Page 1 Part 1 General 1.1 DESCRIPTION.1 This section describes the requirements for the supply and installation for plant material of different stock sizes and types, accessories, planting, mulching, maintenance, acceptance and warranty information. 1.2 REFERENCES.1 Comply with following, which are invoked and form part of this specification section, as modified by this section:.1 Canadian Landscape Standard, First Edition: Appendix G: Canadian Nursery Stock Standard (Ninth Edition), Canadian Society of Landscape Architects and Canadian Landscape Association.2 International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants, International Society for Horticultural Science.3 ANSI Standard 133-1, American Standards for Tree Care Operations.4 ANSI A-300, Best Management Practices - Tree Planting.5 ANSI A-300, Best Management Practices - Part 1, 2008 (R2014) Pruning Standard.6 ANSI A-300, Best Management Practices - Part 6, Transplanting Standard 1.3 MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES.1 Payment for planting will be made at per plan quantities..1 Basis of contract price for items included in this section shall be full compensation for all labour, equipment, supply of materials, installation, and establishment maintenance, completed as described herein and as shown on the contract drawings..2 Payment for annual planting maintenance work shall be compensated at unit rates listed in bid forms, as approved by the Consultant. 1.4 SUBMITTALS.1 Submit samples for:.1 Mulch..2 Submit monthly maintenance reports from time of planting to end of warranty period and during extended annual maintenance during growing season (May to September) describing:.1 Maintenance work carried out..2 Watering method, quantity of water used, water source..3 General development and condition of plant material..4 Preventative or corrective measures required which are outside Contractor's responsibility.
Page 2 1.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE.1 Planting work is to be carried out by experienced personnel under the direction of a skilled site superintendent.2 Notify Consultant within five (5) working days of pending plant shipment for inspection of plant material prior to shipping to site..3 All plants to be in conformance with Canadian Landscape Standard, First Edition: Appendix G: Canadian Nursery Stock Standard (Ninth Edition).4 There shall be no substitutions of plant materials without prior written approval from the Consultant..5 Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring plant materials delivered to the site are in conformance with the contract documents 1.6 STORAGE AND PROTECTION.1 Protect plant material from frost, excessive heat, wind and sun during delivery..2 Immediately store and protect plant material that will not be installed within 2 hours after arrival at site in storage location approved by Consultant..3 Protect plant material from mechanical damage, exposure, and extreme temperatures during transportation:.1 Use enclosed vehicle where practical..2 Protect foliage and root balls using anti-desiccants and tarpaulins, where use of enclosed vehicle is impractical..3 Tie, wrap and pad branches and trunks securely to protection against abrasion, exposure and extreme temperature. Avoid binding of plant stock with rope or wire that would damage bark, break branches or destroy the natural shape of the plant. Plant material at no time shall be dropped or handled roughly,.4 Loading and unloading: handle containerized plants by pots to reduce breakage of branches or leaves, handle balled & burlapped and wire basket plants with caution to maintain the firmness of the root balls and protection against damage to stems and branches. Lift wire baskets by attachments at minimum three points or by supporting below the rootball. Trunks shall be supported in relation to the rootball to prevent tearing of roots or loosening of the rootball. Support shall be such that the cambium is not damaged..4 Protect stored plant material which will not be planted during the current day s operations from frost, wind and sun and as follows:.1 For pots and containers, maintain moisture level in containers, heel in fibre pots..2 For balled and burlapped and wire basket root balls, heel in or cover rootballs with protective medium such as sawdust, mulch, peat moss or topsoil place to protect branches from damage. Store plants in a upright positions, with care taken to provide enough space between plants to allow light to reach all around to the bottom of the plant in order to avoid sunscald
Page 3 or burning when plants are planting in final location. Maintain moisture level in root zones..5 Where inadvertent damage to plants occurs, Contractor shall document damage and notify supplier and Consultant. Where Consultant accepts plant material despite the damage, prune broken branches back to the appropriate branch collar or bud, with care to avoid tearing of the stem bark, wounds shall be traces to remove shattered bark back to firm cambium without damaging the cambium or enlarging the wound in accordance with ANSI A-300 Best Management Practices - Part 1, 2008 (R2014) Pruning Standard..6 Waste Management and Disposal:.1 Manage waste removal and disposal as per Section 01 74 19-Waste Management and Disposal. 1.7 SCHEDULING.1 Plant bare root plant material during dormancy between spring thaw and May 1 st or between October 31 st and winter freeze-up.2 Plant potted, balled and burlap, and wire basket plant material between April 15 th and June 15 th or September 1 st and November 30 th.3 Obtain approval from Consultant of schedule 7 days in advance of shipment of plant material..4 Schedule delivery such that plant material spends a maximum of 36 hours stored on site prior to planting..5 Coordinate shipping of plants and excavation of planting pits to ensure minimum time lapse between digging and planting.6 Where planting is postponed, plant material shall be stored and maintained with protection and irrigation procedures described in this section. 1.8 WARRANTY.1 The Contractor hereby warrants that all plant material as itemized on plant list will remain free of defects, in accordance with GC 12.3 - WARRANTY as amended by the Supplementary Conditions from the date of substantial performance or interim substantial performance dates as governed by GC 5.4 Substantial Performance of the Work..1 Acceptable Survivability rates for planting stock are quantified in 3.7 Acceptance in this section..2 Replacements:.1 During warranty period, remove from site any plant material that has died or failed to grow satisfactorily as a result of pests, diseases or failure to provide winter protection, as determined by Consultant..2 Extend warranty on replacement plant material for a period equal to the original warranty period.
Page 4.3 Continue such replacements and extend warranty until plant material is acceptable..4 Warranty of replacements shall not apply where replacement is necessary due to vandalism or inadequate maintenance carried out by others..3 End of warranty inspection will be conducted by Consultant..4 The Consultant reserves the right to extend Contractor's warranty responsibilities for an additional year if, at end of initial warranty period, leaf development and growth is not sufficient to ensure future survival, in the opinion of the Consultant. Part 2 Products 2.1 PLANT MATERIAL.1 Type of root preparation, sizing, grading and quality: comply with Canadian Landscape Standard, First Edition: Appendix G: Canadian Nursery Stock Standard (Ninth Edition) referring to size and development of plant material and root ball. Measure plants when branches in their natural position. Height and spread dimensions refer to main body of plant and not from branch tip to branch tip. Use trees and shrubs of No. 1 grade..1 Source of plant material: All plants shall have been grown in Canada or the north eastern United States and be hardy within the Canadian Plant Hardiness Zone 5a. Plant materials obtained from areas with milder climatic conditions are not acceptable..2 All plant material to:.1 conform to the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants and the latest addition of standardized plant names;.2 be true to form and type and representative of their species or variety, densely foliated, structurally sound with well developed branch and root systems;.3 have normal, well-developed branches and vigorous, fibrous root systems have been developed through proper cultivation practices. Plants shall be healthy, vigorous, free from defects, decay, girdling roots, sunscald, injuries, abrasions of the bark, plant diseases, insect pests eggs, borers and all forms of infestation..4 be compact and properly proportioned, not week or thin, or injured by being planted too closely in nursery rows; plants shall have healthy tops to a size proportionate to the root requirements typical of the species or variety. Rootball sizes shall be of sufficient width and depth to encompass enough of the fibrous and absorptive root system to enable full recovery of the plan. Rootballs must be solid and remain intact..5 have proper development of wound wood surrounding past pruning..3 Deciduous trees shall have a dominant healthy single leader, sturdy straight trunks, well branched and balanced crowns (unless multi-stem form has been specified) and overall natural form characteristic of the species and variety..4 Trees larger than 200 mm in caliper: half root pruned during each of two successive growing seasons, the latter at least one growing season prior to arrival on site.
Page 5.5 Balled & burlapped and Wire Basket: must be dug with root ball in accordance with Canadian Landscape Standard, First Edition: Appendix G: Canadian Nursery Stock Standard (Ninth Edition)..6 Collected stock: maximum 40 mm in caliper, with well developed crowns and characteristically branched; no more than 40% of overall height may be free of branches..7 Collected plant material: not acceptable. 2.2 WATER.1 Free of organic or chemical contaminants detrimental to humans, animals, healthy plant growth and the environment..2 Supplied by Contractor. 2.3 TOPSOIL.1 To OPSS 802 Construction Specification for Topsoil. 2.4 TRUNK PROTECTION.1 PVC Spiral Tree Guard: perforated spiralled strip. 2.5 MULCH.1 Shredded Pine Mulch:.1 Greater than 75% bark fiber and less than 35% wood fiber.2 Non-dyed.3 ph: 3.8 to 5.5.4 Size gradation: Minimum 97%,1 size, Minimum 66% <5/8 size.5 Organic Matter 70-85% by weight.6 Moisture Content 44-55%.7 Free of noxious weeds and seeds or other live plant materials..2 Composted Pine Mulch.1 Non-dyed.2 ph: 4.5-6.5.3 Size gradation: 95% 1 Organic Mulch.4 Organic Matter 60-75% by weight.5 Moisture Content 44-55%.6 Free of noxious weeds and seeds or other live plant materials. 2.6 ANTI-DESICCANT.1 Wax-like emulsion to provide film over plant surfaces reducing evaporation.
Page 6 Part 3 Execution 3.1 PRE- PREPARATION.1 Ensure all vegetation control, grading works and other site preparation works are complete and acceptable to Consultant prior to planting..2 Ensure plant material acceptable to Consultant..3 Remove damaged roots and branches from plant material..4 Apply anti-desiccant to conifers and deciduous trees in leaf in accordance with manufacturer's instructions..5 Remove rejected and excess material from the Place of Work within 48 hours 3.2 EXCAVATION AND PREPARATION OF BEDS.1 Contractor shall verify the locations of all utilities and shall taking adequate precautions against any damage. In the event of damage, Contractor shall notify utility company immediately and shall make or pay for required repairs to the satisfaction of the utility company at no additional cost to the Owner..2 In undisturbed natural areas, plant directly into unaltered native soils..3 Where planting into disturbed soils, ensure topsoil is present. Where toposoil is not present or is present at inadequate depths, place topsoil in accordance with OPSS 802 to the following depths:.1 1200mm in individual tree pits within asphalt.4 For individual planting holes:.1 Stake out location and obtain approval from Consultant prior to excavating..2 Excavate planting pits in location, size and depths as indicated on Drawings.3 Remove subsoil, rocks, roots, debris greater than 50mm in diameter and toxic material from excavated material that will be used as planting soil for trees and individual shrubs. Dispose of excess material..4 Excavation of subgrade below rootball shall only be as necessary to permit the bottom of the rootball to sit on undisturbed material or compacted fill such that the top of the rootball remains at the proper finished grade. Disturbed subgrade or fill below the rootball shall be compacted to 95% SPDD to prevent settlement of tree after planting..5 Where topsoil in planting pit is different in texture, structure or organic content from the surrounding soils or where planting pits are dug by mechanical means shall have all sides scarified to a minimum depth of 100mm and the two soils mixed thoroughly. This is to ensure that there are no glazed surfaces or abrupt interfaces that could impede root development..6 Where poor drainage is suspected due to soil texture or standing water is observed, notify Consultant to obtain rectification methods to drain planting pit(s) prior to commencing with planting operations. Methods may include but are not limited to penetrating impervious soil layers, raising planting grade and/or adding drainage lines.
Page 7 3.3.1 Remove water which enters excavations prior to planting. Notify Consultant immediately if water source is ground water..1 Do not perform work under adverse field conditions such as frozen soil, excessively wet soil or soil covered with snow, ice, or standing water. Planting frozen rootballs is not acceptable..2 For plant material in burlapped root balls and wire basket root balls, cut away and remove all string, rope, wire, burlap and other restricting elements from top one-third of root ball. Do not pull burlap, rope or wire from bottom two-thirds of rootball. For plant material in plastic and fibre containers, remove and dispose of entire container, all wrappings, and tags, without disturbing rootball..3 Identify root collar (trunk flare) in burlapped and potted root balls, carefully remove overburden soil to uncover portion of collar. Trunk flare shall be 25mm to 50mm visible after tree is planted..4 Plant material shall be set plumb and oriented to give best appearance in relation to structures, roads and walkways.orient plant material to give best appearance in relation to structures, roads and trails..5 Backfill soil in 150 mm lifts using native soil. Tamp each lift to eliminate air pockets. When two thirds of depth of planting pit has been backfilled, fill remaining space with water. After water has penetrated into soil, complete remaining one-third of backfilling to finish grade. Correct any settlement.6 Form watering saucer as indicated on Drawings..7 Water all plant material thoroughly..8 After soil settlement has occurred, fill with soil to finish grade..9 Dispose of burlap, wire and container material off site. 3.4 TRUNK PROTECTION.1 Install trunk protection on deciduous trees as indicated per manufacturer s directions, carefully bend branches upward as needed without breaking..2 Install trunk protection prior to installation of tree supports when used..3 Remove trunk protection as per maintenance requirements. 3.5 MULCHING.1 Ensure mulch sample has been submitted and approved by Consultant prior to spreading..2 Ensure soil settlement has been corrected prior to mulching..3 Spread mulch in continuous beds and as indicated in Drawings.
Page 8 3.6 CONTRACTOR MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITIES PRIOR TO ACCEPTANCE.1 Perform following maintenance operations from time of planting to acceptance by Consultant..2 Water to maintain soil moisture conditions for optimum establishment, growth and health of plant material without causing erosion. Water in early morning, late afternoon, early evening or when weather is cool to minimize water evaporation by sun and humidity..3 Remove weeds in planting beds..4 Replace or respread damaged, missing or disturbed mulch in planting beds..5 Report to Consultant any pests or diseases inflicting any plant material. The principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) should be applied to controlinsect pests, diseases, and invasive and noxious plants. IPM methods should be a combination of physical, cultural, biological and chemical methods chosen for the most effective, environmentally safe and economical control of plants..6 Apply pesticides in accordance with Federal, Provincial and Municipal regulations as and when required to control insects, fungus and disease. Obtain product approval from Consultant prior to application..7 Remove and replace dead plants and plants not in healthy growing condition. Make replacements in same manner as specified for original plantings..8 Provide adequate protection against damage, including mechanical damage and damage caused by rodents. 3.7 ACCEPTANCE.1 Plantings will be accepted by Consultant after planting operation is completed provided that plant material is planted per this Section and Drawings and future survival and true to form growth is expected as determined by the Consultant. All planting beds shall be free of weeds at time of acceptance. Plant material will not be granted acceptance separately from the balance of the Work..2 Plant material will not be accepted after October 15th of any year. These plants will be accepted in spring of the following year, one month after leaf out, provided all acceptance conditions are fulfilled. 3.8 MAINTENANCE DURING ESTABLISHMENT PERIOD.1 Perform the following maintenance operations from time of planting throughout the establishment period.2 Establishment period defined as one month from the date of acceptance of planting by the Consultant.1 Water to maintain soil moisture conditions for optimum establishment, growth and health of plant material without causing erosion..1 Water newly planted plants at least once per week for the first four weeks, such that the water penetrates to a minimum depth of 300mm
Page 9 and the sufficiently thereafter to maintain optimum growing conditions..1 Water in early morning, late afternoon, early evening or when weather is cool to minimize water evaporation by sun and humidity..2 Water plants thoroughly in late fall prior to freeze-up to saturate soil around root system..2 Soil moisture to be monitored throughout the growing season:.1 Watering schedule to be increased prior to plant materials reaching the permanent wilting point..2 Watering schedule to be reduced when a sufficient volume of rainfall has penetrated the soil fully as required..3 Replace or respread damaged, missing or disturbed mulch..4 If required to control insects, fungus and disease, use appropriate control methods in accordance with Provincial regulations. Obtain product approval from Consultant prior to application..5 Control outbreaks of perennial weeds and annual weeds by mechanical or chemical means utilizing acceptable integrated pest management practices to meet acceptance/success targets.1 If chemical means are used, comply with Section 32 91 23 - Chemical Vegetation Control..6 Remove and replace dead plants and plants not in healthy growing condition. Make replacements in same manner as specified for original plantings..7 Remove dead or broken branches from plant material using clean sharp horticultural tools using current arboricultural practices..8 Provide adequate protection against damage, including mechanical damage and damage caused by rodents.9 Keep trunk protection and guy wires in proper repair and adjustment. 3.9 ANNUAL MAINTENANCE.1 Perform following maintenance operations from time acceptance of practical completion to end of warranty period on trees and planting beds..1 End of Winter (March/April).2 Remove dead or broken branches prior to leaf budding..3 Keep trunk protection and guy wires in proper repair and adjustment..4 Remove dead plants and plants not in healthy growing condition. Make replacements in same manner as specified for original plantings in the spring..5 Clear away any litter from planting beds..2 Spring (May).1 Water to maintain soil moisture condition for optimum establishment, growth and health of plant material without causing erosion. Apply root growth fertilizer..2 Plant winter replacement planting in same manner as specified for original plantings.
Page 10.3 Remove weeds..4 Prune plant material in accordance with good horticultural practices..5 Keep trunk protection and guy wires in proper repair and adjustment..6 Replace or spread damaged, missing or disturbed mulch..3 Summer (June to August).1 Water to maintain soil moisture condition for optimum establishment, growth and health of plant material without causing erosion..2 Remove dead plants and plants not in healthy growing condition. Make replacements in same manner as specified for original plantings in the Fall..3 Remove weeds..4 Remove dead or broken branches prior to leaf budding..5 Keep trunk protection and guy wires in proper repair and adjustment..6 Apply pesticides in accordance with Federal, Provincial and Municipal regulations, as and when required to control insects, fungus and disease..4 End of Season (October/November).1 Water to maintain soil moisture condition for optimum establishment, growth and health of plant material without causing erosion..2 Replace or respread damaged, missing or disturbed mulch..3 Plant summer replacement planting in same manner as specified for original plantings..4 Remove weeds..5 Remove dead or broken branches prior to leaf budding..6 Keep trunk protection and guy wires in proper repair and adjustment..7 Remove trunk wrap, tree stakes and guy wire eyebolts at end of warranty period..5 Maintenance Reports.1 The Contractor shall submit seasonal Maintenance Reports stating date of maintenance visits and work undertaken including replacements, pruning, watering, mulch top up, fertilizing, repair work, weeding, to Consultant. 3.10 END OF WARRANTY PERIOD FINAL ACCEPTANCE.1 Final acceptance of plant material shall take place when:.1 All plant material is healthy, vigorous and free of insects and disease..2 Plant material is good shape and any pruning that has occurred has not deformed the tree..3 All planting beds shall be free of weeds, litter, debris, mulch layer is replenished..4 Tree trunk wrap, tree stakes, and any protection/supports have been removed.5 Survivability rates for plants are:.1 Conservation Quality: In excess of 80% at end of warranty..1 Should plant mortality patterns result in the creation of gaps to the detriment of the aesthetic and ecological functions of the Edge Management Plan, as determined by the Consultant,
Page 11 the Contractor shall replant gaps to the satisfaction of the Consultant regardless of the survivability rate percentages for the overall project..2 High Visibility Quality: 100% at end of warranty..1 Percentages calculated as a part of Consultant monitoring.2 Remove dead plants and plants not in healthy growing condition. Make replacements in same manner as specified for original plantings in the spring..3 Failure to meet these criteria will require replanting at the Contractors expense. END OF SECTION