INSECTICIDE SPECIFICATIONS The insecticide program shall maintain all turf free of insects which includes, but not limited to, mole crickets, army worms, sod web worms, fire ants, cutter ants, grubs, chinch bugs and other invasive damaging insects year-round. The Turf Action Schedule should figure in preventative applications as well as reactive applications. Insecticides will be figured into the base bid. HERBICIDE SPECIFICATIONS The herbicide program shall maintain designated parks weed free which includes, but not limited to, dollar weed, black medic, purslane, clover, button, chickweed and other invasive crop damaging weeds. The re-entry restriction or time interval is 24 hours from the time of application for all herbicides. A pre-emergent herbicide shall be applied for a minimum of two (2) times per year according to the label, however the first application shall be made no later than February 15 of each contract year. Post emergent applications should be proactive based on weekly inspection findings, preferably contractors would have an in-house applicator rather than subcontracting this service. Herbicide cost should be figured into the base bid. All chemicals must be applied by or supervised by a licensed applicator in accordance with label directions. DISEASE CONTROL SPECIFICATIONS The disease control program shall maintain turf that is free of diseases which includes, but is not limited to, brown patch, powdery mildew, St. Augustine decline, pythium fungus, root fungus and other crop damaging diseases. Preventative applications as well as reactive applications should be included in the base bid. TURF MECHANICS • Proper and necessary horticultural practices shall be used to achieve clean, green and safe turf given the high visibility of the turf and landscape at these parks. • All turf is to be litter, debris and hole free. Holes are defined as a depression where a community member may trip and are bare of grass. • All areas shall be overseeded one (1) time annually at a rate of 4lb/1,000sqft with Bermuda seed. The type of Bermuda seed shall be specified by the department. • All areas shall be overseeded with Perennial Rye which occurs one (1) time annually at a rate of 10 lb./1,000 sq. ft. PRUNING • Pruning of non-native, indigenous species shall create a uniformly dense plant. Selectively thin and tip back annually. Prune to enhance natural branching effect of plants. Do not change shape of shrubs by pruning. • The contractor shall prune regularly, as required. Remove dead wood and aesthetically balance the planting following basic horticultural practices. All suckers and undesired growth shall be removed immediately. Tree and shrub branches should be pruned a minimum of 3’ from all structures, buildings, light poles, AC units, fences, walkways, etc. • Broken or hanging limbs greater than 4’ or will impede pedestrian/vehicle passage shall be removed immediately. • Pruning of formal shrub planting is minimal and shall be completed on as needed to result in a smooth, manicured appearance, at no additional cost. • "Natural' areas are to remain in their natural native conditions with the exception of visibility and safety related pruning. Included in natural areas are those areas where selective trimming has been done to enhance view corridors and safety. Trimming of woody vegetation in parking lot, picnic areas, and play areas shall be conducted on an as needed basis to ensure limbs/foliage are at least eight feet high and two feet off of each side of the respective amenities. • Tree stakes will be maintained so as to achieve their intended purpose. Stakes shall be removed one year after the installation of a tree or shrubs, even if the tree/shrub was installed by another contractor. MULCHING • Non-colored Native Hardwood Mulch, at least double ground and aged, shall be applied at a rate of 3" depth at all tree wells, landscaped beds and other areas as required. Natural areas are not to be mulched. • Mulch shall be installed 4 inches to 6 inches away from on root flare or root collar of tree. “Volcano” mulch rings are not acceptable. • Mulch shall NOT be installed within 12 inches of any building. • Flower beds and shrub beds will be mulched two (2) times annually with non-colored hardwood at a depth of 3” The first mulch of the year shall be between January 1 and February 15 of each contract year. The second mulch of the year shall be between June 15 and July 3 of each contact year. All other parks shall be mulched once (1) annually, no later than March 15 of each contract year.
