Specifications include, but are not limited to: •Mowing- A mulching mower may be used. However, if a mulching mower is not used, a bagging mower must be used. The mower blades shall be set at the recommended height for type of turf (for example: 1-1/2”-2-1/2” for Flora tam and 2-1/2” for Bahia and St. Augustine). Turf shall be maintained at a height of 2 -1/2” at all times. The mower blades will be sharpened and remain sharpened throughout the contract period. The mowing equipment will be cleaned of all seeds and grass clippings prior to mowing. The blades of grass shall be cut evenly, leaving no ragged edges. The contractor shall provide containers and will be responsible for the proper disposal of all grass clippings. The mowing will be as follows: Once a week, April 1 through October 31 Twice per month from November 1 through March 31 As otherwise directed by the ATC Facility Coordinator Clippings may be left on the turf unless they are dense enough to cause yellowing on the turf surface. If so, they will be raked up and removed. Clippings will be cleaned from the walks, stoops, patios, porches, parking lots, streets and any other non-turf surface after each mowing. •Weeding- Weeding shall be on the same schedule as mowing. All weeds and plant material not part of the original planting plan and gutter line shall be removed, including its root system. The use of weed killers and weed retardant mulch or bark shall be approved by ATC’s Facilities Coordinator prior to use Use of “specific” weed killers shall be carried out only as absolutely necessary and when approved by ATC’s Facilities Coordinator prior to use. •Pruning- Shrubs shall be pruned four (4) times per year to maintain a neat appearance. All plants shall be kept in their natural shape. Aesthetic pruning to be done as specified, with pruning for safety hazards done as required. No plants shall be pruned into rounded artificial mounds. All pruning is done so that shrubs continually maintain a manicured look. Removal of dead or yellowing branches as needed is required. •Edging- All turf areas shall be edged along the curb line, walkways, planting areas, and a two-foot diameter around trees. No encroachment of grass on walkways or into planning beds will be allowed. All grass must be cleaned up. All planting beds and areas shall be kept to their original design shape. •Aerating- Lawns are to be aerated once annually, when specified by ATC’s Facilities Coordinator •Litter Pick-up- The contractor shall pick up and remove all trash, paper, glass, debris, and other litter from the areas prior to mowing. The contractor will provide containers and will be responsible for the proper disposal of litter.