, its survival after placement is doubtful. All turf should be layed immediately after delivery to site. Where this is not possible, the turves shall be unloaded and stacked on clear ground to a maximum height of one metre and suitably protected. No turf shall be laid in exceptionally hot dry weather, or in exceptionally wet or frosty soil or weather conditions. Turf shall not be laid until the topsoiling has been satisfactorily completed by being brought to an even tilth and firmness. Turf shall be handled carefully to ensure minimum breakage and prevent soil dropping from the roots. The turf shall be laid from planks working over turves previously laid. The turves must be thoroughly watered until the turf mat and top 50mm of soil is wet. After allowing a soaking in period the turves shall be lightly and evenly firmed with a wooden tamper to ensure the underside of the turf mat and the wet soil surface are thoroughly bonded. The finished level of the turf shall conform to the levels indicated. Where the turf meets paths the finished mowing strip level shall be 12mm above the path. Any inequalities in finished levels owing to variation in turf thickness or uneven consolidation of soil shall be adjusted by raking and/or packing fine soil under the turf, not by topdressing the lawn surface. During the establishment the turf shall be maintained as follows. a) Prevent any pedestrian traffic until grass is well established and uniformly covered with a strong sward of grass b) Apply lawn fertiliser e.g. Readylawn Food, at a rate according to manufacturer's instructions, at monthly intervals during the growing season c) Remove weeds and replace soil if necessary d) Water regularly: The turf shall not be allowed to dry out for at least three weeks after laying, then it shall be watered normally. 'Normal' watering shall commence when the root zone moisture is depleted to 50% and shall ensure full re-wetting of the root zone to 200mm depth. In summer this will require watering at least daily. Watering shall normally be carried out prior to 7am and shall not be done in hot sunny conditions e) Initial mowing shall be carried out when first growth is apparent, with blades set no lower than two-thirds of the height of the grass. Use roll-type mower for first cuts. Grass shall be in a reasonably dry condition. All clippings shall be collected and removed from site. All clippings shall also be removed from adjacent hard surfaces f) Edges of all turf areas adjoining cultivated gardens, borders, hand paving, sealed surfaces or landscape structures shall be trimmed to the edge or controlled by herbicide to within 25mm of flat surfaces or 50mm of vertical structures. Grass shall not be allowed to encroach over flat paved or sealed surfaces by more than 25mm g) Areas of turf where there has been a poor establishment shall be relaid Page 7-18 Last Updated 19 August 2013