Specifications include, but are not limited to: A. This work shall include all equipment, labor, materials, services, and supplies to sustain and maintain in an attractive, healthy, and safe condition all ground covers, lawns, trees, and all other plants. It shall also include the proper clean-up and off-site disposal of all clippings, debris, prunings, etc., generated in the process. All work shall be in full compliance with procedures and techniques as described and outlined in the specifications. Paved surfaces should be kept clean.; B. Contractor shall furnish all necessary equipment, including blowers, edgers, hedge trimmers, lawn mowers, pruning tools, vacuums, etc., needed for the WEEKLY performance of the work on the contract. Such equipment shall be of the size and type customarily used in work of this kind and shall meet the approval of the state’s representative.; C. Contractor shall furnish all supplies and materials necessary for the performance of the work of this contract unless otherwise specified herein. Contractor shall submit to the state a list giving the name of the manufacturer, brand name, Chemical Material Safety Data Sheets and intended use of each of the materials that he/she proposes to use in the performance of the work. He/she shall not use any chemical which the state representative has not approved.; A. SHRUBS AND TREES: All shrubs and trees shall receive no less than the following: 1) Eliminate all bracing and tree supports as rapidly as plants can become self supporting. This will generally require thinning the tree to prevent wind damage. Tree supports that must remain should be checked regularly and if needed, braces or supports shall be repositioned as often as necessary to prevent damage to the shrub or tree.; 2) Side shoots or branches must be "headed back" but are to be left on and encouraged on all thin or spindly tree trunks and on all trees still needing bracing or staking.; 3) Sucker growth on all plant materials at or below soil level shall be removed.; B. GROUND COVER MAINTENANCE: 1) Ground cover (Ivy, Hypericum, etc.) shall receive irrigation of an amount sufficient to ensure healthy, deep-rooted plants. Contractor is responsible for ensuring the correct soil conditions are maintained for each plant covered under this Contract in order to promote optimum growth and a healthy environment for the species of plant. This may require addition of gypsum, humus, mulch, soil amendments, sulphur, etc., which will be provided by Contractor at no additional cost to the state.; 2) Ground covers shall always be kept grass and weed free.; 3) Ground covers will be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, once in May, July and September. Application rate will be calculated according to manufacturer’s specifications. Immediately following fertilization, the ground cover shall be thoroughly watered to prevent fertilizer burn.; C. IRRIGATION SYSTEM AND WATERING: 1) Once the Contract has been executed, Contractor shall inspect all systems for damage or incorrect operation. Contractor will be responsible for making adjustments and setting automatic controllers to establish frequency and length of watering periods. During the Contract period watering cycles shall adhere to the water purveyor's restrictions. Entrances shall not be wet during the arrival and departure of occupant employees. Sprinkler system shall not be operated when extremely windy conditions prevail. Water cycles shall be timed to prevent run-off of excess water. It is desirable to cycle the system two (2) to three (3) times during a watering period to prevent run-off. Watering shall not take place within seventy-two (72) hours of measurable rain. The Contractor will repair or replace irrigation system equipment damaged as a result of Contractor's operations at Contractor's expense.; 2) Sprinkler heads shall be adjusted, cleaned, and maintained at a proper height. Sprinkler head nozzles shall be clean so water is distributed evenly. Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all ground covers, lawn, shrubs, and trees are adequately watered in accordance with local water purveyor’s schedules. During times of drought, lawns are not be watered outside the water district water schedule; however, trees must be maintained.
