. SPECIFICATIONS A. SHRUBS AND TREES All shrubs and trees shall receive no less than the following: 1) Eliminate all bracing and tree supports as rapidly as plants can become self supporting. This will generally require thinning the tree to prevent wind damage. Tree supports that must remain should be checked regularly and if needed, braces or supports shall be repositioned as often as necessary to prevent damage to the shrub or tree. 2) Side shoots or branches must be "headed back" but are to be left on and encouraged on all thin or spindly tree trunks and on all trees still needing bracing or staking. 3) Sucker growth on all plant materials at or below soil level shall be removed. 4) Pruning shall be provided to encourage a healthy, natural growth pattern of each variety of shrub, tree, or vine. All pruning shall be accomplished in accordance with accepted industry practices and standards. Pruning shall be done to keep plants clear of doorways and windows. Trees will be pruned, topped, or trimmed as directed by the state. Trees shall be pruned by an experienced, qualified tree trimmer. All normal safety devices and equipment shall be used. Contractor may subcontract with a tree trimming firm or hire a tree trimmer and any cost associated with this task shall be included in the rate. 5) Planting not in lawn area shall be deep-soaked at least once a month during the growing or irrigation season, and once in the late fall, unless adequate deep water-penetration is being achieved through normal irrigation. B. GROUND COVER MAINTENANCE 1) Ground cover (Ivy, Hypericum, etc.) shall receive irrigation of an amount sufficient to ensure healthy, deep-rooted plants. Contractor is responsible for ensuring the correct soil conditions are maintained for each plant covered under this Contract in order to promote optimum growth and a healthy environment for the species of plant. This may require addition of gypsum, humus, mulch, soil amendments, sulphur, etc., which will be provided by Contractor at no additional cost to the state. 2) Ground covers shall always be kept grass and weed free. 3) Ground covers will be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, once in May, July and September. Application rate will be calculated according to manufacturer’s specifications. Immediately following fertilization, the ground cover shall be thoroughly watered to prevent fertilizer burn. 4) Ground covers will be edged, mowed, thinned, and trimmed as necessary, generally in early spring. Ground cover must be attractive at all times. C. IRRIGATION SYSTEM AND WATERING 1) Once the Contract has been executed, Contractor shall inspect all systems for damage or incorrect operation. Contractor will be responsible for making adjustments and setting automatic controllers to establish frequency and length of watering periods. During the Contract period watering cycles shall adhere to the water purveyor's restrictions. Entrances shall not be wet during the arrival and departure of occupant employees. Sprinkler system shall not be operated when extremely windy conditions prevail. Water cycles shall be timed to prevent run-off of excess water. It is desirable to cycle the system two (2) to three (3) times during a watering period to prevent run-off. Watering shall not take place within seventy-two (72) hours of measurable rain. The Contractor will repair or replace irrigation system equipment damaged as a result of Contractor's operations at Contractor's expense.
