2.1. Mowing Service 2.1.1. Lawns shall be mowed at the appropriate height to keep a neat appearance. The appropriate height is three (3) to four (4) inches above root. Considering topography, the Contractor is required to use the proper mowing equipment to provide a high-quality cut and minimize the occurrence of unnecessary scalping due to uneven terrain. All grassy areas will be mowed at a minimum of once weekly during the period of May 1st through October 31st. All grassy areas will be mowed at a minimum of once bi-weekly during the period of November 1st through April 30th. 2.1.2. Excessive clippings are to be collected and removed from the job site at the end of each mowing. Clippings and debris on non-lawn areas are to be cleared at the end of each mowing. The use of bagging attachments is required. 2.1.3. The Contractor will maintain retention basins per the requirements of the facility. The Contractor should include the cost of maintaining any retention basin areas in the basic services annual pricing. If applicable to the Facility, the retention basin should be mowed at the same frequency as the remainder of the property (see Section 2.8.2). The maintenance of the retention basin must meet local code enforcement guidelines and ordinances. 2.2. Trimming and Edging Service 2.2.1. Permanent fixtures in the lawn areas are to be trimmed with weed-eaters to avoid unsightly growth at the base. Care is to be taken at all times when operating around fixtures to prevent damage. 2.2.2. Edging and trimming along walks, bed edges, and tree wells shall be done to keep a neat appearance. All hard edges shall be mechanically edged every mowing to maintain definition of the edges. 2.2.3. Turf along curbs and sidewalks that cannot be addressed with routine edging operations due to broken curbs or uneven borders are to be treated chemically or physically removed with a spade. 2.2.4. Edging that cannot be addressed during regular visits, due to vehicles or other obstructions, should be discussed with the Facility Manager to achieve a solution. 2.2.5. Ornamental flowering trees are to be pruned at the proper time of year to encourage maximum flower production. 2.2.6. Groundcover shall be kept trimmed within curbs and along walkways. Groundcover shall not be allowed to grow into or through shrubs or other plantings. Tree branches must be thinned and elevated as needed. This applies to tree branches, limbs, and palm fronds fifteen (15) feet or less from the ground. 2.2.7. Deep but selective pruning and hard cutbacks will be performed on plant material during winter months for corrective and restorative purposes, if applicable to the climate. The Facility Manager shall be informed before any drastic cutbacks are performed.
