Specifications include, but are not limited to: Ongoing grounds Maintenance and Lawn Mowing Service: Contractor shall ensure that the grounds are uniformly well maintained on an ongoing basis, during the Spring and Fall cleanup, as applicable, to the Client Agency’s satisfaction. Unless otherwise directed by the Client Agency, Contractor shall: Monitor the Facility and remove all refuse, sticks, broken branches and dead plant material prior to performing Landscaping Services. String trim and maintain clean edges around sidewalks, planting beds, curbs, light poles, hydrants, dumpster areas, areas along all building foundations, fences, signs, parking areas, walkways, monuments, trees and other areas as directed by the Client Agency. Blow off and remove all debris from all walkways, patios, paths, entrances and exits. Cut back any plant material growing into walkways, patios, entrances, exits and paths. Hand weed planting areas as needed. Dead-head perennial flowers and cut back all dry leaves. Collect and dispose of clippings, or use a mulching mower, casting clippings evenly on the lawn surface. Remove all un-mulched clippings and excess turf clumping and debris. Not deposit clippings onto the sides of buildings, dumpsters and compactors, walkways, stairways, roadways, driveways, signage, equipment, or vehicles. Lawn mowers must be used as to direct clippings away from such areas. Remove leaf, sand, and other debris from the Facility, including, but not limited to, turf, plant beds, tops of catch basins and other drains as directed by the Client Agency at the end of each workday and dispose of such debris offsite in a lawful manner. In no event shall Contractor place the foregoing in Client Agency’s dumpster or compactor. Contact the utility company for underground utility locations at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of commencing any Landscaping Services requiring digging or excavation or both at the Facility. The Client Agency may request proof of the Contractor’s compliance with this requirement. Contractor shall not dig or excavate or both until the utility company has identified the location of underground utilities. Mow all Facility areas as designated by the Client Agency at an approximate height of three (3) inches, unless otherwise specified by the Client Agency, for the type of grass and season, and in a uniformly cut pattern to ensure a well-manicured appearance. Adjust the height of blades to accommodate weather and growing conditions. String trim around all mowing obstacles. Spring Clean-Up: Unless otherwise directed by the Client Agency, Contractor shall: Remove leaf, sand, all winter damage and broken and dead branches from trees and shrubs, and any other debris from the Facility, including all walkways, parking areas, perimeter fence areas, gutters, the top of catch basins, building entrances and exits and other areas as directed by the Client Agency. Contractor shall dispose of the foregoing offsite in a lawful and safe manner. Remove all winter debris, branches, sticks, leaves, and refuse accumulated over the winter season in all outside areas of the Facility. Remove all weeds by the roots from all plant beds. Machine edge all sidewalks, landscape beds and hardscapes. Fall Clean-Up: Unless otherwise directed by the Client Agency, Contractor shall: Clean and remove all leaf debris, twigs, branches and litter from, including, but not limited to, planting beds, stone walkways and perimeter fence area and other areas as directed by the Client Agency. Contractor shall dispose of the foregoing offsite in a lawful and safe manner. Cut back dead flowers and leaves. Rake, blow or sweep all areas to remove fallen leaf debris. Pruning: Prune and shape late flowering shrubs and shape all ornamental trees, remove suckers, raise level and lightly shape. Prune and shape lawn and foundation shrubs, dormant ornamental trees. Remove crossing branches and suckers, thin interior, and shape exterior. Cut back any shrubs impeding on walkways and any plants to maintain an “air space” between the plants and the buildings, if applicable. Branches must not hang lower than twelve (12) feet over walkway(s) and driveway(s).
