Specifications include, but are not limited to: 3.3.1 Turf Maintenance: All debris shall be removed prior to cutting that would detract from the finished appearance of the cut or that would present a hazard. All turf areas shall be mowed each visit for service to an approximate mowing height of 2 1/2 inches as required to maintain neat, attractive, and healthy conditions. All mowing equipment shall have sharp cutting edges for clean cuts. Grass cutting is to be accomplished free of scalping. Use of cutting equipment which is out of adjustment; thereby causing streaks or irregularities, uneven cutting, plowing, or gouging of soil shall not be permitted. After mowing, the grass shall have a uniform height. Grass clippings shall uniformly be distributed over the mowed area. Excess and visible grass clippings shall be removed to prevent matting, clumping, or piling up. The final mowing/raking pattern shall present a neat appearance. Grass areas close or adjacent to buildings, hydrants, parking lots, manholes, fences, trees, hedge/shrubs, holding ponds, etc. are included in the mowing requirements. Edging/trimming around these objects shall be accomplished to match the height and appearance of surrounding mowed grass. Trees and shrubs which are damaged by mowing operations will be the responsibility of the Contractor shall replacements be required, at no expense to the City. The trimming/edging operation shall be considered part of grass cutting and shall be accomplished concurrently (same day) with grass cutting operations. Grass cutting will not be considered complete until all trimming/edging operations are complete. 3.3.2 Edging: All turf adjacent to walkways, driveways, curbs, trees, shrubs, and other landscape beds shall be power edged periodically to assure a crisp, clean edge. No chemical defoliants or herbicides (i.e.., “Round Up”) will be used as an “edger” in these areas. 3.3.3 Weeding: All landscaped areas and all concrete and rock areas shall be kept weed free by hand pulling and/or weed eating. The Contractor shall not spray any herbicides on any city property unless approved by the city designee in writing. Contractor assumes the responsibility of meaning the proper license as required by the state of Florida for chemicals. 3.3.4 Pruning: Deep but selective pruning and hard cutbacks will be performed on small trees (under 15 ft), vines and shrubs shall be pruned during winter month for corrective and restorative purposes to promote natural, healthy, uniform growth. Shrubs shall not be clipped into boxed or bald forms unless such is required by the landscape design. All shrubs and trees will need to be trimmed so that they do not grow into the fence. Clippings will be removed, and beds left neat and orderly. 3.3.5 Blowing/Sweeping: Parking areas, rock beds, driveways, sidewalks, and street curbs shall be blown or swept free of grass clippings, leaves, and dirt after each mowing visit. The grass clippings are not to be blown into city streets, paved, rocked parking lots nor driveways.
