A. LITTER PICKUP: Prior to mowing or trimming, the Contractor shall pick up litter that is within the area being mowed or trimmed. In the event that the Engineer finds the litter pickup is not acceptable, the Engineer shall shut down mowing operations until the Contractor has removed the litter. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing trash bags and maintaining an accurate record of the number of bags of litter picked up per route. These records shall be available to the Engineer upon request. The Administration will provide a location for disposing of trash bags. In the event the Contractor locates large debris such as a sofa, mattress, appliance, etc. or animal carcasses, the Contractor’s personnel shall notify the Engineer, and they will coordinate removal. This Contract is not intended for the removal of large debris or animal carcasses. B. MOWING: Grass shall be mowed to maintain a neat, trimmed appearance. The Contractor shall schedule to mow and trim all grass areas as outlined in the item/description. The Contractor shall coordinate and schedule all service visits with the MDOT SHA Contract Manager. The Contractor is required to contact the MDOT SHA Contract Manager (CM) on the afternoon before the schedule cut date to verify that a cut is needed and to assure access to the site. The frequency of mowing cycles shall be adjusted according to growth rate, as directed by the MDOT SHA. Mowing shall be initiated when grass height equals five (5) inches. Mowing shall be done carefully so as not to tear the bark off trees or shrubs, intrude into ground cover beds, or cause damage to any plants, flowers, curbs, or other structures. Should damage to any of the above listed occur, the Contractor will be held financially responsible for an MDOT SHA approved replacement or repair. Clippings shall be collected if clumping occurs. If clumping does not occur, clippings shall be allowed to mulch naturally. When mowing, clippings shall not be thrown onto paved areas, into tree rings, shrubs or perennial bed areas, buildings or vehicles. Grass clippings or debris caused by mowing will be removed from adjacent walks, drives, gutters and curbs or surfaces on the same day as mowed. Mowing will not be done when weather or conditions will result in damaged turf. Upon completion, a mowed area shall be free of clumped grass cuttings and tire tracks or ruts from mowing equipment. Grass shall be cut in a professional manner so as not to scalp turf or leave areas of uncut grass. C. TRIMMING: Grass shall be trimmed during, or as an immediate operation following mowing. Grass shall be trimmed at the same height as adjacent turf is mowed. Areas requiring trimming include, but are not limited to, the base around all trees, walls, poles, signposts, monuments, electrical boxes, tree rings, asphalt edges, plant beds, drains, flexposts, and all other objects as required by the MDOT SHA Contract Manager. Special care shall be given to trimming around small trees and shrub beds so as not to inflict damage to the bark of the trees and shrubs.
