Volume Ii: Specifications (Exterior Planting) : Issue: FINAL, 14th FEB 2013

(2b+G+7) 8th Gate Financial District Buildings FD1&FD2
Damascus, Syria
Issue: FINAL, 14th FEB 2013
VOLUME II: SPECIFICATIONS
(EXTERIOR PLANTING)
DIVISION 02 – LANDSCAPE
SECTION 02 93 00 -EXTERIOR PLANTING
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Damascus, Syria
SECTION 02 93 00 EXTERIOR PLANTING
PART 1 –GENERAL
1.1 SUMMARY
A. GENERAL: Provide planting in accordance with requirements of the Contract

Documents.
1.1 REFERENCES
A. Related British Standards and Other References
1. Latest editions of all relevant British Standards shall be used including those inter
alia listed with current amendments and additions.
2. Any differences between their requirements and this specification shall be submitted
to the Consultant for his ruling.
BS 3936-Part 1:1992 Nursery stock. Specifications for trees and shrubs

BS 4428:1989 Code of practice for general landscape operations
(excluding hard surfaces)
ANSI Z60.1 American Standard for Nursery Stock
1.2 DEFINITIONS
A. British Standards
1. For the purpose of this Specification the definitions given by the British Standards, as
appropriate, shall apply.
B. Related Work
1. Carefully examine all of the Contract Documents for requirements, which affect the
work of this section.
2. Where materials used in this section (e.g. fill material) have been specified
elsewhere in this
specification document, the relevant clauses shall apply to this section.
C. Silence of Specification
1. The apparent silence of the Specification, Drawings or other Contract Documents as
to any or the omission from them of a detailed description concerning any point,
shall be regarded as meaning that only the best general practice is to be used.
2. Materials that have not been individually specified, shall as a minimum standard, be
in accordance with the relevant British standard where applicable.
1.3 SUBMITTALS
A. Shop Drawings
1. The Contractor shall produce large scale shop drawings of the planting plans,
details and installation method and submit to the Consultant for comments.
B. Product Data
Submit manufacturers certified data analysis of all standard products, including
fertilizers, soil amendments, herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, showing description
of ingredients, and recommendations for usage and application rates for each
material to be used. Provide certification stating that materials comply with
requirements.
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C. Samples
1. Submit representative samples of all materials that is to be used in the finished
work. The approved samples shall be the quality standard for the material and its
placement.
2. The Landscape Consultant shall inspect all plant material at the on site or
holding nursery prior to planting.
3. The samples provided must also meet the technical aspects of the specification.
4. Any materials which do not comply with the specification, are not approved or
are not to the satisfaction of the Consultant may be rejected and the
Contractor shall replace them at his own cost.
D. Certifications: Submit the following for approval:

1. A certified analysis by an approved laboratory for non-standard
products (soil, fertilizer, compost).
2. Certificates confirming the origin, size and age of all plant material.
3. Health certificates for all imported plant material.
4. Sod: Furnish certification by the grower for the type, and trueness to the
grass variety or strain.
E. Quality Control Submittals: Provide the following for approval:

1. Schedules showing program of implementation for each type of landscape
work, indicating anticipated dates and locations for each type of planting.
2. If necessary revised planting schedules with documentation of reasons for the
revision.
3. Landscape Maintenance instructions and manual to be established by the
landscaping contractor and performed during an entire contract year.
F. Closeout Submittals: The Contractor shall provide record documents to

furnish an accurate record of the final planting installation, including but not
limited to:
1. Plant material substitutions with size, genus, and species
2. Material substitution
3. Revisions to the scope of work
1.4 QUALITY ASSURANCE
A. Qualified Installer
1. Contractor shall engage an experienced installer who has completed
landscaping work similar in material, design, and scale to that indicated for this
project, and with a successful record of landscaping experience. The installer’s
field supervisor shall be experienced, and shall be present full time on the
project site during the implementation of the landscaping works.
B. Nursery
1. The Contractor shall establish and maintain a suitable holding /
acclimatization nursery of an appropriate size on or adjacent to the site to
the consultants approval, within the first month of the contract period. It shall
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be protected from construction works, shaded from sun and wind and shall
be provided with an adequate supply of irrigation water.
C. Pre-Installation Meetings
1. Coordinate installation of planting materials during adequate planting
seasons for each type of plant material required. Special care to be taken
for all imported plant material.
2. The inspection and selection of palms, trees,shrubs,flowers, and grass will be
made by the Consultant, who will tag the stock at their place of growth prior to
transplanting to the site nursery.
1.5 DELIVERY AND HANDLING
A. Handling
1. Plant material shall be lifted or moved in such a manner that the roots are not
disturbed. Plant material shall be lifted or moved by holding the container and not
the above ground portion of the plant.
2. Immediately prior to lifting, date palm trees shall have their fronds reduced in length
by 30%, sprayed with anti-desiccant and tied up with 3 layers of Hessian to enclose
the growing tip. The roots shall be pruned and the root ball protected with three
layers of Hessian tied up with wire and kept moist constantly with wet shingle,
moss, straw or other suitable material.
B. Delivery
1 Root systems of all plants shall not be allowed to dry out at any time and
shall not be exposed to excessive or artificial heat or to freezing
temperatures.
2 During transportation all plants shall be packed adequately to ensure protection for
climatic or physical injuries. Tarpaulins or other covers shall be placed over plants
when they are transported by trucks or in open freight cars.
3 All plants shall be treated with anti-desiccant prior to transportation.
C. Imported stock
1 Special care and attention shall be given to all imported plant stock. It is
absolutely essential that all imported stock be subjected to an acclimatization
period of at least 9 months in the site nursery.
2 Contractor shall investigate the specific species requirements of handling,
transplanting, delivering, storing, planting and maintaining prior to performing any
works.
1.6 PROJECT / SITE CONDITIONS
A. Existing services
1 The Contractor shall determine the location of all existing underground
services prior to commencing planting works.
2 Any work in confined spaces, around existing trees or in the vicinity of major utility
services shall be executed by hand, where existing service lines interfere with the
planting, the contractor shall get the direct approval of the consultant on the shifting
of the trees or palms pits prior to planting.
B. Weather conditions:
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1 All work shall be carried out during the appropriate season and in weather
conditions suitable for the operation.
2 An exception will be the planting of large palms and grass, which shall be planted
during the period optimum of root growth i.e. Mid April to the end of September.
3 No planting shall be carried out between the months of June to September
without the specific approval of the Consultant.
C. Rubbish
1 All rubbish and litter accumulated within the landscape boundary shall be
cleared and removed daily. The areas shall be kept in a clean and tidy
condition with all driveways, paths, edges, kerbs, gutters and gullies swept
and kept clear of debris at all times.
2 All rubbish and debris shall be removed from site.
D. Approved Chemicals
1 Only chemicals approved and listed by the Local Municipality and Ministry of
Agriculture and Fisheries will be used.
2 All chemicals shall be non-toxic to human beings, birds and animals and
subject to the approval of a qualified specialist.
3 The Contractor shall be liable for ensuring that all chemicals are stored
separately and handled and supplied in strict accordance with the
manufacturer‘s printed instructions.
1.7 WARRANTY
A. Special Warranty:
1 The living planting material shall be warranted for a period of two years after
date of Substantial Completion.
2 The warranty shall be against defects, including death and unsatisfactory
growth, except for defects resulting from lack of adequate maintenance,
neglect, or abuse by the Client, abnormal weather conditions, or incidents that
are beyond Contractor‘s control.
1.8 HORTICULTURAL SUPERVISOR
A. Contractor’s Horticultural Supervisor

1 The written approval of the Consultant shall be obtained for the Contractor‘s
proposed Horticultural Specialist.
2 The written approval of the Consultant shall be obtained for any temporary or
permanent replacements.
B. Inspection and supervision
1. The Consultant shall supervise the planting of all accents.
1.9 SEQUENCING AND SCHEDULIING
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A. Notify the Consultant in writing, allowing at least three working days notice for the
following:
1 Initial meeting at site prior to start of any work
2 Plant material inspection for approval at source or on site
3 Final location of plants prior to preparation of planting pits.
4 Finish grades prior to laying sod in the lawn areas.
5 Check inspection of completion of all work, to establish beginning of
maintenance period.
6 Final inspection
1.10 COMMISSIONING
A. Substantial completion
At the date of Substantial Completion all plants shall be in their specified position
and condition.
B. Failure of Plants
Any plants that are found to be missing, defective or not in good condition at any
time during the contract period and maintenance period shall be immediately
replaced by the Contractor.
1.11 MAINTENANCE
A. Maintenance Period:
1 The Maintenance Period shall run for a period of two calendar years from the
date of Substantial Completion of the whole works.
2 The Contractor shall maintain insurances of relevant items as required by the
Contract throughout the Maintenance Period.
3 The Contractor shall carry out maintenance of the planting strictly in
accordance with the Operations and Maintenance manual as approved by the
Consultant. T he Contractor is to provide all required labour, plant and
materials to comply with the approved procedures.
During the Maintenance Period the Contractor shall make adequate provision
for irrigation and/or operate the irrigation system as required and maintain
same for handover to the Client on completion of the Maintenance Period,
comprehensively overhauled and in perfect working order.
4 The Contractor shall include the cost of fully trained personnel employed by
the Client for the duration of the Maintenance Period.
5 The Contractor shall keep minimum 4 numbers of gardeners in proper
uniforms, full time, at site and shall be required to send additional manpower
as and when required to carry out special maintenance works like removing
dry palm fronds, aeration, planting seasonals, replacing trees, etc.
6 A qualified and experienced Landscape Engineer shall be required to visit the
site bi- monthly for correct diagnosis of pests or diseases and to take timely
remedial measures.
7 A qualified and experienced Irrigation Engineer will be deputed to the site bi-
monthly to check the irrigation system and adjust/replace any equipment,
which is not functioning correctly. Seasonal adjustments to the irrigation
operation schedule and programming of controllers shall be done by a
qualified Irrigation Engineer.
8 The Contractor shall maintain at all times sufficient stock of regularly used
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fertilizers, chemicals, tools, spare parts and other consumables at site.

9 Grass cuttings, trimmings, cut branches, dry leaves and other waste shall be
removed daily from the site and disposed of at the Municipality dump. T he
site shall be kept neat and tidy at all times.
B. Operations and Maintenance Manual: The Contractor shall compile a

comprehensive Operations and Maintenance Manual which will include the following:
1 Pesticide/fungicide/herbicide applications -including safety application rates
and procedure, schedules of pesticides/fungicides/herbicides
2 Irrigational and Drainage and Storm water Drainage -including water
application rates and maintenance procedures
3 Fertilization including fertilizer descriptions, application rates and programs
4 Maintenance manual for ornamental palms including special fertilization
program and pest control management.
5 Salinity Control including leaching methods, and leaching program monitoring
6 Turf Grass Management including mowing procedure, replacement of turf
grass by stolons and sods and routine management procedures; aeration, top
dressing, vertical mowing thatch removal, rolling and overseeding.
7 Propagation and seasonal replacement (max. every 3 months) of all flowers
8 General Maintenance -including pruning, thinning out of shrubs and
succulents, stakes and ties, bermwork , replacement s and clean-up,
protective fencing etc.
9 Equipment Inventory, maintenance procedures and full manufacturers
maintenance manual.
10 Specify in detail a maintenance schedule of daily, weekly, monthly and annual
horticultural activities for the Consultant‘s information and approval
C. The manual shall be submitted to the Consultant/Client for approval at least three
months prior to the date of Substantial Completion of any part of the Works and
must be approved prior to the commencement of the Maintenance Period. Three
bound copies of the manual in A4 format shall be presented to the
Consultant/Clients.
END OF PART 1-GENERAL
PART 2 – PRODUCTS
2.1 MATERIALS
A. All required materials shall be of standard approved, first grade quality, and in first class
condition. The following products comprise the principal materials but do not set the
limitation for materials required to complete the intended project.
2.2 TOP SOIL
A. Planting soil shall be imported from an area designated by the Horticultural Section of
the local or relevant Municipality.
B. The soil shall be free-draining, non-toxic and capable of sustaining healthy plant
growth.The soil shall not contain calcium carbonate, subsoil, refuse, roots, heavy clay,
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noxious weeds, phytoxic materials, coarse sand, rocks, brush, litter or any other detritus
materials.
C. The soil shall have following characteristics:
1. PH 6.0 to 7.5 of saturated soil
2. EC less than 2500 mmhos in saturated extract
3. Chlorides <220 ppm in saturated extract
4. Sulphates <240 ppm in saturated extract
5. SAR <5%
6. Nitrates 75 ppm in saturated extract
7. Boron <1%ppm hot water soluble
8. Physical loamy made up by particle size as follows:
sand (2mm to 0.05mm) 70% to 80%
silt (0.05mm to 0.002mm) 25% to 30%
clay (<0.002mm) 5% max.
D. The representative samples of soil shall be analysed for all the above characteristics
and results submitted to the Consultant for approval.
E. Report suitability of topsoil for growth of the planting material. A qualified independent
soil testing laboratory shall furnish a soil analysis, and according to the results
obtained, recommend quantities of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potash nutrients and
any limestone, aluminum sulfate, or other soil amendments to be added to improve or
produce satisfactory topsoil.
2.3 COMPOST
A. Compost shall be approved dried, treated and sterilized cow manure (poultry manure
shall not be accepted), free from any deleterious matter and from a source approved by
the Local or relevant Municipality. The sterilized manure is to be guaranteed to be free
from nematodes and harmful bacteria.
B. Alternative option to is commercially available dehydrated Coco peat fibre with the
following properties
Ph (1:6 dilution) 6.5-7.0
Electrical conductivity 264
Organic matter (on dry basis) 88.2%
Nitrogen 1.08
Phosphorous 0.19
Calcium 1.92
Potassium 0.84
Magnesium 0.98
Carbon: Nitrogen ratio 26:1
Iron (ppm) 4140
Manganese 168
Zinc 42
Copper 706
Total pore space 90%
Water holding capacity 8-9 times
The sterilized coco peat is to be guaranteed to be free from nematodes or harmful bacteria.
2.4 FERTILIZERS
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A. General fertilizer shall be Sulphur coated slow release compound fertilizer in the range of
or equivalent to 16 - 18 - 5 + Fe for shrubs and trees and 16 - 18 - 5 + Fe + Trace
Elements for lawn and shall be Osmocote or equal and approved.
B. Slow release fertilizer tablets for trees and shrubs shall be 20 - 10 - 5 + chelated trace
elements Iron, Zinc and Manganese, 21 gram tablets and shall be Sierratabs or equal and
approved.
C. Fertilizer shall be furnished in standard containers with the name, weight and guaranteed
analysis of the contents clearly marked.
D. When a mixed fertilizer is specified, the first number shall represent the minimum
percentage of soluble Nitrogen, the second number shall represent the minimum
percentage of available Phosphoric acid and the third number shall represent the
minimum percentage of water-soluble potash.
2.5 PLANTING MEDIUM
A.Planting medium shall consist of a homogeneous mixture of soil, compost and fertilizers
as specified.
B. Soil mix in all areas where Carissa is to be planted will consist of 50% Peat Moss.
C. Peat moss shall be coarse brown sphagnum peat, not containing woody materials, free
from sulphur and iron. Its pH value shall be in the range of 4 and 5. Organic matter
content shall be 5-99% dry weight, and the water holding capacity shall be from 45-55%.
2.6 PEBBLES
A. Pebbles entrance water features to be:

 Finish: rounded river washed
 Colour: to architect approval
 Size: 30 – 100mm mix to Architects Approval
 Laying: laid to a depth of 100mm
B. Contractor to allow for providing samples of all specified materials and mock up areas for
approval.
2.7 PLANTS
A. General:
1. All plants shall be of the size specified by the Consultant in the Plant Schedule at
the time of delivery to the site and shall be obtained from an approved source. The
Contractor shall allow for all imported and locally sourced plants to be “grown-on” in
the holding nursery in order to meet the required specifications at time of planting.
2. Shrubs and ground covers shall be twin or multi-stemmed. All plants shall be
supplied as specified in tender documents and the Contractor is expected to obtain
stock from outside the country if it is not available locally. All imported plant material
must be sourced from a reputable Nursery to be approved by the Consultant prior
to purchase. Plants shall be true to and supplied under Latin names. Synonyms
must be checked with the Consultant.
3. All planting stock shall be well-balanced and well formed, sound, vigorous, healthy
and free from disease, sunscald, abrasion, harmful insects or insect eggs and
with a healthy, unbroken root system filling their containers but not root-
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bound. All planting shall be certified free of pests, viruses etc.

4. Unless otherwise specified only nursery-grown plants will be used. All plants shall
be container grown, with the exception of date palms.
5. Consultant shall inspect and approve all imported and locally sourced plant material
at place of origin. Samples from all plant material shall be made available for
approval by the Consultant.
6. The Tender must be based, without exception, upon plants that are specified. If
plants are subsequently found to be unobtainable, alternatives may be submitted,
stating how they differ from the Specification. Such substitutions may not be
acceptable and submission of further alternatives may be required. Approval in
writing shall be obtained from the Consultant for any substitution.
7. Nomenclature of trees and plants shall conform to the scientific names
given in:
 Royal Horticultural Society, "Directory of Gardening" Oxford
University Press, reprinted 1974 and Supplement 1969
 Hortus 3.
 Exotica
8. Alternative names can be checked in these books. All plants must agree with the
botanical description in these books. Hortus 3 and Exotica are the only authorities
for plants that are not listed in the RHS Directory.
9. All trees and particularly palms forming avenues or formal planting lines shall be
selected to be of the same size and appearance all to the approval of the
Consultant. Clear stem height, overall height, and girth size shall be consistent and
standardized among selected trees/palms stock.
2.8 TREES
A. Tree stock shall be container grown. All specifications for container grown plants shall
indicate the plant size (girth, clear stem height, overall height, and container size).
Trees shall have a minimum girth of 10cm unless otherwise specified in the planting
schedule (girth / trunk circumference shall be measured at 1.0m above the soil level,
excluding container height).
B. The tree trunk shall be free of wounds, sunburned areas, conks (fungal fruiting
bodies), wood cracks, bleeding areas, signs of boring insects, galls, cankers, and
girdling ties.
C. The tree trunk shall be straight and vertical. There should not be any abrupt changes
in girth of the trunk (girth is the measurement of the circumference of the trunk,
measured at one meter from ground soil level).
D. The form or shape of the crown shall be typical for the specimen of the species.
The crown shall not significantly be deformed by wind, pruning practices, pests or other
factors
E. Trees shall have a single, straight central leader, and tapered trunk, free of
overriding stems and strong, upright branches that compete with the central leader.
F. Branches should be distributed radially around and vertically along the trunk,
forming a generally symmetrical crown typical for the tree. Branching of the specified
tree species shall start at 1.8m above ground level.
G. The size, colour and appearance of leaves shall be typical for the time of year and
stage of growth of the tree species. Leaves shall not be not stunted, misshapen,
tattered, or discolored.
H. Main branches shall be well spaced, with the branches diameter no greater than
2/3 the diameter of the trunk. The specified tree shall have a minimum of four main
branches at planting.
I. The root system shall be free of injury from biotic (insects, pathogens) infestation and
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shall be uniform throughout the soil mix or growth media. Container grown nursery
stock shall have a well-established root system reaching the sides of the container to
maintain a firm ball when the container is removed.
2.9 TREE STAKES
A. All stakes shall be double stakes of timber, straight, free of projections and pointed at
one end. The stakes shall be pressure impregnated with non-injurious wood
preservative to be applied at least two weeks before use.
B. Stakes shall be 50mmx50mm section; the length below ground to be one metre
minimum and the length above to be equal to the stem height of the tree, unless
otherwise approved by the Consultant. All stakes to be stained dark brown. A sample
shall be submitted and approved by the Consultant.
2.10 TREE TIES
A. Tree ties shall be adjustable rubber tree (black colour) ties with a minimum width of
35mm. Ties shall be fixed to stakes as per manufacturer’s recommendations, all to the
approval of the Consultant / Client.
2.11 TEMPORARY PLANTING SCREEN
A. Whenever planting in an exposed position liable to adverse wind conditions and salt
sprays near beaches, windbreaks shall be provided until such time as the planting is
firmly established and shall be 1750mm high plastic shelter net of 75% density
supported on a galvanised steel circular frame of adequate diameter so as not to
disturb the growth of the plant. Such frames with hessian screens are to be provided to
protect trees liable to suffer harmful effects of irrigation spray.
B. Hessian bands shall be 75 mm wide to lengths necessary for wrapping tree trunks and
main branches.
2.12 MOISTURE RETENTION SOIL ADDITIVES
A. The Contractor shall submit a water saving soil ameliorative for approval by the
Consultant. This product shall consist of naturally occurring materials made up from
layers of diatoms and volcanic tuffs or similar. Synthetic polymer products will not be
considered. The ameliorant shall have no detrimental effects on soil or plant material.
B. The contractor will be required to warrant the additive to effectively reduce the
consumption of irrigation water by 40% consistently for a period of ten years from the
date of its application without any re-application (based on the normal anticipated
irrigation water consumption should the planting medium not contain the water saving
material)
2.13 ANTI DESSICANT
A. Anti-desiccant shall be an emulsion type, film-forming agent designed to permit

transpiration but retard excessive loss of water from plants.
2.14 PRUNING PAINT
A. Pruning paint shall be waterproof, antiseptic, adhesive, elastic and free of kerosene,
coal, tar, creosote and other substances harmful to plants.
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2.15 TRUNK PROTECTION
A. Provide mowing/weed whip plastic protectors of uniform neutral colour to fit all new
palms/trees in lawn areas throughout the project site.
B. Product:
1. Century Tree Guards or equal approved
2. Aborguard or equal approved
2.16 SOIL SEPERATOR MEMBRANE/ GEOTEXTILE FABRIC
A. Non woven, geosynthetic, continuous fibre isotropic felt 70% polypropylene 30%
polyethylene, weight 125g/m², thickness 1.0mm, with good permeability to water, pore
size 150µm, resistant to all naturally occurring soil acidities and resistant to tearing
and stress. To be laid with min. 300mm overlaps at junctions/joints.
B. Product:
1. Terram 1000 or equal approved,
2.17 DRAINAGE LAYER
A. VERSICELL: A lightweight, high strength, interlocking module that provides effective

subsoil drainage for planters. It is installed directly onto the waterproofing membrane,
and covered with a geotextile filter fabric, before adding the soil media and planting.
Refer to manufacturer’s detail for installation.
1. Module Size:
2. Versicell 500 500mm (L) x 500mm (W) x 30mm (H)
3. Weight <3kg/m2
4. Material: Polypropylene
5. Storage Capacity: 30l/ m2
6. Compressive strength:>1000 kgn/ m2 (100 ton/ m2)
7. Discharge capacity: >16.5l/m.s at 1%gradient
8. Compatibiliy with plasticised PVC: Yes
9. Biological/Chemical Resistance: Unaffected by moulds and algae, soil
borne chemicals, bacteria and bitumen.
B. Product
1. Versicell or equal approved,
2.19 DRAINAGE GRAVEL
A. Specification: Drainage gravel shall be rounded rock ranging in size between 10 –

15mm in diameter.
B. Usage Gravel shall be laid in an even layer of 20cm at the bottom of all planting pits I
beds on all offshore projects, areas with drainage problems and planters on slab. The
gravel layer shall be wrapped in non-woven geotextile membrane.
END OF PART 2 - PRODUCTS
PART 3 – EXECUTION
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3.1 HANDLING AND TRANSPORTATION OF PLANTS
A. Plant material shall be lifted or moved in such a manner that the roots are not disturbed.
Plant material shall be lifted or moved by holding the container and not the above
ground portion of the plant.
B. Root systems of all plants shall not be allowed to dry out at any time and shall not be
exposed to excessive or artificial heat or to freezing temperatures.
C. During transportation all plants shall be packed adequately to ensure protection for
climatic or physical injuries. Tarpaulins or other covers shall be placed over plants
when they are transported by trucks or in open freight cars. All plants shall be treated
with anti-desiccant prior to transportation.
3.3 ACCLIMITISATION AND STORAGE
A. All plant materials shall be delivered to site for acclimatisation within the first six months
of the Plants shall be kept at the site nursery, in shaded areas until planted. Plant
material shall be protected from wind exposure, and direct sunlight, and shall be
watered correctly.
B. All imported plant materials shall be delivered to site nursery for acclimatization within the
first six months of the contract period, unless approved otherwise by the Consultant, and
protected against drying at all times.
C. Palm trees shall be planted directly on arrival on site. If palms have to be held for longer
than twenty four hours before planting they should be 'heeled-in' in trenches which are
kept moist at all times
D. Soil compost, fertilizers and other products shall be delivered to the site nursery, and
stored in appropriate locations to avoid contamination, and wetting until the soil mixing
operations.
3.4 PLANTING TIMING
A. Planting shall take place before 1000 hours and after 1630 hours but can be carried out at
other times if approval is given by the Consultant.
B. Prior to planting all grading and ripping, paving, laying of services and other building work
shall be complete, the irrigation system shall, wherever possible, be operational and soil
brought to field capacity and all areas to be planted shall have been soiled and allowed
to settle over a period of one month.
3.5 PLANTING MEDIUM
A. Specified soil additives shall be mixed with sweet soil at the rates specified. The soil
shall be mixed mechanically by an approved method to create a homogeneous mixture.
Application rates for ameliorants shall be checked and approved by the Consultant prior
to mixing each batch.
B. Compost shall be provided at the following rates:
 tree pit 1 bag per pit
 shrub pit ½ bag per pit
 grass/ground cover bed ½ bag per m²
 vine pit ½ bag per pit
 shrub bed 1 bag per m²
 bedding plants 1 bag per m²
1 bag shall contain 25kg of compost
C. General fertilizer shall be provided at the following rates:
 tree pit 100 g per pit
 shrub pit 50 g per pit
 shrub beds 100 g per m2
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 grass/ground cover bed 100 g per m2

 bedding plants 100 g per m2
D. Slow release fertiliser tablets shall be provided at the following rates:

 trees 1 tablet of 21g for every 10mm of trunk diameter
 shrubs 1 tablet of 21g for every 300mm of height
E. Rates mentioned in this clause are for the first application prior to planting only. Further
applications before and during the maintenance period shall be done in accordance with
the Consultants instructions to be given on site.
F. Size of planting pit shall be as follows:
 tree 1.5mx1.5mx1.5m
 large shrubs 1.0mx1.0mx1.0m
 shrubs/grasses/succulents 0.5m depth
 groundcovers & bedding plants 0.3m depth
 palms 3m hight

3.6 PLANTING
A. Planting Sequence: The sequence of planting shall be as follows:

1. Grade soil as specified.
2. Stake out the outline of planting areas and individual tree and shrub locations for
approval by the Consultant.
3. Excavate planting areas and individual pits to the sizes specified. Excavated sub-soil
shall be removed from site and shall not be mixed with the planting medium or used to
form berms around the plants.
4. Fill planting pit with irrigation water and ensure the water can drain away. In case of poor
drainage a percolation test shall be carried out and drainage holes augered if required.
5. Backfill pit/beds, after having been tested for drainage with approved planting medium in
layers not exceeding 300mm and water compact. Allow for compaction/subsidence by
overfilling by 100mm. Once placed the growing medium shall be covered with plastic
sheeting and clearly marked to prevent disturbance until planting commences.
During backfilling place slow release fertiliser tablets 25-30cm deep. For trees the
tablets should be located approximately 1.0m from the trunk or adjacent to drip emitters.
6. Prior to planting tree stakes shall be driven into tree pits.
7. At the time of planting a hole shall be made into the pit/bed large enough to take the
plants root ball. The planting hole shall be thoroughly watered prior to planting.
8. Plants shall be carefully removed from containers. Plastic pots shall be split with a knife
and plants removed with all the soil intact around the roots. Care shall be taken not to
damage the roots or foliage of the plants. The plant shall be placed upright in the hole.
Care shall be taken to ensure that the collar line (line of contact between soil and stem)
is at the same level as the surrounding ground.
9. Fill around the plant with planting medium in layers of 150mm, each layer separately
firmed to eliminate all air pockets until final soil level is reached.
10. Trees shall be tied to the tree stakes with tree ties as specified. At least two pairs of ties
per tree shall be used but other ties shall be provided if necessary to keep the stem
straight. If a leader stake is required this shall be 20mm round softwood stake slotted
inside the tree tie loops.
11. A circular watering basin slightly larger than the planting hole shall be formed. During
and after planting the plants shall be thoroughly watered.
12. After planting the area surrounding the plant shall be restored to finished grade and
excess soils and rubbish disposed of properly.
13. Immediately after planting all plants are to be pruned in accordance with accepted
horticultural practices or as directed by the Consultant. Pruning shall consist of
carefully cutting back any damaged, dead or diseased branches and the removal of any
weak or malformed growth, with the aim of forming each type of stock to the standard
Page 14 of 16
Damascus, Syria
shape for its species. All pruning cuts greater than 20mm shall be treated with a
pruning paint as specified.
14. An aluminium label clearly marked with the Latin name shall be attached to or adjacent
to every tenth tree, every twelfth shrub and every fifteenth ground cover.
15. Check all plants one week after planting for signs of windshake and loosening due to soil
subsidence; firm and make good as necessary.
16. The Contractor shall not add compost and fertilizer to palm pits at the time of planting
and until so instructed by the Consultant.
B. Percolation test procedure:

1. One day prior to the test the pit/bed shall be filled with water.
2. A marker bar is placed in the pit/bed before the test is performed
3. The pit/bed is half filled with water and the level is indicated with tape on the marker bar.
4. The test is monitored over a period of one hour. If the water level drops by 20mm or more
within that time the pit/bed passes.
5. If a pit/bed fails the percolation test, boreholes shall be augered (2 no/tree pit or 10m
spacings in planting beds).
6. Tests should be repeated at each 5m depth of borehole until the test is passed.
7. After augering the boreholes shall be capped with wire gauze.
8. Percolation tests shall be carried out at a rate of 1 test per 50 plants. The Consultant may
instruct additional tests on an exploratory basis in the event of unsatisfactory percolation
being evident.
END OF PART 3 – EXECUTION
END OF SECTION 02 93 00 – EXTERIOR PLANTING
Page 15 of 16

Volume Ii: Specifications (Exterior Planting) : Issue: FINAL, 14th FEB 2013

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Volume Ii: Specifications (Exterior Planting) : Issue: FINAL, 14th FEB 2013

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(2b+G+7) 8th Gate Financial District Buildings FD1&FD2

Issue: FINAL, 14th FEB 2013