SECTION 329000 - LANDSCAPE WORK PART 1 - GENERAL 1.1 RELATED DOCUMENTS A. Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including General and Supplementary Conditions and Division 01 Specification sections apply to work specified in this section. 1.2 DESCRIPTION OF WORK A. Subgrade elevations: Excavation, filling and grading required to establish elevations are not specified in this section. 1.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE A. Ship landscape materials with certificates of inspection required by governing authorities. Comply with regulations applicable to landscape materials. Do not make substitutions. If specified landscape material is not obtainable, submit to Engineer proof of non-availability and proposal for use of equivalent material. When authorized, adjustment of contract amount will be made. B. Package standard products with manufacturer's certified analysis. For other materials, provide analysis by recognized laboratory made in accordance with methods established by the Association of Official Agriculture Chemists, wherever applicable. C. Soil tests for on-site or off-site topsoil associated with amendments or fertilizer applications shall be performed at the Contractor s expense. Additional testing may be required during the construction period for consistency of quality assurance. 1.4 SUBMITTALS A. Certification: Submit certificates of inspection as required by governmental authorities, and manufacturer's or vendors certified analysis for soil amendments, fertilizer materials, and hydromulch. Submit other data substantiating that materials comply with specified requirements. Submit seed vendor's certified statement for each grass seed mixture required, stating botanical and common name, percentage by weight, and percentages of purity, germination, and weed seed for each grass seed species. B. Planting Schedule: Submit planting schedule showing scheduled dates for each type of planting in each area of site. Once accepted, revise dates only as accepted in writing by the Engineer, after documentation of reasons for delay. LANDSCAPE WORK 329000-1
C. Off-Site Topsoil 1. Before delivery of topsoil from off-site sources, furnish Engineer with written statement giving location of properties from which topsoil is to be obtained, names and addresses of owners, depth to be stripped, and crops grown during the past two (2) years. 2. The Contractor shall provide and pay for materials testing. Testing agency shall be acceptable to the Engineer. Provide the following data: a. Test two representative material samples (1/2 gallon each) proposed for use from both on-site and off-site sources. b. Topsoil: (From on site and/or off site). The following tests will be required. 1) ph factor. 2) Mechanical analysis particle size distribution 3) Percentage of organic content. 4) Recommendations on type and quantity of additives required to establish satisfactory ph factor and supply of nutrients to bring nutrients to satisfactory level for planting for specific grass species indicated. 1.5 PRODUCT DELIVERY, STORAGE AND HANDLING A. Deliver packaged materials in original, unopened containers showing weight, analysis and name of manufacturer. Protect materials from moisture and deterioration during delivery, and while stored at site. 1.6 JOB CONDITIONS A. Proceed with and complete landscape work as rapidly as portions of site become available, working within seasonal limitations for each kind of landscape work required. B. Determine location of underground utilities and perform work in a manner which will avoid possible damage. Hand excavate, as required. Maintain grade stakes set by others until removal is approved by parties concerned. C. When conditions detrimental to plant growth are encountered, such as rubble fill, adverse drainage conditions, or obstructions, notify Engineer before planting. D. Plant or install materials during normal planting seasons for each type of landscape work required. Correlate planting with specified maintenance periods to provide maintenance from date of substantial completion. E. Do not damage previously installed trees and shrubs. F. Observe precautionary measures to protect existing paved areas against damage during the planting operation. G. Work Notification: Notify Engineer at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the time Contractor intends to seed, and do not proceed with such work until permission has been granted. LANDSCAPE WORK 329000-2
H. Perform seeding work only after planting and other work affecting ground surface has been completed. I. Seeding shall take place during normal planting seasons as established below: 1. Time of Seeding a. Seeding operations shall not occur at a time when the soil or backfill is frozen or the soil is saturated. b. Seeding seasons shall be April 1 st to June 6 th and August 20 th to October 31 st. c. When delays in operations carry the work beyond the seasons specified, or when conditions of high winds (winds that exceed five (5) mph velocity), drought, excessive moisture or ice are such that satisfactory results are not likely to be obtained at any stage of the work, the work will stop. Seeding work shall be resumed only when the desired results are likely to be obtained or when the Owner and/or Engineer accepts a corrective measure and procedure. d. Dormant seeding may take place after November 15, but prior to continuous soil freeze. Success of dormant seeding determined at Engineer s discretion. e. Soil conditions shall prevail when the time of planting is in dispute. J. Restrict traffic from lawn areas until grass is established. Erect signs and barriers as required. 1.7 SPECIAL PROJECT WARRANTY A. Warranty lawns through specified maintenance period, and until final acceptance. B. The Contractor shall replace displaced mulch, remove eroded topsoil and adjust or replace disturbed seeded areas. C. Warranty trees and shrubs, for a period of one year after date of final acceptance against defects including death and unsatisfactory growth, except for defects resulting from neglect by Owner, abuse or damage by others, or unusual phenomena or incidents which are beyond landscape installer's control. Inspection for final acceptance of work shall be made at the end of the warranty period. PART 2 - PRODUCTS 2.1 TOPSOIL A. Topsoil will be stockpiled for re-use in landscape work. If quantity of stockpiled topsoil is insufficient, provide additional topsoil as required to complete landscape work. B. Provide new topsoil which is fertile, friable, natural loam, surface soil, reasonably free of subsoil, clay lumps, brush, weeds and other litter, and free of roots, stumps, stones larger than 1 in any dimension, and other extraneous or toxic matter harmful to plant growth. Obtain topsoil from local sources or from areas having similar soil characteristics to that found at project site. Obtain topsoil only from naturally, well-drained sites where topsoil occurs in a depth of not less than 4"; do not obtain from bogs or marshes. In addition: 1. Silt and/or clay content in combination shall not exceed 25% 2. Sand content shall be a minimum of 70% LANDSCAPE WORK 329000-3
C. Contractor to condition topsoil as necessary. Topsoil from on-site and off-site sources shall have an acidity range of ph 6.0 to 7.0 and shall contain not less than 5% organic matter as determined by loss of ignition of moisture-free samples dried at 100 degrees C. 1. Where topsoil ph is below 6.0, limestone shall be added at a rate of 2-1/2 lbs. per cu. yd. of topsoil to raise the ph value one full point or as recommended by an independent soil testing laboratory or certified agronomist. 2. Where topsoil ph is above 7.0, screened sulfur shall be added at a rate of 2 lbs. per cu. yd. of topsoil to lower the ph value one full point or as recommended by an independent soil testing laboratory or certified agronomist. 2.2 SOIL AMENDMENTS A. Lime: Natural dolomitic limestone containing not less than 85 percent of total carbonates with a minimum of 30 percent magnesium carbonates, ground so that not less than 90 percent passes a 10- mesh sieve and not less than 50 percent passes a 100-mesh sieve. B. Other liming material shall have a minimum calcium carbonate equivalent of 80 percent and shall be crushed to such fineness that 98 percent will pass a 20 mesh sieve and at least 50 percent will pass a 100 mesh sieve. C. Aluminum Sulfate: Shall be horticultural grade, in dry powder form. D. Peat Humus: FS Q-P-166 and with texture and Ph range suitable for intended use. E. Bonemeal: Commercial, raw, finely ground; 1% nitrogen and 20% phosphoric acid. F. Superphosphate: Soluble mixture of treated minerals; 18% available phosphoric acid. 2.3 MULCH A. Tackifier: Liquid concentrate diluted with water forming a transparent 3-dimensional film-like crust permeable to water and air and containing no agents toxic to seed germination. 1. Available manufacturers and types: Polybind DLR; Celtite, Inc., Cleveland, OH; Curasol AK: American Hoechst Corp., Elk Grove, IL, or approved equal B. Straw Mulch: Provide clean, seed-free salt hay or threshed straw of wheat, rye, oats or barley. C. Hydromulch: Wood cellulose fiber mulch: Degradable green dyed wood cellulose fiber or 100% recycled long fiber pulp, free from weeds or other foreign matter toxic to seed germination and suitable for hydromulching. Available manufacturers and types are as follows: 1. Conwed Hydromulch: Conwed Corp., St. Paul, MN 2. Cellin Hydromulch: Cellin MFG., Inc., Lorton, VA 3. Superior Turf Fiber: Cellin MFG., Inc., Lorton, VA, or approved equal LANDSCAPE WORK 329000-4
2.4 FERTILIZER A. Commercial fertilizer shall be non-burning product composed of slow-release polymer, encapsulated granules. B. All fertilizer shall be added per recommendations of the soil testing laboratory or certified agronomist. Contractor to use the specific product below that best reflects the results of the soil tests and recommendations: 1. Lawn a. Type A: Starter fertilizer with a nutrient analysis of 16-25-12, NPK. Use for first two applications. b. Type B: Fertilizer for third application with a nutrient analysis of 19-3-19, NPK. 2. Trees and shrubs a. Provide partially organic fertilizer containing by weight 6% nitrogen, 10% phosphorous and 4% potash. Material uniform in composition, dry and free flowing and shall be delivered to the site in original unopened containers, each bearing manufacturer's guaranteed analysis. 3. All Other Areas: a. Type C: Starter fertilizer with a nutrient analysis of 32-3-10, NPK. Use for the first two applications. b. Type B: Fertilizer for third application with a nutrient analysis of 19-3-19, NPK. 2.5 GRASS MATERIALS A. Grass Seed: Provide certified, fresh, clean, new-crop seed complying with tolerance for purity and germination established by Official Seed Analysts of North America. Provide seed of grass species, proportions and minimum percentages of purity, germination, and maximum percentage of weed seed, as specified below: 1. For Residential Lawn Areas: Proportion By Weight Min. % Purity Min. % Germination Lbs. per 1,000 SF Description 1. Eclipse, Baron, Abbey, or Bristol KY Bluegrass 25% 90% 85% 1.5 2. Palmer III, Manhattan 3, or Achiever Perennial Ryegrass 30% 95% 85% 1.8 3. Jamestown II or Treasure Chewings Fescue 20% 95% 85% 1.2 4. Rebel II or Aztec Tall Fescue 25% 95% 85% 1.5 Total 6.0 LANDSCAPE WORK 329000-5
2. For Right of Way Areas: Proportion By Weight Min. % Purity Min. % Germination Lbs. per 1,000 SF Description 1. Jamestown II or Treasure Chewings Fescue 15% 95% 85% 0.9 2. Palmer III, Manhattan 3, or Pennant II Perennial Ryegrass 10% 95% 90% 0.6 3. Rebel II or Aztec Tall Fescue 40% 95% 85% 2.4 4. Reliant II Hard Fescue 20% 95% 85% 1.2 5. Salty Alkali Grass 15% 90% 85% 0.9 Total 6.0 2.6 PREPARATION OF PLANTING SOIL A. Before mixing, clean topsoil of roots, plants, sods, stones, clay lumps, and other extraneous materials harmful or toxic to plant growth. Mix specified soil amendments and fertilizers with topsoil as necessary. Delay mixing of fertilizer if planting will not follow placing or planting soil within a few days. For pit and trench type backfill, mix planting soil prior to backfilling, and stockpile at site. 1. For conventional seeding method, add fertilizer and mix thoroughly into upper 4 inches (4 ) of topsoil at rates specified herein. 2. For hydroseeding method, mix fertilizer into slurry as specified herein. PART 3 - EXECUTION 3.1 PREPARATION GENERAL A. Rough grade; ditches, slopes and swales shall be evident prior to development of lawn areas. Secure Owner s/engineer s review and acceptance before start of seeding work. 3.2 PREPARATION FOR AREAS TO BE SEEDED A. Loosen subgrade of lawn areas to a minimum depth of 4". Remove stones over 1" in any dimension and sticks, roots, rubbish and other extraneous matter. Limit preparation to areas which will be planted promptly after preparation. B. Spread planting soil mixture to minimum depth of 4" to meet lines, grades and elevations shown, after light rolling and natural settlement. C. Excess topsoil, remaining after all requirements of this Contract are met, shall be removed from the site. LANDSCAPE WORK 329000-6
D. Preparation of unchanged grades: 1. Where lawns are to be planted in areas that have not been altered or disturbed by excavating, grading, or stripping operations, prepare soil for lawn planting as follows: a. Till to a depth of not less than 6". b. Apply soil amendments and initial fertilizers as specified. c. Remove high areas and in fill in depressions. d. Till soil to a homogenous mixture of fine texture, free of lumps, clods, stones, roots and other extraneous matter. 2. Prior to preparation of unchanged areas, remove existing grass, vegetation and turf. Dispose of such material outside of Owner's property. Do not turn existing vegetation over into soil being prepared for seeded areas. E. In the event seeding is delayed and spontaneous weed and noxious grass growth occurs in newly placed or freshly worked existing topsoil, Contractor shall apply herbicides per manufacturer s instructions, as necessary to satisfactorily eliminate such growth. Herbicides in no way shall affect soil quality, inhibit subsequent seed germination, growth, or pose a hazard to adjacent plant material. 3.3 FINE GRADING AND SEED BED PREPARATION A. Disc, harrow or otherwise completely pulverize to a depth of 3 where topsoil has been spread and to a depth of 6 where topsoil has not been stripped. Remove all stone over 1 in any dimension and sticks, roots, rubbish and extraneous matter. B. Fine grade lawn areas to smooth, even surface with loose, uniformly fine texture. Roll and rake and remove ridges and fill depressions, as required to meet finish grades. Limit fine grading to areas which can be planted immediately after grading. 1. Where seeded area is adjacent to pavement such as walks, curbs, parking lots, etc., the topsoil shall be no more than ½ below pavement surface prior to the seeding operation. C. Fine grade the area to receive seed, using a machine or hand-rake, prior to sowing of grass seed. D. The borders of the area of ground disturbed shall be merged by feathering topsoil into surrounding surface areas by compacting, raking or other means, to permit water run-off and to present a uniform slope and transition. E. Clean and clear all obstructions from drainage structures, ditches, swales, as may be necessary to provide a clean, open, free running passageway for all surface water. F. Fertilizing (For Conventional Seeding Method Only) 1. Apply fertilizers by mechanical rotary or drop type distributor, thoroughly and evenly incorporated with soil to a depth of 3 by dicing or other approved method. Fertilize areas inaccessible to power equipment with hand tools and incorporate into soil. Adjacent to existing trees the depth shall be adjusted to avoid disturbance of roots. LANDSCAPE WORK 329000-7
G. Moisten prepared lawn areas before planting if soil is dry. Water thoroughly and allow surface moisture to dry before planting lawns. Do not create a muddy soil condition. H. Restore lawn areas to specified condition if eroded or otherwise disturbed after fine grading and prior to planting. 3.4 SEEDING AND MULCHING NEW LAWNS (CONVENTIONAL METHOD) A. Do not use wet seed or seed which is moldy or otherwise damaged in transit or storage. B. Refer to Paragraph 2.5 GRASS MATERIALS for seeding rates. C. Mechanical drills or seeder shall place the seed to a depth not exceeding ¼. Two passes of seeder shall be made over each area, the second pass being made at right angles to the direction of the first, one-half of the required amount of seed being sown in each pass. Broadcast seed shall be covered to a depth not exceeding ¼ by raking, brush or chain harrowing, or other approved method. Broadcast seeding shall not be done when the wind speed exceeds fifteen (15) miles per hour. After sowing, the seeded areas shall be lightly rolled and watered with fine spray. Rollers for firming the seedbed before and after seeding shall weigh not more than sixty-five (65) lbs. per foot of width. Cultipaker or similar equipment may be used in one operation to cover the seed and firm the seedbed after seeding. D. Mulching 1. Place straw mulch on seeded areas within twenty-four (24) hours after seeding. 2. Place straw mulch uniformly in a continuous blanket at the rate of 2-½ tons per acre, or two 50 lb. bales per 1,000 square feet. A mechanical blower may be used for straw mulch application when acceptable to the Engineer. 3. Crimp straw into soil by mechanical means. 4. Anchor straw mulch with liquid tackifier applied uniformly at a rate of 60 gal. per acre. 5. Protect buildings, paving, plantings, and all nonseeded areas from liquid tackifier over-spray. E. Provide erosion control measures in ditches or swales at intervals required to adequately slow water velocity and impede soil erosion. 3.5 SEEDING AND MULCHING NEW LAWNS (FOR HYDROSEEDING METHOD) A. Method of Hydroseeding 1. Use a hydromulcher (sprayer); mix and apply in accordance with manufacturer s recommendations. 2. Apply uniformly over entire area, as determined by intensity of green vegetable dye. 3. Uniformly mix grass seed, fertilizer, mulch, and water for all seed types. B. During the hydroseeding process, the Contractor shall not direct spray directly onto buildings, mailboxes, utility poles, trees, shrubs, and pavement and shall use caution so as not to spray into existing or new shrub and planting beds. Overspray into planting areas will be removed by Contractor and affected areas returned to their original state. Areas directly adjacent to buildings or areas inaccessible by spraying shall be seeded by the conventional method. LANDSCAPE WORK 329000-8
C. Mixture A: Apply hydroseed slurry to indicated steep erosion prone areas (slopes greater than 3:1 ratio). 1. Seed: Refer to Para. 2.5 on seeding rates 2. Type A fertilizer: 200 lbs./acre 3. Tackifier: 60 gal./acre 4. Wood cellulose fiber mulch: 1,500 lbs./acre or 35 lbs./1,000 SF D. Mixture B: Apply hydroseed slurry for large or gentle sloping areas. 1. Seed: Refer to Para. 2.5 on seeding rates 2. Type A fertilizer: 516 lbs./acre 3. Wood cellulose fiber mulch: 1,500 lbs./acre or 35 lbs./1,000 SF E. On slopes in excess of 3:1 ratio, hydroseed mix to be amended by adding Fiber-Lock or acceptable equivalent per manufacturer s specifications. 3.6 RECONDITIONING EXISTING LAWNS A. Recondition existing lawn areas damaged by Contractor s operations including storage of materials and equipment and movement of vehicles. Also recondition existing lawn areas where minor regrading is required. B. Provide grass seed, soil amendments and fertilizer as specified herein and as required, to provide a satisfactorily reconditioned lawn. C. Provide topsoil as specified herein and as required, to fill low spots and meet proposed finish grades. D. Cultivate bare and compacted areas thoroughly to provide a satisfactory surface for seeding. E. Remove diseased and unsatisfactory lawn areas; do not bury into soil. Remove topsoil containing foreign and/or deleterious materials resulting from Contractor s operations, including oil drippings, stone, gravel, and other loose building materials. F. Where substantial lawn remains, but is sparse, Contractor to mow, rake aerate if compacted, fill low spots, remove humps, and cultivate soil, fertilize, and seed. Remove weeds before seeding, or if extensive, apply selective chemical weed killers as required. Apply mulch as specified herein to maintain moist condition. 3.7 MAINTENANCE A. Begin maintenance immediately after planting. Maintain seeded lawns, not less than 60 days after initial seeding has been completed and longer as required to establish lawns acceptable to the Owner and/or Engineer. If seeded in the fall of the year and not given the full 60 days of maintenance, or if not considered acceptable at that time, continue maintenance the following spring until acceptable lawn is established. LANDSCAPE WORK 329000-9
B. Contractor is responsible for all maintenance operations described so as to establish a healthy, uniform stand of approved grasses until final acceptance. An acceptable stand of grass shall be free from eroded or bare areas, weeds, disease, insects, fungus, and undesirable grass species. C. Maintain lawns by watering, fertilization, applying herbicides, fungicides and/or insecticides, weeding, mowing, trimming, and other operations such as rolling, regrading and reseeding as required to establish a smooth, acceptable lawn, free of eroded or bare areas. D. Apply a second application of Type A fertilizer to seeded areas approximately 30 days after seeding at the manufacturer s recommended normal rate. E. If the initial seeding work is completed during the late summer or early fall season, the Contractor shall apply Type B fertilizer the following spring at the manufacturer s recommended normal rate. F. Contractor to repair, rework, and reseed all areas that have washed out, eroded or do not germinate adequately. Restore bare areas by scarifying, topdressing with topsoil as specified herein at a depth of ¼ to ½. Apply seed at a rate of 2 lbs. per 1,000 SF or as determined by the Engineer. Roll with a light roller and cover with a ½ mulch pre-moistened peat moss. G. Contractor shall provide barricades, temporary fencing, signs or policing as may be necessary to eliminate or minimize damage to seeded areas. Contractor shall be responsible for all damage that occurs unless determined that damage was beyond the Contractor's control. Should damage occur beyond Contractor's control, Contractor will submit request for change order and provide reasonable proof of damage. H. During the maintenance period, any decline in the condition of the newly seeded areas, and/or newly planted trees and shrubs, as so determined by the Engineer and/or Owner s Representative, shall be acted upon by the Contractor immediately so as to identify potential problems and shall undertake corrective measures. 3.8 CLEANUP AND PROTECTION A. During landscape work keep pavements clean and work area in an orderly condition. B. Protect landscape work and materials from damage due to landscape operations, operations by other contractors and trades and trespassers. Maintain protection during installation and maintenance periods. Treat, repair or replace damaged landscape work. C. Remove construction equipment, excess materials and tools. Haul from site debris resulting from work of this section, and dispose of legally, and to the satisfaction of the Engineer and/or Owner s Representative. 3.9 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE A. When landscape work is completed, including maintenance, the Engineer will examine the work to determine compliance. Landscape work may be examined for acceptance in parts as determined by LANDSCAPE WORK 329000-10
the Engineer, and/or the Owner s Representative provided work offered for examination is complete, including maintenance. B. Lawn areas will be considered acceptable provided all requirements, including maintenance, have been complied with, and a healthy, uniform, close stand of the specified grass is established free of weeds, undesirable grass species, disease, and insects. C. No individual lawn areas shall have bare spots or unacceptable cover totaling more than 2% of the individual areas, in areas requested to be reviewed. D. Where landscape work does not comply with requirements, replace rejected work and continue specified maintenance until compliance with the specifications is achieved. Remove defected plants and materials promptly from project site. END OF SECTION 329000 LANDSCAPE WORK 329000-11