Professional Documents
Culture Documents
D Lca 1specs
D Lca 1specs
Specification
Guidelines 6th edition
E. Replacements shall be made during the next 2. Ball sizes shall be in accordance with ANLA
planting period. standards.
3. Caliper and height measurement: In size grading
F. The landscape contractor shall be responsible for a
B&B single-trunk trees, caliper shall take
one-time replacement only.
precedence over height. Caliper of the trunk
G. Replacements shall be of the same type, size, shall be taken 6" above ground level (up to and
and quality as original species unless otherwise including 4" caliper size) and 12" above ground
negotiated. level for larger trees. For multiple-trunk trees,
height measurement shall take precedence over
H. The landscape contractor will not be responsible for
caliper.
3.7 Clamps C. Set the tree straight and in the center of the pit with
the most desirable side facing toward the prominent
Clamps shall be galvanized, zinc- or vinyl-coated, and
view.
large enough to hold the wire or cable used.
D. For bare-rooted trees, set the tree in the pit so that
all roots, when fully extended, will not touch the
3.8 Cable
walls of the planting pit and the uppermost root is
Cable shall be galvanized steel. Level of strength and just below the original grade.
diameter depend on size of tree. See section 5.7 Tree
Support Schedule. E. Remove containers from all container-grown
trees. Slash the edges of the root balls from top to
bottom, at least 1" deep, as described in section
3.9 Twine
6.3 Planting Procedures for All Container-Grown
Twine shall be 23-ply jute or an approved equal and Trees and Shrubs. The slashing of roots may not
biodegradable. be required for plants grown in a Cellugro system,
in root containment bags, or in air-root-pruned
3.10 Prefabricated Tree Support Systems containment systems.
Steel anchors. See section 5.7 Tree Support Schedule.
4.3 Backfilling Tree Pit
A. Each site is unique. Soil tests should be used to
3.11 Tree Wrap
identify special conditions. Backfill mixture for trees
It is recommended that smooth bark trees be wrapped
and shrubs shall be 3/4 existing soil mixed with 1/4
during dormant installation and removed when canopy
organic material, plus granular fertilizer. If compost is
is in leaf.
used, omit the granular fertilizer.
B. If any other additives are found to be needed at the
4.0 Planting Procedure for Trees time of planting, it shall be with the approval of
the landscape contractor, landscape architect, and
4.1 Preparing Tree Pit
owner or owners representative at an additional
A. Walls of tree pit shall be dug so that they are vertical
negotiated cost.
or sloping outward in heavy soils, and scarified.
C. Backfill tree pit with a soil mixture stated in the
B. The tree pit must be wide enough to adequately specifications, except where existing soil is suitable
compact soil on every side of the trees rootball. according to soil test results.
C. The tree pit shall be deep enough to allow 1/8 of D. At the time of installation, you must cut and remove
the ball to be above the existing grade. Plants shall rope or wire back to the edge of the ball. Remove as
rest on undisturbed existing soil or well-compacted much burlap, woven products, and twine as possible.
backfill. All plastic or synthetic film or twine must be
D. Pits for bare-rooted trees shall only be broad enough removed from the rootball. Cut all twine away
to accommodate the roots fully extended and only from trunk. It is recommended that all materials
deep enough so that the uppermost roots will be just be removed or pulled back 12" below the top of the
below the original grade. rootball.
E. If poor drainage is suspected, a percolation test may E. The tree must remain straight during backfilling
be required. A 12-inch wide by 18-inch deep hole procedure.
must be filled with water, and eight hours later, the F. Thoroughly mix soil amendments, if needed, either
hole should be empty. Sub drainage may be needed prior to filling pit or as pit is being filled.
if the hole does not drain properly in eight hours.
D. Use the mechanical digger that will give a root F. During the active growing season, a larger rootball is
equivalent to 9" or 10" of soil per inch of trunk recommended to reduce transplanting shock.
diameter. Example: A 4" caliper tree should be dug
with 36" or 40" tree spade to ensure proper root area 9.3 Equipment
during transplanting. For trees, this rule of thumb
A. Mechanical diggers shall be in good condition to
is generally used up to 10" caliper. Larger trees
ensure a successful transplant.
are generally dug with a backhoe, burlapped, and
moved with a crane. B. All blades shall be aligned, free of damage, and
sharpened on a regular basis.
E. Balled and burlapped specifications: Ball sizes
should always be of a diameter and depth sufficient C. The hydraulic system shall be leak-free to avoid
to encompass enough of the fibrous and feeding damage to plants and property.
root system as necessary for the full recovery of the
plant. It is recognized that balling of nursery grown 9.4 Procedure
stock can be accomplished by hand digging or by A. It is recommended that field-grown stock be root-
using mechanical devices especially designed for pruned 6 to 12 months before removal from the
nursery conditions. The use of digging machines is nursery.
an acceptable nursery practice. See chart below for
root ball sizes. B. Before digging the tree, skim off any weeds and
excess topsoil from the ball. Avoid damaging any
Reprinted by permission from Landscape Designer & Estimators Guide. (Revised Edition) written by National Landscape Association
10.5 Procedure
10.0 Planting Above Structure
A. Drainage
And In Raised Planters
1. Install drainage material in all planting areas over
10.1 Scope of Work structure, as per plan. Areas to be planted must
A. Furnish all labor, materials, tools, equipment, and be clean of extraneous material and debris. Do
services necessary to complete the following for on- not damage planter waterproofing or protection
structure planters as specified on drawings. board. Ensure that planter drains are operable
and free of debris. The landscape architect may
1. Installation of all drainage material.
review the installation of the drainage systems
2. Installation of planter soil mix.
prior to placing any backfill mixes.
3. Installation of plant materials.
2. Install filter fabric or drainage board along
B. The landscape contractor shall be familiar with the
planter bottoms. Make sure filter fabric or
project premises and how the existing conditions
drainage board does not slip during the backfill
will affect his/her work.
installation.
10.2 Related Work B. Soil placement
Soils (See Previous Section) 1. Place soil in 12" layers and lightly tamp to
1.0 General Conditions eliminate air pockets and minimize settling. Care
2.0 Plant Materials should be taken when placing soil so as to not
3.0 Products compact and restrict drainage. Due to anticipated
4.0 Planting Procedures For Trees settling, soil fill may exceed final grade.
5.0 Bracing Procedures
6.0 Planting Procedures For Shrubs Prior to planting, the landscape contractor shall
7.0 Planting Procedures For Ground Cover, re-grade and repair any areas that settle or are
Perennials, And Annuals uneven.
8.0 Planting Procedures For Bulbs C. Planting operations: See sections 2.0 through 8.0 for
10.3 Testing planting materials and procedures.
The landscape contractor shall test all planters for D. Bracing operations: See section 5.4 for selection
positive drainage after all waterproofing and protection of bracing techniques. In some cases, galvanized
board is installed, but prior to installation of drainage steel eyebolts can be imbedded into the sides of the
material. planter to allow the connection of guy wires.
Certification
No application of N or P2O5 to turf before March 1 or
after November 15, except that between November 15
Beginning October 1, 2013, anyone who applies fertilizer and December 1, pound of soluble N may be applied.
to turf as part of his or her job must be certified, or work No application of N or P2O5 when the ground is frozen.
under the direct supervision of someone who is certified. Lime, K, and other nutrients are not regulated.
General Requirements
Setbacks
Take soil test using an approved lab, initially and then No application of N or P205 within 15 feet of water.
every three years thereafter.
If using a drop spreader, rotary spreader with deflector
Follow the recommendations of UMD Extension: shield, or targeted spray, the setback may be reduced to
TT115 for turf maintenance; TT-116 for seeding; or 10 feet.
TT118 for golf courses.
Plant Shapes
C. Pruning Guidelines
1. Prune those that flower before the end of June
immediately after flowering. Flower buds develop
during the previous growing season. Fall, winter,
or spring pruning would reduce the spring
flowering display.
B. Pre and post-emergent (foliar applied) herbicides The landscape contractor shall remove trash from all
shall be used where and when applicable and in shrub and ground cover beds with each visit. All trash
accordance with the products label. shall be removed from turf areas prior to mowing.
D. All plants, materials, and other products to be C. Service procedures shall be as follows:
supplied by the landscape contractor under this 1. Notify the owner of the service technicians
section shall be subject to inspection and approval arrival and departure from the project premises.
by the landscape architect prior to their installation.
Such inspection may be made at the landscape 2. Inspect soil moisture levels and replenish as
contractors facilities or at such other location(s) as necessary.
may be designated herein. 3. Trim and clean all foliage, remove debris, and
E. All materials and hardware to be supplied by add soil or topdressing, as required.
the landscape contractor that is not specifically 4. Maintain proper nutrient levels in the growing
described herein shall be of suitable construction/ medium.
composition and quality to achieve their intended
function within the interior landscape. 5. As possible, rotate plants to evenly expose all sides
to an equal amount of light.
1.2 Foliage Plant Standards 6. All measures, whether specifically referenced or
A. The landscape contractor shall provide plants, not, that may be required to ensure the health
as specified, of a quality and size equal to or and vitality of the plant material.
surpassing Foliage No. 1 grade, as described in the D. The implementation of control measures for pest
Interior Plant Specifications section of The Guide and disease infestations shall be in strict compliance
to Specifications for Interior Landscaping, current with all federal and local regulations. A Certified
edition, published by the Professional Landcare Licensed Pesticide Applicator shall be familiar with
Network, hereinafter referred to as the PLANET the label provided for the selected product prior to
Guide. application.
B. All plants provided under this section shall have E. The owner agrees that plants will not be moved
been established in their present growing containers without the landscape contractors consent and that
for at least six months prior to installation. the landscape contractor will not be responsible for
C. No plant(s) provided under this section that require damage to the plants caused by the owner.
staking in order to maintain an upright position F. Replacement:
shall be accepted.
1. The landscape contractor shall replace,
D. All plants shall be acclimated at the nursery or at throughout the guarantee period, any plants that
a designated storage area not less than two months die or, in the opinion of the landscape architect
prior to installation if originally grown under or owners representative, are in an unhealthy
shade conditions. If grown under full sun, the or unsightly condition. Replacements shall be
2. The occurrence of vandalism or theft. 1. Basic considerations: When selecting a soil media
for interior plantings, various criteria should be
3. Extended heat or power failures of sufficient considered:
duration to damage plant health.
a. Permanency of the planting
4. The absence of hot and cold running water at the
b. Moisture retention needed
project premises.
c. Light level of the planting
5. The occurrence of temperatures outside the range
of 55F to 85F. d. System of irrigation to be used
6. Lack of access to the project premises. Lack of e. Size of plant material being installed
access to all plants for maintenance purposes f. Compatibility of rootball soil type to planting
during regular service visit, unless negotiated media
otherwise.
g. Physical support required to keep plants stable
7. Watering or other well-meaning care by any
2. Characteristics of Growing Media
clients or owners employees.
a. Well drained, but not so coarse that water
8. Accidental or malicious damage to plants or retention and distribution is inadequate
containers by employees, cleaning crews, or other
personnel. b. Relatively low in nutrients avoid excess
soluble salts
9. Lowering of lighting levels below those that
were originally specified as a basis for plant c. Free from soil pests such as fungus disease
organisms, nematodes, insects, and weed seeds
F. Gravel: Gravel for interior planters shall be 1/2" to 2. Canes, trunks, stems, and branches
1" washed stone. a. Must be free of pests and pathogens which
G. Drainage board: Shall be composed of expanded could, by their presence, induce or contribute
polystyrene (EPS) beads averaging 3/8" diameter, to the decline of the plant.
with not more than 10% being 1/8" diameter or b. Must be free of conspicuous scarring
less. The EPS beads are then bound together with a evidence; scars, conspicuous or not, must be
waterproof adhesive binder and molded into blocks, substantially healed, providing no point of
usually 4 x 4 x 2". It shall have 2.0 PCF-nominal entry for deleterious harmful pathogens or
density, and the coefficient of permeability shall be boring insects. There must be no splitting of
1.24 cm/SEC (ASTM D-2434). canes or trunks at branching points.
H. Filler board: Meant to be used above the drainage c. Dead wood and branches must be removed.
board layers as a filler where full depth of soil is not
d. All canes or trunks must be well-formed.
required. Filler board shall be EPS, a closed cell,
resilient, lightweight, foamed plastic having a density e. Plant height: Overall plant height shall be
between 1.0 and 3.0 PCF. The manufacturers of measured from the base of the growing
the filler board and drainage board shall participate container to mean foliage top.
in a certification program, as recommended by the f. Cane heights: With some cane varieties, size
Society of the Plastics Industry. is determined by the height of rooted canes.
I. Subsurface drainage matting: two-layer composite, Cane heights shall always be measured from
consisting of a polyester, non-woven filter fabric the base of the growing container. Overall
heat-bonded to a compression-resistant nylon height of the plant shall be from the base of
matting of open, three-dimensional construction. growing container to the mean foliage top.
2. Install 2" diameter black corrugated plastic pipe 4. Backfill and compact with approved planting
with black cap for inspection and siphoning. medium.
3. Install soil separator on top of the stone or 5. Set plants flush with the top of the bed, at 2"
drainage board. Be sure to extend the soil below the top of the planter wall. Large trees, 10
separator up the sides of the planting pit 4" to tall or greater, shall be planted 10% above the
lock in place. finished grade.
4. Backfill with soil mix, as specified, to a depth 6. Install a 2" layer of pinebark, shredded hardwood
that allows the top of the root ball to sit 4" below mulch or material approved by landscape
the top of the adjacent paving. architect or owners representative.
5. Install the tree in the pit. Remove burlap from D. Fixed planting beds: Generally such beds shall be
top of rootball on B&B trees prior to backfilling. directly planted, removing nursery pots from plants.
Backfill around the ball as appropriate. Follow procedure outline in C. above for raised
planters.
6. Place 2" of shredded bark mulch over the top
surface of the tree pit, bringing the finished grade E. Movable decorative planters (i.e., floor planters, file-
of the bed to 2" below the top of the pavement. top, and hanging planters):
C. Planting raised planters To achieve aesthetic and horticulturally sound
plantings, the landscape contractor shall employ
1. Place drainage material to within 6" of the
methods as indicated on the drawings. Both
bottom of the rootball of the plant material.
double- potting and direct planting are
2. Install 2" diameter black corrugated plastic pipe, acceptable methods of planting. Plants are to be
vertically, with black cap for inspection and placed plumb and secure within planters.
siphoning.
Irrigation
1.0 General Conditions 1.2 Standards
A. The contractor shall obtain and pay for all permits
1.1 Scope of Work and inspections required by outside agencies.
A. The intent of this specification is to define
contractor/owner responsibilities and specify B. All materials shall meet minimum industry
minimum standards for materials and workmanship. standards.
1. Any residential system over 24 zones shall be C. The system shall be installed as per manufacturers
considered commercial for the purposes of these recommendations by qualified, trained personnel.
specifications.
1.3 Quality Assurance
B. Irrigation layout/design shall meet the following A. Commercial Projects
parameters:
1. The company engaged in the project must have
1. Head to head spacing to ensure 100% coverage. three years of experience with projects of similar
2. Matched precipitation rates within a zone. size and scope.
3. Pipe sized to stay at or below 5 feet per second. 2. The company must employ at least one full-time
4. Separation of zones by different types of plant individual who maintains a current Certified
material (e.g., turf, trees and shrubs, annuals). Irrigation Contractor designation by the
Irrigation Association.
5. Rain sensor shall be included.
B. Residential Projects
6. Commercial projects must be designed and
stamped by a Certified Irrigation Designer as 1. The company engaged in the project must
designated by the Irrigation Association. employ an individual with one year of irrigation
installation experience.
C. Furnish all labor and materials, appliances,
tools, equipment, facilities, transportation, and
1.4 Submittals
services necessary for and incidental to perform all
operations in connection with the installation of the A. For commercial projects, prior to the start of
irrigation system. installation, the contractor shall submit for approval
to the owner or owners representative a materials
D. All local, municipal, and state laws, rules, and list indicating the name of the manufacturer, model
regulations governing or relating to any portion of numbers, and performance data for the following:
this work are hereby incorporated into and made a
part of these specifications. 1. Sprinkler heads
E. Work noted N.I.C., existing, or to be supplied 2. Valves and valve boxes
and/or installed by others is not part of this section. 3. Controllers and appurtenances
F. Due to the scale of drawings, it is not possible 4. Pumps
to indicate all offsets, fittings, sleeves, and other
materials that might be required. The drawings are 5. Backflow
generally diagrammatic and indicative of the work 6. Drip equipment
to be installed. The work shall be installed in such
a manner as to avoid conflicts between irrigation 7. Wire and electrical connection waterproofing
system, planting and architectural features. Work method and materials
called for on the drawings by notes or details 8. Grounding equipment
shall be furnished and installed whether or not
specifically called out in the written specifications. 9. Pipe and fittings
G. If discrepancies exist between drawings and 10. Water harvesting and storage components (pre-
specifications, and no specific interpretation is filters, post-filters, storage vessels and associated
issued prior to bidding, the decision regarding control systems)
any interpretation will rest with the owners B. At completion of the installation, the contractor
representative. The contractor is to act on shall submit a minimum of four (4) individually
this decision as directed. In the event that the bound copies or a PDF file of the irrigation system
installation deviates from the direction given, it shall Operation and Maintenance Instructions, including
be corrected at the contractors expense.
B. Pump enclosure, if applicable, as noted on drawing. A. All piping and equipment is shown
diagrammatically on drawing(s).
C. Pump fittings as per drawing details and as
recommended by pump manufacturer. B. Lay out sprinkler heads and make any minor
adjustments required due to differences between
D. Pump start relay, flow switch, pressure transducer, actual site conditions and the drawings. Minor
pressure switch, or other control devices, as adjustments shall be maintained within the original
recommended by pump manufacturer. design intent.
C. Lay out each system using staking method, as
3.0 Execution approved by owners representative.
3.1 Site Reviews
3.4 Pipe Installation
A. Before any work commences, a conference shall be
held with the owners representative and contractor A. Pipe assembly (PVC)
to discuss general requirements of the work and 1. Pipe shall be sized so that the water velocity in
coordinate the installation process. pipe shall not exceed five (5) feet per second.
B. The contractor shall examine surfaces for conditions 2. Routing of all irrigation lines as indicated on
that could adversely affect execution, permanence, the drawings is diagrammatic. Install lines (and
and quality of work. The contractor shall also verify various assemblies) to conform to details provided
that grading has been completed and that the work on drawing(s).
of this section can properly proceed.
3. Pipe shall be kept free of dirt, rock, shavings, and
1. Notify the owners representative in writing, other debris. Pipe ends shall be cut square and
describing unacceptable conditions. true with either a saw or pipe-cutting tool. When
2. Do not proceed with work until unacceptable site a saw is used, shavings must be removed from
conditions are corrected. pipe ends.
3. Locate existing utilities. 4. Use primer and solvent to join pipe and fittings
in a manner recommended by the solvent
C. The contractor shall notify the owners representative manufacturer regarding pipe size, air temperature
in writing for the following reviews, allowing 48 and humidity. Allow pipe connections to cure
hours for compliance by the owners representative. as per solvent manufacturers recommendations
1. Submittal review. before pressurizing pipe. Wipe all excess glue
from pipe after joint is made.
2. Pressure supply line installation and testing.
5. Service tees and service elbows installed in piping
3. Final review at substantial completion. shall be oriented so FIPT outlet is on side of pipe.
D. The contractor shall provide radio communication, 6. Gasketed connections shall be installed per
remote control, and/or personnel to maintain manufacturers recommendations.
communication from the review area to automatic
controllers. 7. Thrust blocks or joint restraints shall be provided
for gasket pipes.
E. The contractor shall provide up to date as-built
drawings and acceptance forms for authorized Thrust blocks or joint restraints shall be provided
signature. whenever PVC pipe:
a. Changes directions.
3.2 Utility Services
The contractor shall make connections to the provided b. Stops (as at a capped end).
power and water sources at locations indicated on c. Joins a valve where thrust may be expected.
E. The valve box shall be supported so that it does not 3.11 Quick-Coupling Valves
rest directly on any irrigation piping. A. Quick-coupling valves: Install downstream from
backflow preventer on a swing joint assembly. When
3.9 Control Wiring installed as a blowout connection, install as close to
A. Control wiring shall be installed as follows: the point of connection as possible.
1. When in common trench with mainline, wiring B. Install quick coupler valve in a 10" round valve box
shall be laid beside or at the same invert as the at a depth that will allow quick coupler key to turn
mainline. freely when inserted.
2. Use minimum number of splices, and make all C. A swing joint manufactured for use with quick
splices in valve or splice boxes. Splice connectors couplers shall be used to connect valve to piping. A
shall be UL approved for direct bury. swing joint shall, as an integral brass male threaded
3. Provide 24" expansion coils at all valves and at nipple matching the inlet size of the valve, have
300 intervals between valves and directional the ability to be stabilized and have the proper lay
changes. Wire shall at no time be installed taut. length to allow for a 3045 degree angle from the
pipe to lay riser.
4. Tape, or cinch with cable cinches, wires at
maximum of 25 intervals.
3.12 Drain Valves
5. Aboveground wire is to be installed in conduit Manual: Install at low points on main and laterals when
and/or in accordance with electrical codes. specified. Provide valve box for access and 2 ft3 gravel
6. Common, or neutral, wire shall be WHITE sump with soil separator.
on single or multi-conductor wire. If single
conductor wire is used, valve wires and spare 3.13 Drip Irrigation
wires shall be of a different color consistent
A. Six-inch (6") soil staples shall be placed every 3 on
throughout the system.
tubing and at every elbow, tee, and cross if tubing is
7. Valve wiring shall be the same color from installed on soil below mulch. Staples not required if
controller to valve. tubing is buried.
8. Two wire control systems shall use wire approved B. Tubing shall be installed below mulch layer in plant
by controller manufacturer. beds or buried up to a 4" depth. Tubing in turf shall
9. Grounding wire shall be single-strand, solid, be installed at a uniform depth of 4".
bare copper, at least two wire gauges larger than C. Each zone shall have a supply and exhaust header
largest control wire used in the system. sized so total flow does not exceed 5 feet per second.
E. Control wire shall be installed inside conduit from A. Install sprinkler bodies and nozzles. Adjust radius and
below grade to controller cabinet. arc for optimum performance. Make any necessary
adjustments in head locations to achieve 100%
F. Zone charts as described in Section 3.22 shall be left coverage of landscaped areas designated to be watered.
at controller location.
B. Adjust flow controls and pressure-reducing valves
3.16 Sensor Devices to attain the required pressure for optimum
performance at the sprinkler head.
A. A rain sensor shall be installed in an area exposed to
direct rainfall but out of sprinkler coverage. 3.22 Coverage Test
B. Sensor wires shall not be spliced and shall terminate A. After sprinkler system is completed, test the system
inside controller at sensor terminals. to ensure that all lawn and planting areas are
C. All devices shall be installed per manufacturers watered completely and uniformly.
recommendations. B. Make any necessary adjustments as required by the
owners representative to provide proper coverage.
3.17 Decoders (Two-Wire Only)
A. Decoders shall be from the same manufacturer as 3.23 Operating and Maintenance Tools
the controller. A. The following items shall be delivered to the
owner when work is completed and prior to final
B. Decoders shall be located in valve boxes for service
acceptance of work.
access. Decoders shall be mounted to sides of valve
boxes. 1. Two keys for each automatic controller.
C. Connections to two-wire path shall be made with 2. Two sets of any specialty adjustment or
UL-approved, direct bury splice kits rated for disassembly tools required for each type of
submersion. sprinkler head supplied.
3.24 Cleanup
Upon completion of all work, the contractor shall restore
all ground surfaces disturbed during the irrigation
installation to their original condition to the satisfaction
of the owners representative. Remove all excess irrigation
material, waste, debris, and equipment from the site.
B. Pine bark potting-grade pine bark screened Stakes shall be 2"x 2" hardwood or acceptable
through a 3/4" screen and containing less than 10% equivalent. See section, 5.7, Tree Support Schedule in the
sap wood fibers. Any pine bark containing more Exterior Landscape Installation specification for proper
stake length.
B. Grades: Grades that have been previously established C. Materials: Topsoil shall be as stated above in section
in conformance with the drawings and/or other 2.3 Topsoil. Topsoil on the existing site may be used
applicable specifications shall be maintained in a but must meet standards.
true and even grade. D. Topsoil installation: Topsoil shall be uniformly
C. Liming: Limestone shall be spread based on soil distributed on the designated areas to meet final
test recommendations. Lime shall be distributed grades. Spreading shall be performed in such a
uniformly over designated areas and worked into manner that sodding or seeding can proceed with a
the soil in conjunction with an expanded tillage minimum of additional soil preparation and tillage.
operation, as described below. Any irregularities in the surface resulting from
topsoiling or other operations shall be corrected
D. Tilling (Scarifying): After the areas have been in order to prevent the formation of depressions or
brought to grade, the subgrade shall be loosened by water pockets. Topsoil shall not be placed while in
disking or scarifying to a depth of 2" to 4". This is a frozen or muddy condition, when the subgrade is
especially critical when topsoil is to be added. excessively wet, or in a condition that may otherwise
be detrimental to proper grading or proposed
3.2 Final Grade Soil Preparation With Compost sodding or seeding.
This specification applies only when compost is used to E. Fertilizer: Fertilizer application rates shall be
amend existing subsoil to make it suitable for sod or for determined by topsoil test recommendations.
sowing seed. The use of compost shall be noted in the
contract agreement. F. Liming: Liming shall be based on topsoil test
recommendations.
A. General conditions: The areas to which these
specifications apply shall be clearly indicated on the G. Tilling: If 3" or less of topsoil is added to the site, it
drawings or as otherwise specified. The landscape must be incorporated into the subgrade by tilling.
contractor shall furnish equipment, labor, and All amendments must be incorporated to at least a
materials necessary for preparing the specified areas. 3" depth.
Work shall proceed only after the subgrade is within
1" of final grade. 3.4 Finish Grade
A. General conditions: The landscape contractor shall
B. Grades: Grades in the specified area shall conform to
proceed only after the topsoil or subsoil has been
the drawings and/or other applicable specifications
prepared uniformly in the designated areas to within
and shall be maintained true and even.
1/4 of 1". Any undulations or irregularities in the
C. Applying compost: The compost shall be uniformly surface resulting from fertilizing, liming, tilling,
applied at a level not to exceed 4 cubic yards per 1000 or other causes shall be leveled prior to sodding or
square feet, 1" thick layer. This level of application seeding.
4.5 Maintenance The landscape contractor shall furnish all labor, material,
and equipment required to complete the work described
A. Upon acceptance, maintenance becomes the
herein in strict accordance with the drawings and/or
responsibility of the owner unless otherwise specified
terms of the contract. All previously established grades
in the contract.
shall be in conformance with the drawings and/or other
B. Watering specifications.
1. First week: Sod shall be kept moist at all times.
In the absence of adequate rainfall, watering shall 5.2 Related Work
be performed daily or as often as necessary and 1.3 Soil Testing
in sufficient quantities to maintain moist soil to a
depth of at least 2". 3.0 Soil Preparation
5.5 Cleanup
Excess and waste material shall be removed daily.
All pavements shall be left broom cleaned, and all
damaged areas in existing turf shall be restored to their
original condition. Responsibilities should be based on
contractual agreements.
5.6 Acceptance
Acceptance of the seed installation shall be made by the
general contractor, landscape architect, or owner upon
completion of an area or section. After acceptance, the
owner is responsible for follow-up maintenance.
5.7 Maintenance
A. Upon acceptance, maintenance becomes the
responsibility of the owner, unless otherwise
specified in the contract.
Soils
1.0 General Conditions and is to be mixed and air-dried prior to
submittal to the testing laboratory. Do NOT
1.1 Site Analysis mix upper layer and lower layer soil samples;
A. Prior to developing recommendations for soil they need to be tested separately.
modifications, an analysis of existing soil conditions 4. Compaction analysis
shall be made. All information shall be recorded
on a scale drawing of the site. The soil section of a. Based on historical, vegetative, and
the specification guidelines is dependent on the topographic analysis, determine areas of the
site analysis being completed prior to determining sites that may have been compacted. For any
recommendations for soil modifications. It is area of the site where compaction potential
the responsibility of the landscape contractor to has been identified, perform multiple soil
perform the analysis, unless the owner provides penetrometer tests to determine degree and
soil modifications in the bid package. If the owner extent of compaction.
refers to the specification guidelines and makes b. Conduct a penetration resistance test as
specific soil modification recommendations, the follows:
landscape contractor can assume that the owner has
undertaken this analysis prior to preparing the bid Penetration reading must be taken when soil
documents. It is necessary to comply with all local moisture is at field capacity (several days after
codes regarding disturbance and sediment control free drainage). Using a cone penetrometer),
requirements. apply slow, even pressure so that the
penetrometer advances in the soil at a rate of
B. The analysis shall include the following: 4 seconds per 6". Record pressure readings at
1. Analysis of historical land use to determine 04" depth (surface soil) and at 1014" depth
previous development activity and soil (subsoil).
disturbance at the site. The historical land
use analysis shall include consideration of Pressure in psi shall be as follows:
construction activity at the site that will occur <110 psi surface soil (all textures);
between the time of the analysis and the time of
the installation of new plantings. <260 psi subsurface soil loamy sand, sandy
loam, sandy clay loam, sandy clay, loam, silt
2. Analysis of existing vegetative cover and loam, silty clay loam, and silty clay;
topography that may indicate variability in soil
conditions. <225 psi subsurface soil clay loam
3. Sampling of existing soils, as follows: c. A bulk density test shall be performed if the
results of the penetrometer are outside the
a. Identify areas with different soil conditions acceptable range. The contractor is to notify
based on historical, topographic, and owner if this is needed.
vegetative analysis.
5. Drainage analysis:
b. For each area, take a minimum of one
composite soil sample (1 cup) that consists of a. Determine areas that are suspected to be
five (5) core samples. Each core sample shall be poorly drained based on the site analysis and
taken at a depth of 68" after first removing the topography.
the upper duff layer, if any. The five (5) core b. Soils that exhibit the following characteristics
samples are to be mixed and air- dried prior to shall be considered poorly drained:
submittal to the testing laboratory.
Standing water
c. Soil testing shall be as per section 1.7 Soil
Testing. Anaerobic soils (may have objectionable odor)
Gray soils (hydric)
d. If the soil in the top 68" of soil indicates a
pH level two or more units above or below the Presence of wetland species
optimum pH level desired, additional testing C. Definitions of soils and planting mixes are as follows:
of subsoil pH is recommended.
1. Existing soils are soils that are present on the site
e. A second sample at a depth of 18-24 inches is at the time of estimating.
advisable to test for subsurface soil conditions
a. Nutrient and pH adjustments less than 0.5 When requested by the owner, samples of all soil,
pH units, in either direction on the pH scale, planting mix, and drainage materials shall be submitted
to existing soils. The range is based on the pH to the owner or owners designated representative
tolerance of the plants being placed in that for approval. For soil, planting mix, and organic
location. amendments, submit 1-pound samples and the required
soil testing results. For other materials, submit the
b. Addition of organic amendments to the manufacturers product literature.
existing soils.
c. Tilling of existing soils. 1.4 Approvals
All approvals shall be in writing.
2. Significant modification(s) required to create
planting soils, as follows: (in addition to the
1.5 Utilities and Underground Features
requirements of paragraph D.1)
A. The landscape contractor shall notify utility
a. Subsoiling to reduce compaction below
companies and/or the general contractor in advance
planting soils.
of construction to locate the utilities. Please contact
b. Installing subsurface drainage. Miss Utility at www.missutility.net for Maryland,
c. Regrading to improve surface drainage. D.C., Virginia, and Delaware.
d. Significant pH adjustment to existing soil or B. Private underground features, such as irrigation
subsoil of more than 0.5 pH units. systems, septic systems, drain systems, invisible pet
e. Adding imported soils or planting mixes. fencing, landscape lighting, underground natural
gas, and security systems, shall be located by the
3. Significant modifications beyond the scope of owner or general contractor.
these specifications.
C. If there is a conflict with the utilities and the
The following conditions require consultation with proposed soil work, the owner shall be responsible
a soil specialist to determine appropriate action: for changing the design requirements. Any costs
a. Soils containing quantities of man-made incurred for changing soil design requirements shall
inerts, such as drywall material (Gypsum), be borne by the owner.
Tree Preservation
1.0 General Conditions An FCP must be prepared by a Maryland Licensed
The Maryland Forest Conservation Act was passed by Forester, Maryland Licensed Landscape Architect, or
the General Assembly in 1991 and was subsequently other qualified professional. A stamp or certification by
amended to conserve the states forest resources during the preparer shall appear on the submission.
development activities. The Act requires identification
of existing forest stands, protection of the most desirable
forest stands, and establishment of areas where new
2.0 Definitions
A. Caliper: The diameter of a tree trunk less than 12"
forest can be planted.
measured at 4" to 12" above the ground. From 1" to
The Forest Conservation Act establishes standards for 4" it is measured 6" above the ground, and from 4"
local authorities to enforce during the development to 12" it is measured 12" from the ground.
process and is a means to protect not only forests and B. Champion Tree: The largest of its species, as
trees in developing areas, but also any sensitive areas determined by the Maryland Department of
identified during the local planning or comprehensive Natural Resources.
land use plan adoption process.
C. Critical Root Zone: A circular region measured
outward from a tree trunk representing the area of
1.1 Basic Planning Requirements
the roots that must be maintained or protected for
The Maryland Forest Conservation Act of 1991 requires the trees survival. Usually it is 1 ft of radial distance
that prior to the approval of any public or private for every inch of tree diameter (DBH) measured at
subdivision, project plan, grading plan permit, or 4.5 ft above the ground, with a minimum radius of
sediment control permit on a unit of land 40,000 square 8 ft. For specimen trees, the critical root zone shall
feet or greater, applicants shall submit a Forest Stand be 1.5 ft for every inch of tree diameter.
Delineation (FSD) and a Forest Conservation Plan (FCP).
These plans shall be approved by the local authority under D. Diameter Breast Height: The height at which a
a locally adopted forest conservation program, or the tree is measured that is over 12" in diameter. This
Department of Natural Resources where no local program measurement is taken 4.5 ft above the ground.
is in effect, before other approvals are given. E. Landscaping Plan: A plan, drawn to scale, showing
dimensions and details for re-vegetating an area
1.2 Forest Stand Delineation 2,500 ft2 or greater in size and at least 35 ft wide,
The FSD is an inventory of existing site conditions and including maintenance and protection measures.
forest and shall be used during the preliminary review F. Reforestation or Reforested: The creation of a
process to determine the most suitable and practical biological community dominated by trees and
areas for forest conservation during development. Only other woody plants containing at least 100 live trees
qualified professionals approved by the Department per acre, with at least 50% of those trees having
of Natural Resources, Forest Service, or, for local the potential of attaining a 2" or greater diameter
applications, an adopted and approved local forest measured at 4.5 ft above the ground, within seven
conservation program, may prepare a an FSD Plan. years. Reforestation includes landscaping of areas
under an approved landscaping plan that establishes
1.3 Forest Conservation Plan a forest at least 35 ft wide and covering 2,500 ft2 of
The FCP details the amount of the forest that will be area. Afforestation is the establishment of a forest
retained, reforested, or afforested; the locations where this in an area on which forest cover has been absent for
will occur; proposed protection measures taken during a long period of time, or the planting of open areas
development, such as location of devices and limits of that are not presently in forest cover.
disturbance; construction scheduling, maintenance, and G. Seedlings: An un-branched woody plant, less than
monitoring procedures; long-term protection measures; 24" in height and having a diameter of less than
and other measures that may be required. The plan can 1/2" caliper measured at 2" above the root collar.
be divided into five principal topics:
H. Selective Clearing: The careful and planned removal
1. Determining Priority Forest and Priority Areas of trees and plants using specific standards and
2. Retained Forest and Tree Protection protective measures under certain conditions, as
3. Forest and Tree Planting established in an approved FCP.
4. Maintenance and Monitoring I. Specimen Tree: Trees having a diameter of 30" or
5. Enforcement more measured at 4.5 ft above the ground, or trees
6.13 Watering
Supplemental watering may be necessary during drought
conditions or when adequate water is not available. Trees
that have roots and rooting areas damaged, changed,
or removed must have a schedule for proper watering.
Trenching for irrigation within the critical root zone
shall be avoided to prevent further damage.