HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandscape Specifications TFIDPage 1 of 16 Section 32 94 23 Planting DIVISION3 2 – EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS
April 20, 2022
SECTION 32 94 23
PLANTING
PART 1 - GENERAL
1.01 SUMMARY
A. Section includes:
1. Trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, and groundcover requirements.
2. Bedding, topsoil, and temporary support.
B. The work to be performed under this section shall consist of furnishing all
materials, labor, and plants necessary for the proper planting or all trees, shrubs,
perennials, vines, and groundcovers of the kind and sizes specified at the prescribed
locations, and otherwise in accordance with the drawings and specifications or as
directed by the Landscape Architect or Owner’s Representative or Owner’s
Representative.
C. Related sections:
1. Section 32 84 23 Underground Irrigation Systems
1.02 REFERENCES
A. ANSI Z60.1-2014: American Standard for Nursery Stock.
B. FS O-F-241: Fertilizers, Mixed Commercial.
C. ICBN: International Code of Botanical Nomenclature.
D. Twin Falls City Standards/Ordinances relating to Irrigation and Landscaping.
E. ANSI A300 – Part 6 Planting and Transplanting.
1.03 QUALITY ASSURANCE
A. Perform work in conformity with applicable requirements of ISA.
B. Upon receiving Notice to Proceed, the Contractor shall provide written proof that
the specified plant material is available and has been secured or reserved
specifically for this project. Obtain nursery stock and other plant materials from
reliable and stable sources prior to order and delivery.
C. Provide plants that are declared free of disease and insect pests.
1.04 PRODUCT DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING
A. Exercise care in digging, transporting, handling, and packing of all plants.
B. Handle plants so roots and canopy are protected at all times from wind and weather
damage during transit. The Contractor shall determine how this is to be done.
C. Deliver plant material to the site no more than one day prior to installation. Keep
plant root balls moist.
D. Protect root balls from sun and wind by covering with soil or other suitable material
if not planted immediately on delivery.
E. Store fertilizer in a weatherproof location such that its effectiveness will not be
impaired.
Page 2 of 16 Section 32 94 23 Planting DIVISION3 2 – EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS
April 20, 2022
1.05 ACCEPTANCE
A. Plants shall not be accepted if the ball of earth surrounding roots (rootball) has been
cracked or broken.
B. Plants shall be accepted if burlap, staves, and ropes are still intact upon delivery,
trunk and major limbs have not been damaged or broken, and if leading terminal
bud has not been pruned.
C. Heeled in stock from cold storage shall not be accepted.
1.06 SAMPLES
A. Samples of the topsoil, bark mulch, fertilizer, and tree ties listed below shall be
submitted to the Landscape Architect or Owner’s Representative for inspection and
approval prior to the beginning of work under this contract.
B. Delivery of materials may begin only after samples have been approved. All
materials furnished for the work shall conform in every respect to the approved
samples. Any non-conforming materials will be rejected.
PART 2 - PRODUCTS
2.01 GENERAL
A. The planting plan is diagrammatic, and all plant locations are approximate. Plant
symbols take precedence over plant quantities shown on the plans and in the plant
material schedule. The Contractor shall verify all plant quantities and notify the
Landscape Architect or Owner’s Representative of any discrepancies between the
quantities and the symbols shown.
B. Provide plants of normal growth and uniform height, according to species, with
straight canes and well-developed leaders, roots, and tops.
C. Provide plants of sizes indicated. The size stated in each case shall be interpreted to
mean dimensions of plant as it stands in its mature position in the nursery without
straightening of any branches or leaders.
D. Provide legible labels attached to all plants, specimens, bundles, boxes, bales, or
other containers indicating botanical genus, species, and size of each.
E. Plants cut back from larger sizes to meet specifications shall be rejected.
F. Balled and burlapped deciduous shrubs may be acceptable in lieu of container
growth deciduous shrubs if there is a demonstrated significant shortage of container
grown stock or stated size is not available.
2.02 PLANTS
A. All plants shall comply with federal and state laws requiring inspection for plant
disease and infestations.
B. Any inspection certificates required by law shall accompany each delivery of plants
and such certificate shall be given to the Landscape Architect or Owner’s
Representative. All plants shall be subject to inspection and approval at the place of
growth or upon delivery to the site for their quality, size, species, and variety. Such
approval shall not impair the right of inspection and rejection at the site or during
progress of work for size and condition of the plants, latent defects, or injuries. Any
and all rejected plants shall be removed immediately from the premises by the
Contractor. Failure to comply with specifications will result in replacement at
Page 3 of 16 Section 32 94 23 Planting DIVISION3 2 – EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS
April 20, 2022
Contractor expense. Necessary replacements will be made as soon as weather
conditions permit, and all such plants replaced shall conform to all specifications
herein.
C. Names and Grades:
1. Plant names shall conform to the nomenclature of “Standardized Plant Names,”
“International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN),” or “International Code
of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants.” When a name is not found in any of
these references, consult the accepted name used in the nursery trade. All plants
shall be tagged by the nursery with the proper identification labels to insure the
correct varieties of plants.
2. Size and grading standards shall conform to those of the American Association
of Nurserymen, Inc., as published in “American Standard for Nursery Stock”,
2014 Edition, with all current revisions unless otherwise specified.
3. The caliper of trees shall be measured six (6) inches above the surface of the
ground.
4. Measurements on all trees and shrubs shall be taken with the branches in a
normal position. Height and spread dimensions specified refer to the main body
of the plant and not from branch or root tip to tip. No trees which have had their
leaders cut, or are so damaged that cutting is necessary, will be accepted.
D. No substitution of size, grade, variety or any species shall be permitted except by
written permission of the Landscape Architect or Owner’s Representative.
E. Plant Size:
1. All plants shall conform to the size, age, and condition as specified in the plant
list shown on the drawings. Undersized plant material shall not be approved.
2. No additional compensation shall be due the Contractor if larger than specified
plant material is provided.
3. Only balled and burlapped or container stock shall be accepted. No bare root
stock shall be accepted.
4. Plants cut back from larger sizes to meet specifications shall be rejected.
F. Plant List:
1. Plant lists indicate minimum size requirements only. Plant materials shall be
equal to or greater in size than those specified.
2. Any discrepancies between plant lists and plans shall be immediately brought to
the attention of the Landscape Architect or Owner’s Representative.
3. In all cases the Contractor shall be held responsible for all plant materials
indicated on the plans unless otherwise directed in writing by the Landscape
Architect or Owner’s Representative.
4. Each bidder shall investigate sources of supply and verify all of the plants
mentioned in the planting lists in size, variety, and quantity noted and specified
are available before submitting bid. Failure to take this precaution will not
relieve the successful bidder from responsibility as Contractor to furnish and
install all plant material in strict accordance with the contract requirements
without additional expense to the owner.
5. If a shortage of the specified plant material truly exists and can be verified by
the Contractor, the Contractor shall notify the Landscape Architect immediately
and discuss what varieties and sizes are available as a suitable substitution. Last
minute substitutions are not acceptable.
Page 4 of 16 Section 32 94 23 Planting DIVISION3 2 – EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS
April 20, 2022
G. All plants shall be fresh and vigorous, of normal habit and growth, and free of
disease, insects and insect eggs and insect larvae, weeds and weed seed. No heeled-
in plants from cold storage shall be accepted except on approval by the Landscape
Architect or Owner’s Representative prior to installation.
2.03 SEED
A. All seed shall be accurately labeled and tested for purity and germination, using the
procedure sanctioned by the Association of Official Seed Analysts.
B. The seed tag shall indicate the date of testing, along with the testing results showing
purity (percentage of the labeled species by weight), the percentages of other crop,
weed, inert material, dormant or hard seed, and germination rate.
C. Seed labels or tags shall list the following:
1. Manufacturer’s name and address.
2. Date and location of packaging.
3. Name of the species of seed or seeds being sold.
4. Variety of seed or seeds being sold.
5. Percent purity of the seed. (Purity is defined as the percent weight of the entire
sample of each seed species or variety that is present in excess of 5% of the
total.)
6. Percent other seed crop. (Other seed crop is defined as the percent weight of the
entire sample of seed found in the sample that are less than 5% of the total seed
weight and are generally recognized by the Association of Official Seed
Analysts as seeds or plants grown as crops. If more than one crop species or
cultivar is found in the sample, their weights are combined and reported.)
7. Percent weed seed. (Weed seeds are all other seed species that the Association
of Official Seed Analysts does not classify as crop seeds.)
8. Percent inert matter. (Inert matter is defined as the percent weight of the sample
that is not viable seed. It can include plant parts, broken seeds or other materials
that are not viable seeds.)
9. Percent germination.
10. Percent hard and/or dormant seed. (Hard seed is the percent of the number of
seeds that remain hard at the end of the testing period because they have not
absorbed water because of an impermeable seed coat. Dormant seed is defined
as the percent of the number of seeds, other than hard seed, that fail to
germinate, but are determined to be viable by subjecting them to other seed
testing techniques. Both of these seed types are generally considered to be seed
that will germinate at a later date than seed reported in the percent germination
calculation.)
11. Percent Total Viability.
12. Noxious weed seeds of the continental USA found in the seed mix.
13. Last date the seed was tested for germination.
14. Bulk pound quantity of seed contained in the bag.
15. Pure Live Seed (PLS) pound quantity contained in the bag.
2.04 SOD
A. Sod shall be obtained only from approved sources. The sod shall have been mowed
regularly and carefully maintained from planting to harvest.
Page 5 of 16 Section 32 94 23 Planting DIVISION3 2 – EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS
April 20, 2022
B. The sod shall be free of grassy and broad-leaf weeds, contain no bare or burned spots,
and be clean and strongly rooted. It shall be of the varieties noted on the plans and
notes.
C. The sod shall be cut using approved methods and equipment. It shall be cut in
pieces not exceeding one (1) square yard, with a minimum of three quarter (3/4)
inch and maximum one and one half (1 ½) inch thickness. All sod for a particular
contiguous area must have the same thickness.
D. For very large turf areas and all athletic fields, large roles of sod shall be used. All
sod roles shall be of uniform and consistent thickness within the range described
above.
2.05 TREE STAKES & TIES
A. Tree stakes shall be two by two (2x2) inch square or two (2) inch diameter round
wood stakes ten (10) feet in length as indicated on the plans. Steel stakes may not
be used.
B. Tree stake ties shall be manufactured of virgin flexible vinyl meeting ASTM-D-412
standards for tensile and elongation strength. The material shall be black in color
for ultraviolet resistance. Hose and wire or other substitute material shall not be
used.
2.06 TOPSOIL
A. All planting areas shall receive either a minimum of four (4) inches of stockpiled or
imported topsoil in turf areas and twelve (12) inches in planting beds.
B. All topsoil used on this project (stockpiled or import) shall meet the following
criteria:
1. pH: ....................................................................... 5.5 - 8.0
2. EC (electrical conductivity): ............................... <2.0 mmhos per centimeter
3. SAR (sodium absorption ratio): .......................... <3.0
4. % OM (percent organic matter) .......................... 2%
5. Texture (particle size per USDA classification):
a. Sand: .............................................................. <70%
b. Clay: .............................................................. <30%
c. Silt: ................................................................ Balance
6. Stone Fragments (gravels or any soil particle
greater than two (2) mm in size): ........................ <5% (by volume)
7. Rocks Present > 1.5” ........................................... None
C. In addition, the topsoil shall be fertile, friable, natural loam and shall be capable of
sustaining vigorous plant growth. It shall be free of stones, lumps, clods of hard
earth, plants or their roots, sticks, and other extraneous matter. The topsoil shall
contain neither noxious weeds nor their seeds. It shall not be used for planting
operations while in a frozen or muddy condition.
2.07 WEED BARRIER FABRIC (if specified)
A. If specified, a weed barrier fabric shall be placed in all planting beds to prevent the
growth and spread of unwanted vegetation. The fabric shall be Typar #3301B or
approved equal.
Page 6 of 16 Section 32 94 23 Planting DIVISION3 2 – EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS
April 20, 2022
2.08 MULCH
A. Shredded bark mulch shall be used as a top dressing for all planting beds unless
specified otherwise.
B. Shredded bark mulch shall conform to the following criteria:
1. Bark pieces shall not exceed two (2) inches when passed through a screen of
that size.
2. Large chunks of bark or wood shall not be mixed in with the mulch.
3. The bark mulch shall be primarily from coniferous trees.
C. Where used, the shredded bark mulch shall be place to a depth of three (3) inches
on top of the topsoil.
D. Other mulches may be used only as specified on the drawings or in the planting
notes and details.
2.09 FERTILIZER
A. Commercial fertilizer shall be uniform in composition, dry, and free flowing. Deliver
fertilizer mixed as specified in bulk or bag, showing weight analysis, formula, and
manufacturer’s name.
B. A 16-16-16 balanced fertilizer shall be used. Any exceptions to this formula shall be
based on horticultural recommendations resulting from a site-specific soil test, and
must be approved prior to application by the Landscape Architect or Owner’s
Representative.
2.10 MOWSTRIP
A. Where turf areas are separated from planting beds, install a V- or Chicago-trench
edge (see detail). No other edging materials may be used unless specifically noted
on the plans and approved by the Landscape Architect or Owner’s Representative.
B. Include a concrete mowstrip at the base of all fences. Said mowstrip shall be six (6)
inches deep and eighteen (18) inches wide, with the fence posts located in the center
of the mowstrip. The mowstrip shall constructed using concrete having a
compressive strength rating of two thousand five hundred pounds per square inch
(2,500 psi) or greater, and a maximum slump of four (4) inches. Two three-eighth
(3/8) inch diameter rebars (#3) shall be placed continuously at three inches from the
edge of the mowstrip to provide support and help prevent differential settling of the
mowstrip after cracking. Overlap joints a minimum of twelve (12) inches.
PART 3 - EXECUTION
3.01 GENERAL
A. Site Visit: The Contractor shall visit and inspect the site to consider any reasonably
inferable conditions affecting work. Failure to visit the site will not relieve the
Contractor of furnishing materials and performing the work required.
B. Prior to any planting operations, the irrigation system shall be fully operational, and
all planting areas shall be thoroughly moistened.
C. Where weeds or other undesirable vegetation are present in planting areas, the
Contractor shall apply a contact herbicide a minimum of ten (10) days prior to
commencement of any planting or irrigation work. Application of herbicide shall be
done by a Contractor with an Idaho-certified applicator’s license from the Idaho
Page 7 of 16 Section 32 94 23 Planting DIVISION3 2 – EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS
April 20, 2022
Department of Agriculture. Apply herbicide per manufacturer’s recommendations.
The poisoned vegetation shall be allowed to completely die back, including the
roots, before proceeding with the work. Dead vegetation shall then be removed
from the site and disposed of in a legal manner.
D. The Contractor shall conform to the following requirements with regard to existing
vegetation:
1. The Contractor shall be fully responsible for any damage to existing trees or
shrubs and shall use all reasonable means to protect and preserve plants on the
project not designated for demolition.
2. No pruning, thinning, or cutting of existing vegetation shall be allowed unless
written permission is given by the Landscape Architect or Owner’s
Representative.
3. Any trees or existing shrubs damaged by contractor or sub-contractors shall be
replaced with like kind and size.
3.02 PLANTING SEASONS
A. All new plant installation shall be completed between April 15 and October 15. If
planting must be done after October 15 or before April 15, the Contractor shall
obtain specific approval to do so from the Landscape Architect or Owner’s
Representative prior to beginning any planting operations.
B. No planting shall be done in frozen soil or during unfavorable weather conditions,
subject to the approval of the Landscape Architect or Owner’s Representative.
3.03 TOPSOIL
A. The Contractor shall obtain a soil analysis from any authorized soil testing agency
of any existing stockpiled or imported topsoil to be used on the project to verify that
it conforms to the topsoil specifications. Test results shall include horticultural
recommendations. The soil samples shall be obtained per the testing agency
directions. Allow ten (10) working days to obtain test results. The costs for such
testing shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.
B. Prior to delivery of the imported topsoil to the site, the Contractor shall provide to
the Landscape Architect or Owner’s Representative the name and location of the
topsoil source, along with the certified soil analysis of the topsoil to be used. The
analysis shall verify that the proposed topsoil meets the topsoil specifications and is
capable of supporting healthy plant growth.
C. After imported topsoil has been delivered to the site, a second soil test may be
required to verify that it is indeed the same soil as previously tested and designated
for use in this project. No substitution of topsoil shall be allowed without prior written
authorization from the Landscape Architect.
D. The following procedure shall be followed in placing all topsoil:
1. All cut areas to receive topsoil which have a slope of less than ten (10) percent
shall be cross-ripped to a depth of two (2) to four (4) inches.
2. The subgrade material shall be rough graded to plus or minus one tenth (±0.1)
foot of the final rough grade, which will allow the Contractor to achieve final
finished grade through the placement of the topsoil.
3. The surface of the subgrade shall be scarified to a depth of two (2) inches to
provide a transition zone between the subgrade and the topsoil. Place the topsoil
on the subgrade and fine grade to the final finished grade and topsoil depths as
Page 8 of 16 Section 32 94 23 Planting DIVISION3 2 – EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS
April 20, 2022
indicated on the drawings and in these specifications.
4. Any required soil amendments (i.e. mulch, organic matter, etc.) shall be placed
directly on the topsoil at the required rates and spread evenly over the planting
area. The amendments shall then be thoroughly blended into the topsoil to a
depth of four (4) inches. Where only a dry, granular fertilizer is to be added, it
may be applied to the surface and raked in during the fine grading procedures.
D. The Contractor shall maintain a minimum of two (2) percent drainage away from all
buildings, structures, and walls. Finished grades shall be smoothed to eliminate
puddling or standing water.
E. All finished grades shall be approved in writing by the Owner prior to installation
of any plant materials.
3.04 PLANT CONDITION
A. All precautions customary in commercial landscape installation practice shall be
taken in preparing plants for planting. Workmanship that fails to meet these
minimum standards shall be rejected. All balled and burlapped plants shall have
firm and natural balls of earth around their roots. No plant shall be planted if the
rootball is cracked or broken, either before or during the process of planting. Loose,
broken or manufactured root balls shall be rejected.
B. All plants materials in five (5) gallon containers or larger shall have been
established in that container for a period of not less than six (6) months and not
more than two (2) years. Plant material shall not be root bound. They shall exhibit
sound, healthy, and vigorous growth and be free from diseases and pests.
C. The Contractor shall have the Landscape Architect or Owner’s Representative
approve plant material size and quality prior to installation. Any plants which are
not true to form, appear stressed or unhealthy, are infested with pests, infected with
disease, or are undersized for their containers shall be rejected.
D. All plant material shall be planted as soon upon arrival on the premises as possible.
If planting cannot be done immediately, the roots shall be protected from the sun
and kept in a moist condition until the time of planting. Such protection may be
provided by laying the plants on the north side of the building and covering the
roots with wet straw.
E. If it is anticipated that planting will not be done for more than twenty-four (24)
hours after the arrival of plants upon the premises, the balled and burlapped stock
shall be heeled-in on the north side of a building and all roots completely covered
with dirt which shall be wetted down frequently. Care will be taken in the handling
of all ball and burlap materials so that the earth around the roots is disturbed as little
as possible.
3.05 PLACEMENT OF PLANTS
A. Plants shall be generally located as indicated by the drawing. The Contractor shall
stake out the location of all plants and planting areas with identified plant stakes,
and no excavation shall commence until such locations have been approved by the
Landscape Architect or Owner’s Representative
B. In the event that underground construction work or obstructions are encountered
during excavation of the plant holes, alternate locations will be assigned and
approved by the Landscape Architect or Owner’s Representative
C. Except for turf and groundcovers, plants shall not be placed within twenty-four (24)
Page 9 of 16 Section 32 94 23 Planting DIVISION3 2 – EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS
April 20, 2022
inches of sprinkler heads.
D. The Contractor must locate and stake any sprinkling head or valve box within the
dripline of a proposed or existing tree location and must establish the direction of
the lateral or main irrigation line that serves the staked sprinkler head or valve box.
This procedure will help eliminate damage to existing or future tree roots.
E. Prior to excavation of plant pits, contact Digline 811 to locate any utilities that
might be in the planting area.
3.06 PLANT INSTALLATION
A. All concrete work, sprinkling systems, and finished grading shall be completed and
approved by the Landscape Architect or Owner’s Representative before any
planting of the specified plant materials is begun.
B. No tree planting shall be initiated until sprinkling system is complete and tested.
However, tree planting shall precede lawn planting.
C. Each plant will be placed in an individual plant pit. The sharing of pits shall not be
allowed.
D. All trees and shrubs shall be planted in pits as detailed in the planting details
contained herein or as noted on the drawings. If there is a discrepancy between the
details and the notes, contact the Owner’s Representative for clarification. Tree and
shrub pits shall be circular in outline, with a diameter at least two (2) times the
diameter of the rootball of each plant to be installed. They shall be one to two and
one half (1 - 2 ½) inches shallower than the rootball depth. When the plant is
properly placed in the plant pit, the root collar shall be approximately one (1) inch
above finished grade of the topsoil. For perennial plants (which have no root collar),
the top of the rootball shall be even with the finished grade or the topsoil. The sides
of the plant pit shall be roughened, and not smooth or sculpted.
E. Plant backfill mix shall be one hundred (100) percent native site soil.
F. For container grown plants, remove the container, chop or slice outer circling roots,
and place the plant vertically in the plant pit directly on undisturbed soil. The root
crown or collar shall be at or just above the finished grade. Perennial and
ornamental grass plants shall be planted with the root collar at finished grade.
G. For balled and burlapped plants, place the plant vertically in the center of the pit,
with the rootball resting on undisturbed soil. Cut and remove the wire basket and
burlap or other wrapping material from the rootball. This may be done with the
rootball in the pit. Any burlap or wire pieces underneath the rootball may be left in
place if they cannot be removed. Do not fold the burlap over but cut away as much
as possible without disturbing the rootball. No burlap shall be pulled from under the
rootball. Backfill the bottom one third (1/3) of the pit as the wire and burlap are
removed. In all cases, maintain the integrity of the rootball.
H. Specified backfill material shall be carefully and firmly worked and tamped under
and around the rootball to fill all voids. When backfilled to two thirds (2/3) the
depth of the pit, thoroughly water with a hose to completely soak the roots and
remove any air pockets.
I. The plant pit shall then be completely backfilled with the specified backfill mix and
tamped well. A shallow watering basin or rain cup shall be formed around each
plant. This basin will be equal in diameter to that of the original planting pit.
J. Monitor all plants to ensure that no settling occurs. Pits which settle shall be
immediately filled with additional soil mixture at no additional expense to the
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April 20, 2022
Owner.
K. After planting, the following operations shall be performed:
1. Mulch all trees per installation details as required.
2. Remove all nursery stakes ties, and tags from all plants. Prune and remove any
dead, damaged, or broken branches. Maintain side growth on all trees.
3.07 STAKING
A. If specified on plans, staking of trees shall be performed as follows:
1. Two (2) 2"x 2" square or 2” diameter round wood stakes, ten (10) feet in length,
shall be used to support each tree planted under this contract unless otherwise
indicated.
2. Tree ties shall conform to the staking detail shown on the planting detail sheet.
3. Each stake will be located outside the rootball, on opposing sides in undisturbed
soil, to provide maximum support to the trunk. Do not penetrate the rootball
with the stake.
B. Stakes and ties shall be removed after one (1) full growing season from the time the
tree was installed.
3.08 WATERING
A. All plants shall be thoroughly watered immediately after planting. This shall mean
full and thorough saturation of all backfill in the pits and beds during the same day
of planting. Water shall be applied only by open end hose at very low pressure to
avoid creating air pockets, causing injury to the plant, or washing away of backfill.
When installed, watered, and fully settled, the plants shall be vertical with the root
collar at the appropriate level.
B. Subsequent watering shall be provided by the site’s irrigation system. The
Contractor shall insure that all plants, especially trees, receive sufficient water to
maintain healthy growth and vigor. Overwatering shall be avoided, and prolonged
saturation of the soil around the trees shall be eliminated by appropriately
controlling the irrigation circuit which provides water to that area.
3.09 WEED BARRIER FABRIC (if specified)
A. Prepare final grade prior to placing fabric. Placement of fabric shall comply with
the following:
1. Place pre-emergent herbicide prior to installing fabric.
2. Install fabric directly on topsoil. With drip tubing, install tubing on top of fabric.
3. Overlap and secure per manufacturer’s recommendations.
4. Cut an “X” where plant will be located. Peel back corners to allow plant
installation. Fold corners back in to place after plant is installed.
3.10 MULCHING
A. Shredded bark mulch shall be placed to a depth of three (3) inches on top of the
topsoil in all planting beds and over tree planting pits.
B. The finished grade of the bark mulch shall be as follows:
1. Two (2) inches below the surface or finished grade of any paving, mowstrips, or
walks adjacent to the planting area.
2. At adjacent finished grade of the turf surrounding tree planting pits.
C. In tree pits, the bark shall be kept six (6) inches away from the base of the tree.
Page 11 of 16 Section 32 94 23 Planting DIVISION3 2 – EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS
April 20, 2022
Just prior to placement of the mulch, the Contractor shall treat the mulched areas with a pre-
emergent herbicide according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
3.11 SOD INSTALLATION
A. The Contractor shall notify the Landscape Architect or Owner’s Representative of
the source of the sod prior to placement.
B. The sod shall be free of grassy and broad-leaf weeds, contain no bare or burned spots,
and be clean and strongly rooted. It shall be of the varieties noted on the plans and
plant materials schedule.
C. The sod shall be cut using approved methods and equipment. It shall be cut in
pieces not exceeding one (1) square yard, with a uniform thickness on all pieces.
Sod thickness may vary between a minimum of one (1) inch and maximum one and
one half (1 ½) inches but must be consistent throughout this project. For very large
turf areas and all athletic fields, large rolls of sod shall be used. Sod shall be placed
using equipment specifically designed to lay large sod rolls.
D. The Contractor shall notify the Landscape Architect of the source of the sod prior to
placement. The sod shall be stripped and delivered to the site not more than twenty-
four (24) hours prior to laying. The sod shall be maintained in a moist and healthy
condition to encourage immediate growth.
E. The following procedure shall be followed when installing the sod:
1. Lay the sod on smooth, moist topsoil, working off planks if required.
2. Rake the topsoil to loosen and level prior to placing each course of sod.
3. Lay strips perpendicular to the direction of the slope. Strips shall be parallel to
each other, with their end seams staggered. The sod shall be neither stretched
nor overlapped, and all joints shall be butted tightly together.
4. Roll the sod immediately after placing and thoroughly water with a fine spray to
a depth sufficient that the underside of the new sod and the soil immediately
below the sod are thoroughly wet.
5. On slopes two (2) horizontal to one (1) vertical or steeper, lay the sod
perpendicular to the slope and secure every row with wooden pegs at two (2)
feet maximum on center. Drive the pegs flush with the soil portion of the sod.
6. Sod pieces shall be laid tightly together. Sod areas with gaps caused by pieces
not being laid tightly enough together or with ridges from overlapping pieces
shall not be accepted and the Contractor will be required to re-lay the sod.
3.12 HYDROSEEDING (if used)
A. General:
1. Wood fiber mulch shall be virgin wood fiber, free of growth- or germination-
inhibiting substances. The mulch shall be air dried with not more than fifteen
(15) percent moisture by weight. The total organic weight shall be a minimum
of ninety-eight (98) percent. Inorganic ash content shall be 0.7±0.2 percent.
Water holding capacity shall be 1000G/100G (oven dried weight). The pH
range shall be 4.0 - 6.0. The fiber length shall meet the following:
a. Fifty (50) percent shall be at least 0.15 inches in length or longer.
b. Fifty (50) percent shall be retained on the twenty-eight (28) mesh screen. It
shall be Echofiber or Conwed or approved equal.
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April 20, 2022
2. The seed mix shall be as specified on the plans. Provide written certification
that the seed conforms to Idaho seed law and follows Idaho State Department of
Agriculture regulations.
3. The tackifier shall be M-Binder or Plantego or equal.
4. The fertilizer shall be a chemically prepared, dry, homogenous pellet product with
a formula of 16-16-8.
5. Application rates shall be as follows:
a. Wood fiber mulch .............................. 50 pounds (min.)/1,000 SF
b. Seed mix ............................................ See plans (7 pounds/1,000 SF typ.)
c. Tackifier ............................................ 100 pounds/Acre
d. Fertilizer ............................................ 1 pound or actual nitrogen/1,000 SF
e. Water ...................................................... 92 gallons/1,000 SF
B. One-step preparation and application of hydroseed mulch shall be as follows:
1. The wood fiber mulch, seed, tackifier, fertilizer, and water shall be mixed
together in a hydroseeding machine having a capacity of at least one thousand
(1,000) gallons for smaller areas or two thousand (2,000 gallons) for larger
areas, to allow for a homogeneous slurry which is thoroughly mixed and can
be applied easily without clogging. The machine shall be mounted on a
traveling unit which is either self-propelled or drawn by a separate unit.
Equipment used in the hydroseeding process shall be thoroughly cleaned of all
seed and other materials used in any previous hydroseeding process, prior to
hydroseeding on this project.
2. The equipment shall have a built-in agitation system and operating capacity
sufficient to agitate, suspend, and homogeneously mix a slurry containing not
less than fifty (50) pounds of organic mulching amendment plus chemical
additives and solids for each one hundred (100) gallons of water.
3. The slurry shall be prepared at the site and its components shall be mixed to
supply the rates of application as specified. The slurry preparation shall begin
by adding water to the tank when the engine is at one half (½) throttle. The
engine throttle shall be open to full speed when the tank is one half (½) filled
with water. All organic amendments, fiber, and chemicals shall then be added
by the time the tank is two thirds (2/3) to three fourths (3/4) full. At this time
and not before, the seed mix shall also be added. Spraying shall commence
immediately when the tank is full, and the slurry is mixed.
4. Apply the hydroseed to form even appearing cover over the required areas. The
slurry shall be applied in a downward drilling motion via a fan stream nozzle. It
is important to ensure that all of the components enter and mix with the soil.
Use only qualified and trained personnel to insure uniformity of the hydroseed
applications.
5. The hydroseeding slurry components shall not be left in the hydroseed machine
for more than two (2) hours in order to avoid seed deterioration.
C. A two-step hydroseeding procedure may be used in lieu of the one-step method.
The two-step procedure shall consist of first sowing the seed mix by broadcasting,
and second, applying the hydromulch. Specifically, this procedure shall conform to
the following:
1. The seed shall be broadcast over the planting bed at the rates noted in the plant
schedule. The seed shall be sown in two (2) perpendicular directions with a
cyclone seeder or other similar mechanical seeder. Lightly rake the seed into the
Page 13 of 16 Section 32 94 23 Planting DIVISION3 2 – EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS
April 20, 2022
soil.
2. Apply a fine spray watering immediately after each area has been sown.
3. Prepare and apply hydromulch slurry (minus the seed mix) according to the
procedure outlined in 3.12 B, steps 1 through 5 above.
3.13 DRILL SEEDING (if specified)
If seeding operations are to be done using a drill seeding method, the following
requirements shall apply:
A. All topsoil shall be placed, and the fine grading completed prior to any seeding
operations.
B. The seed bed shall be prepared by loosening the surface of the soil and mixing the
specified fertilizer into the top two (2) inches of the topsoil. The finished surface
shall be smooth and even, with no high or low spots, no rocks, nor other deleterious
materials. The use of a Rotodairon or similar soil conditioner equipment to prepare
the seed bed is encouraged.
C. The seed shall be drilled using a Brillion type seeder, specifically designed for
drilling grass seed. An agricultural grain drill is not acceptable. A cultipacker,
harrow, or similar apparatus shall be a part of the seeder or dragged behind to help
ensure that the seed is covered by the soil and the surface is left smooth and even.
3.14 CLEAN UP
A. Throughout the course of planting, excess and waste materials as well as excavated
subsoil shall be continuously and promptly removed. All areas shall be kept clear
and all reasonable precautions taken to avoid damage to existing structures, plants,
and grass.
B. When planting has been completed in an area, it shall be thoroughly cleaned of all
debris, rubbish, subsoil, and waste materials. These shall be removed from the
property and disposed of legally. All planting tools shall also be put away. The
ground surface shall be left in a condition satisfactory to the Landscape Architect or
Owner’s Representative.
3.15 AS-BUILT DOCUMENTS
A. The Contractor shall keep a record of all departures from the working drawings that
occur during construction. These changes shall be shown on a clean set of prints,
and the prints kept on the job site at all times for review.
B. As a part of his observation work, the Landscape Architect or Owner’s
Representative shall review the as-built drawings regularly to verify that changes
are being recorded. At the conclusion of the work, the Contractor shall present to
the Owner fresh, clean drawings of all the changes made and recorded previously
and they shall become part of the permanent record of the project.
3.16 MAINTENANCE
A. Substantial Completion:
1. At Substantial Completion of all planting work outlined in these plans, the
Contractor shall contact the City to arrange for a walk through to verify that all
aspects of the work have been completed. Work must be fully completed
(except for final clean-up) according to all plans, notes, and specifications and
exhibit professional workmanship. Substantial completion shall be defined as
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April 20, 2022
the complete installation of all plant materials, staking, mulching, and other
work on the project in its entirety. Substantial completion shall not be given on
designated portions of the project.
2. Notice by the Contractor shall be given, in writing, at least three (3) days in
advance to the Landscape Architect or Owner’s Representative so that proper
scheduling can be made for those who are to attend.
3. At the appointed time, an inspection of all plant materials, including staking and
mulching, shall be made.
4. A list of uncompleted items (punch list) shall be generated by the Landscape
Architect or Owner’s Representative and distributed to the Contractor and other
involved parties within three (3) days of the substantial completion inspection.
Each item on the punch list shall be corrected before the project will be
approved and accepted by the Landscape Architect or Owner’s Representative.
The Contractor will be back charged for time spent by the Owner and any
consultants who have been brought to the site for a final inspection when the
project is not ready for said inspection.
B. Maintenance/Establishment Period:
1. The maintenance/establishment period shall begin one (1) day after the
substantial completion inspection. The Contractor shall complete all punch list
items during this period, as well as maintain and operate the entire irrigation
system.
2. In cases where the maintenance/establishment period runs beyond October 15 of
any given year, the balance of the maintenance/establishment period days shall
be extended into the spring of the following year. Counting of the balance of
days shall begin no sooner than April 15, unless mutually agreed upon by both
the Contractor and the City prior to that date. Early counting shall be based on
weather conditions at the time.
3. The Contractor shall maintain all plantings until the turf is fully established. The
turf shall be considered fully established when grass stands come in uniform
and thick, with no bare or thin spots, and roots have begun to spread and knit
together. No weeds shall be allowed in the grass. If the turf grass is
hydroseeded, the Contractor must complete the hydroseeding by September 1.
The maintenance/establishment period shall be a minimum period of sixty (60)
days.
4. The maintenance work required shall include but not be limited to the
following:
a. Appropriate watering of all plant materials.
b. Weeding and removal of all weeds from groundcover and planting areas.
c. Replacement of any dead, dying, or damaged trees, shrubs, perennials, or
groundcover.
d. Filling and replanting of any low areas which may cause standing water.
e. Adjusting sprinkler head heights and watering patterns.
f. Filling and recompaction of eroded areas, along with any required reseeding
and/or replanting.
g. The grass shall be mowed when the blades reach three (3) inches tall and
maintained to a minimum height of two (2) inches. No more than one third
(1/3) of the blade shall be removed per cutting. The cutting frequency shall
be once every five (5) to seven (7) days depending upon grass height and
Page 15 of 16 Section 32 94 23 Planting DIVISION3 2 – EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS
April 20, 2022
growth rate.
h. Weekly removal of all trash, litter, clippings, and all foreign debris.
i. At thirty (30) days after planting, a balanced fertilizer (16-16-16) shall be
applied to the grass areas at a rate of one half (½) pound of nitrogen per one
thousand (1,000) square feet.
j. At intervals of thirty (30) days after the first application of fertilizer to the
grass, apply a balanced fertilizer (16-16-16) at a rate of one half (½) pound
of nitrogen per one thousand (1,000) square feet until the grass is
established.
5. The maintenance period shall not end until Final Acceptance of the project.
C. Final Acceptance:
1. A final inspection shall be held prior to the end of the maintenance period to
ensure that all punch list items have been completed and the entire project is ready
for acceptance by the Owner.
2. Upon satisfaction that the Contractor has completed all punch list items, the
irrigation system is fully and completely functional, and the required As-Built
drawings, mylars and maintenance manuals have been submitted, the Owner
shall accept the project.
3. An official letter of final acceptance shall be prepared and issued by the Owner
to the Contractor, designer, and the Landscape Architect. Upon final acceptance
of the project by the Landscape Architect or Owner’s Representative, the Owner
shall assume full responsibility for the project, and the guarantee period shall
begin.
3.17 GUARANTEE
A. Upon final acceptance of the project as being properly installed, the Contractor shall
guarantee the plant materials as follows:
1. All shrubs and groundcovers shall be guaranteed by the Contractor as to growth
and health for a period of sixty (60) days after completion of the maintenance
period and final acceptance.
2. All trees shall be guaranteed by the contractor to thrive and grow in an
acceptable upright position for a period of one (1) year after completion of the
maintenance period and final acceptance.
B. The Contractor shall, within fifteen (15) days after receiving written notification by
the Landscape Architect or Owner’s Representative, remove and replace all
guaranteed plant materials which die or become unhealthy or appear to be in a
badly impaired condition at any time during the guarantee period. Any plants that
settle below or rise above the desired finished grade shall also be reset to the proper
grade.
C. All replacements shall be plants of the same kind, size, and quality as originally
specified in the “plant list” and they shall be furnished, planted, staked, and
maintained as specified herein at no additional cost.
D. The Contractor will not be responsible for plants destroyed or lost due to occupancy
of the project, vandalism on the part of others, or improper maintenance or lack
thereof.
E. At the conclusion of the guarantee period and prior to final inspection of the plant
materials by the Landscape Architect or Owner’s Representative, the Contractor
shall remove all tree stakes. This period of time shall be approximately 1 year after
Page 16 of 16 Section 32 94 23 Planting DIVISION3 2 – EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS
April 20, 2022
initial planting.
1. If tree staking was done, stakes shall be removed by first cutting the ties
securing the tree to stakes and secondly pulling stakes or guys out of the ground.
2. Stakes shall not be broken off above, at, or below ground levels but removed
completely.
F. At the conclusion of the guarantee period a final inspection of all planting included
in this contract shall be made by the Landscape Architect or Owner’s
Representative. At that time any plant found to be unhealthy, broken, damaged, or
otherwise in an impaired condition shall be noted. Plants so noted shall be removed
immediately from the site by the Contractor and replaced, as specified under this
section, with plants of like kind and size in the manner previously specified for the
original planting without extra compensation.
END OF SECTION