Specifications include, but are not limited to: A. Pruning- as required, under direction of MSD Representative: 1. Prune deciduous trees and shrubs during the dormant season to enhance the natural growth and shape of the plant. Eliminate dead, diseased or damaged growth. Minimize hazards to public or private property and citizens by: a. Providing clearance at roadways and walkways for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. b. Remove limbs that visibly obstruct street signs. 2. Do not prune shrubs into ball shapes. Allow shrubs to spread naturally and form masses to prevent weed growth below the shrubs. 3. No shearing of the plants. Thin plants, if required, under direction of MSD’s Representative. 4. Prune, clean, and flush in accordance with accepted horticultural practices. Pruning must only be performed by trained personnel. Plant materials that are disfigured or damaged due to improper pruning or misapplication of herbicide shall be replaced by contractor at no additional cost to MSD. 5. Between November and March, non-woody plants (perennials) should be cut 4-6” above the ground surface and the material removed from the site and properly disposed. It is encouraged to leave the seed heads intact through the winter months for bird watching, seasonal interests and reseeding purposes. B. Weed and Pest Control: 1 MSD strongly encourages environmentally sensitive maintenance practices. The principals of Integrated Pest Management are preferred over strictly chemical applications. Use of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides must be approved in advance by the MSD representative. Spot application of postemergent herbicides is strongly encouraged. Blanket post-emergent herbicide application will not be allowed on these sites. Pre-emergent herbicides may help with weed control during the first growing season, but will hinder reseeding of desirable plants, so it is not recommended thereafter. Applications must be coordinated with MSD’s Representative. 2 Plantings may, at some time, require corrective insect and/or pest control. Maintain close inspection on each visit to ensure immediate identification of disease or insect infestation. Prune out damaged portions if possible and remove from site. An integrated Pest Management program is highly recommended. However, it is acknowledged that other control methods may be required. When necessary, and as approved by MSD’s Representative, apply the appropriate and least toxic pesticide in accordance with state and local regulations. Applications are to be corrective rather than preventative. 3 Spray only as required to control disease or insect infestation, and as necessary to break egg or spore cycle recurrence. 4 Materials and methods must be in accordance with state and local regulations. Restricted chemicals must be applied only by licensed applicators.