All landscape maintenance and enhancement work performed for the University of Oklahoma shall meet the highest professional standards, using the current editions of the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) Guidelines as references for best practices, National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) offers nationally recognized best practices for landscape maintenance, enhancement, and sustainability. These standards are to be followed to ensure consistent, high-quality landscape services that align with both local environmental conditions and national professional expectations. Application of pesticides and herbicides in Oklahoma must comply with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF) regulations, as outlined in the Oklahoma Combined Pesticide Law and Rules. For detailed information, refer to the Oklahoma Combined Pesticide Law and Rules document available at the Oklahoma Agriculture website, Oklahoma Agriculture. Supplier is required to secure prior approval from the University before applying any pesticides, herbicides, or other chemical substances. Mowing including but not limited to: Hours of Operation and Frequency/Schedule: Contingent upon weather and season. Weekends and after-hours may be required. All turf areas shall be mowed no less than once every seven days in growing season (typically April through November). Additional mowing may be required depending on seasonal turf growth which will require collaboration with University Project Manager or designee. Mowing shall be performed only during daylight hours. For brush hogged areas, the mowed vegetation shall be uniform at 4-6 inches height. For fine mowed areas, the vegetation shall be uniform at 1 ½”- 2 ½” height. The Supplier shall mow only designated areas, mow close to fixed objects, and hand trim vegetation around fixed objects to a height of 1 ½ inches. All areas with curbs or sidewalks shall be edged with a power edger at the same frequency as mowing. Trimming shall be performed concurrently with mowing operations. Cut vegetation on hard surfaces must be removed or blown back into the turf area, avoiding drainage areas or roadways. The Supplier shall avoid mowing in wet conditions to prevent turf or rut damage. Any damage to university property from mowing operations must be repaired or replaced at no cost to the university. Removal and Disposal of Litter including but not limited to: Prior to each mowing cycle, the area to be mowed shall be cleaned of litter and hazardous objects. Litter includes garbage, debris, and refuse such as paper, plastic, bottles, glass, wood, tires, tire parts, metal, etc. All litter revealed by mowing operations must be picked up and removed within 48 hours. Waste, leaves, and debris must not accumulate in buildings or work areas. Salvageable material shall be piled separately for reuse. Landscaping, including but not limited to: Hours of Operation and Frequency/Schedule: Perform during daylight hours. Weekends and after-hours may be necessary. Mulching: Mulching is required twice each year; full replacement required once in the spring (completed before April 1) and refresh once in the fall (completed no later than the second Friday in December). All mulching operations shall comply with standard landscape maintenance practices. High-quality Cedar Grade-A mulch must be used. Leaf Collection: During fall and winter, leaf collection operations must be performed routinely and proactively. Additional staffing may be necessary to keep up with this requirement. Leaves must be collected, contained, and properly disposed of same day.
