Specifications include, but are not limited to: Random Clearing This work consists of clearing, removing and disposing of all vegetation and debris in areas within the R/W as specified, except such objects as are designated by the Engineer to remain or to be removed in accordance with the Plans or other sections of the Specifications. Vegetation and debris includes: trees, shrubs, vines, logs, limbs, mulch piles and all other debris associated with random clearing. Random clearing may be done by any method provided that the ground disturbance is minimal and no damage is done to property, structures, trees, or shrubbery to be retained, in or outside the R/W boundaries. Remove all trees, brush, stumps and roots projecting through or appearing on the surface of the ground by cutting or grinding flush with the surrounding ground surface. No grubbing operations are allowed. The Engineer will designate any trees, shrubs, plants, and other objects within the clearing limits specified that are to remain and be preserved. Preserve all concrete ditches and flumes, drainage structures and headwalls, sound barriers, utility lines and poles, fences, signs, R/W markers and other permanent R/W structures. The Engineer may specify that additional damaged, diseased, or deformed trees outside of the clearing limits be removed. Logging operations for marketable timber is permissible when performing random clearing only in such a manner as not to interfere with the safety of the traveling public or personnel involved with the work. Trees outside the limits of clearing shall have all tree branches that extend within the limits of clearing area removed back to the branch bark ridge at the tree trunk to the top of the tree. Invasive plant species that are within the clearing limits shall be removed from the R/W that does not allow propagation or re-growth of the plant(s). Do not grind or chip invasive plant species. Herbicide Applications Upon completion of final cut at ground level on all non-invasive hardwood species, apply a cut stump treatment herbicide approved for use by the Engineer to prevent re-growth. Apply herbicides at labeled rates and treatment recommendations immediately after final cut is performed. Apply herbicide using a blue dye additive. No additional compensation will be paid for this treatment. Apply herbicide treatments to invasive plant species as follows: Woody Types: Upon completion of final cut at ground level on all invasive woody species, apply a cut stump treatment herbicide with blue dye additive approved for use by the Engineer to prevent re-growth. Apply herbicides at labeled rates and treatment recommendations immediately after final cut is performed. Vines: Spray invasive vines during the growing season with a herbicide that is labeled to control the specific vine approved for use by the Engineer. Apply herbicide at labeled rates and treatment recommendations. Spray foliage that is within 4 feet of the ground. No foliar spray shall be above 4 foot high. Cut vines that extend above 4 feet and treat as woody plants. Spray invasive grasses and weeds during the growing season with a herbicide that is labeled to control the specific grass or weed approved for use by the Engineer. Apply herbicide at labeled rates and treatment recommendations. Side Trimming This work consists of side trimming of the tree branches that are encroaching or are a threat to encroach from the sides of the R/W onto the travel ways. The work may range from the systematic pruning of every tree along the R/W to the selective pruning of individual trees which encroach. All tree branches encroaching on the travel ways will be removed to the vertical line of the specified R/W limits or as directed by the Engineer. Side trimming will be performed from the lowest branches to the highest branches along the vertical line of the R/W trees or at the Engineer’s discretion. Trees that are leaning over the vertical line that are greater than 8 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) must be cut at ground level. Dead, diseased or dying trees within the R/W limits must be cut at ground level. All side trimming will be performed by equipment designed to make a clean branch cut. Special care should be taken when side trimming is performed adjacent to utility lines, poles and other structures as specified in Section 10 Utility Conflicts. Topping of trees is not allowed. If topping occurs, you must remove the entire tree.