Specifications include, but are not limited to: Turf Maintenance: a) Turf Mowing, Trimming, and Edging: All turf shall be mowed to maintain a uniform height of no more than 2-1/2 inches. Turf shall be mowed one time per week between March 1 and October 31 of each calendar year. Between November 1 and February 28 of the following calendar year, turf shall be mowed one time every other week. Any changes in schedule due to weather conditions or equipment operation must be pre-approved by the Contract Manager. Mowing shall be done only by properly adjusted mowing equipment with sharp cutting edges. The contractor shall use walk-behind mowers for all mowing of turf unless otherwise specified or approved. Bruising or rough cutting the grass will not be permitted. Contractor shall remove all paper, rubbish or debris from each lawn area prior to mowing. All grass clippings shall be picked up and removed from site. Grass clippings and leaves shall be cleaned out of gutters and shall not at any time be blown on to streets or sidewalks. All turf shall be mechanically edged along the entire perimeter. Turf shall be edged on the same schedule as mowing; weekly March 1-October 31, bi-weekly November 1-February 28. Trimming around irrigation heads shall be done as necessary to provide proper water coverage and head operation. String edgers may be used as needed around poles, against soundwalls, and around controller enclosures, vaults, etc. Tree wells in lawn areas shall have a minimum 18-inch radius from tree trunk, clear and void of turf and weeds. Chemical sprays or string edgers may be used, but care shall be taken not to damage tree trunks or exposed roots. Damage to trees from trimming activities may result in Contractor replacing the tree at Contractor’s expense. b) Turf Fertilization: Contractor shall provide all materials, equipment, and labor to implement and maintain a turf fertilization program. Contractor shall apply fertilizer as necessary to maintain green and healthy turf at all times. Contractor shall determine the schedule, application rates and appropriate percentages of nitrogen, potash and phosphoric acid to maintain green and healthy turf at all times. Contractor shall also apply a pre-emergent in the Spring and Fall to prevent all weeds in the turf, including but not limited to, crabgrass and poa annua. No ammonium nitrate of like fertilizers shall be used at any time. All fertilizer products landing on any hardscape surface shall be removed immediately. Contractor shall adjust irrigation schedules in accordance with manufacturer specification to achieve maximum benefits from application of fertilizers and weed control products. An annual turf fertilization plan shall be included in the Draft/Initial Schedule of Duties as required in Section 5.8. Contractor shall maintain detailed records of the turf fertilization program for inspection by City staff upon request, including all dates, locations, products used and application rates
