1. The diameter of all planting excavation shall be at least 2/3 greater than the ball diameter. Topsoil meeting the requirements of Section “A” shall be provided at a minimum depth of 3” and maximum of 6” below the ball or root system. Soil beneath the roots must be tamped prior to installation to prevent air pockets and settling. 2. Plants shall be planted at the same finish depth as previously grown. 3. Prior to planting, all damaged branches shall be removed by pruning. All nursery tags shall also be removed. 4. All plastic material (including synthetic burlap), string, and containers shall be removed at the time of planting. Plastic liners of container grown trees must be completely removed. Wire baskets must be removed to the bottom 1/3 of root ball. Burlap and rope must also be removed to the bottom 1/3 of root ball. 5. After balled and burlapped plants are set at the proper level in the holes all cord and burlap shall be untied from the trunk base. All plants shall be backfilled with topsoil which meets the requirements of Section “A”. All plants shall be thoroughly watered at the time of planting from the bottom up and additional topsoil placed as the topsoil settles to prevent air pockets and settling. 6. No container grown material shall be accepted if it is rootbound. The container material shall be vertically cut to a depth of 1” in three-places and removed from the upper 1/3 of root ball. 7. All trees planted shall have a topsoil ring created at the outside edge of the root ball and the ring shall be no less than 6” above the surrounding soil line or natural grade. 8. All trees being planted must be 2 ½ - 3 inches in caliper. Note: No “Gator Bags” are required as part of this bid.
