Mowing/Line Trimming This work includes mowing, line trimming and edging areas within the limits of the Project Area according to this Service Agreement and the Engineer. Mowing Visually inspect the lawn areas a minimum of once a week for leaves, debris litter and trash. Remove any leaves, debris, litter and trash from the lawn areas minimum of once a week and/or prior to each mowing. Maintain turf height at a height ranging from three (3) inches to four (4) inches Prior to mowing, remove all objects that could become a hazard if struck by mowers such as litter, debris, trash bags, large cardboard boxes, mattresses, pillows, tires and recap pieces, pine cones, etc. Sweep or blow pavement areas after each mowing. Mowing areas that are saturated with water or where standing water is present, is prohibited. Mowing operations are prohibited when conditions are such that turf damage would occur or tire ruts will be left. (See line Trimming) Chemical control of turf is prohibited. Contact the Engineer and receive department approval prior to performing any chemical control of weeds. Slope Mowing Performing slope mowing in areas not accessible with conventional mowing equipment such as beyond concrete ditch paving, slopes greater than 3:1, wet areas, bridge end rolls, behind guardrail, etc. In lieu of slope mowers, blade or string-type trimming equipment is acceptable for use. Miscellaneous Mowing Requirements Mow along the highway right of way in the direction of traffic Mow vegetation, behind the guardrails on slopes steeper than 3:1, to a minimum width of fifteen (15) feet behind the guardrail. Hand weed landscaped areas behind guardrail. Perform all handwork required to effectuate an efficient mowing operation. The Engineer shall have the right to identify for the Contractor those areas where handwork shall be required. Take the necessary precautions to prevent any debris (including grass clippings) from being thrown onto paved surfaces or into shrub beds by the mowing equipment or the Contractor’s personnel. See “Limitations of Operations” for re-scheduling uncompleted mowing tasks. Line Trimming Perform line trimming in a manner that cuts grass blades approximately the same height as the mowing standard three (3) to four (4) inches. Line trim vegetation to the limits maintained by the Department and around existing objects located within the Project Area. This includes all areas inaccessible by mechanical mowers. Trim vegetation around landscaped areas/wildflower areas without damaging plant materials. Do not damage the base of trees, shrubs or other site features. Replace all affected vegetation with like type and size material. Mow using hand held string or blade type trimmers when an area is too wet and otherwise inaccessible for conventional type mowing equipment such as mowing behind guardrails, ditches, etc., or if access by such equipment would cause damage to turf. Edging Operations Perform edging around pavement areas, (curbs, ornamental landscape/vegetation masses, single tree areas and wherever it is necessary to contain mulch or define a clean turf or planting bed edge), a minimum of twice a month when the grass is actively growing. Properly maintain edging equipment at all times being sure to keep blades sharp. Sidewalks and Curbs Upon completion of the edging operations, the turf edge will measure approximately 1/8 inch from the edge of pavement with a minimum depth of three (3) inches. Trenches Maintain a four (4) inch deep trenched boundary between turf areas and ornamental landscape beds and tree mulch rings to provide a clean delineation of mulch beds. The trench edge shall create a clean separation between areas and shall define smooth, even and continuous lines. Beds lines shall conform to the original design. Any soil removed with the turf will be returned to the bed. Weeding (Including Exotic Invasive Pest Plant Removal) Maintain the Project Area free of weeds, exotic invasive pest plants, undesired vegetation and other noxious weeds. Inspect the Project Area each week and completely remove all weeds by hand pulling or approved herbicide. In mulched beds, hand pull all weeds at least once per week to maintain beds free of weeds. (Hand weeding shall consist of furnishing all labor for removing and disposing of all undesirable vegetation and exotic plant species from the mulched area). In turf areas, remove weeds by hand pulling or approved herbicide. Do not perform line trimming on weeds unless herbicides have been applied a minimum of one week prior to the line trimming activities. In mowable natural areas, remove weeds by hand pulling of approved herbicide. No more than five (5) percent weed coverage or weeds above five (5) inches in height are acceptable at any time. Each work day, properly dispose of all weeds, exotic plants, clippings and debris generated by this activity.
