Specifications include, but are not limited to: A. SHRUBS AND TREES 1) Eliminate all bracing and tree supports as rapidly as plants can become selfsupporting. This will generally require thinning the tree to prevent wind damage. • Tree supports that must remain should be kept in good repair. Braces or supports shall be repositioned as often as necessary to prevent damage to the shrub or tree. 2) Irrigation basins within lawn areas should, as soon as possible, be filled and converted to “sand pans” (basins full of sandy soil) installed flush with lawn soil heights. • These facilitate mowing, protect the plant trunk from the mower and help to avoid over watering. Basins shall be grass, litter, and weed free at all times. Edge as required to maintain an attractive appearance. 3) All new trees and shrubs should be deep-soaked at least monthly during the first two (2) irrigation seasons, unless local soil and moisture conditions dictate otherwise for good growth. • Any new trees or shrubs must be drought tolerant type, indigenous to the area. 4) Side shoots or branches must be “headed back” but are to be left on and encouraged on all thin or spindly tree trucks and on all trees still needing bracing or staking. 5) Sucker growth on all plant materials at or below soil level shall be removed. 6) Pruning shall be provided to encourage a healthy, natural growth pattern of each variety of shrub, tree, or vine. Shrubs shall be pruned back from walls and other pavement by two (2) feet to allow the plant to grow out naturally and reduce the amount of pruning required. • All pruning shall be towards developing the natural branching structure. Thinning of branch growth shall be accomplished as needed to provide for free air circulation through the remaining limbs and branches. All pruning shall be accomplished in accordance with accepted industry practices and standards. Tree stakes, tree ties and guide wire shall be of material to match those existing on the site, and will be replaced or repaired by Contractor, as needed. Pruning shall be done to keep plants clear of doorways and windows. Trees will be pruned, topped, or trimmed as directed by the State. • To promote optimum safety for pedestrians and vehicular circulation, especially at intersections. Trees shall be pruned by an experienced, qualified tree trimmer. All normal safety devices and equipment shall be used. Contractor may subcontract with a tree trimming firm or hire a tree trimmer. • All branches or limbs touching structures shall be pruned up eight (8) feet back to a minimum of two (2) feet from the structure to provide clearance and free air circulation around the plant, and to allow the new foliage to grow out naturally. All trees shall be pruned up ten (10) feet. 7) Planting not in lawn area shall be deep soaked at least once a month during the growing or irrigation season, and once in late fall, unless adequate deep water penetration is being achieved through normal irrigation. B. DETHATCHING, AERATION, AND FERTILIZATION 1) Trees will be fertilized yearly on a schedule approved by the state. C. 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 insuring the correct soil conditions are maintained for each flower, grass, plant, shrub, tree, or plant covered under this Agreement, in order to promote optimum growth and a healthy environment for the species of plant. This may require addition of gypsum, humus, mulch, soil, soil amendments, Sulphur, etc., which will be provided by Contractor at no additional cost to the State. 2) Ground covers shall be kept grass and weed free at all times. 3) Ground covers will be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer approved by the State containing nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, once in May, July and September. • Application rate will calculated to supply ½ pound of available nitrogen per 1000 square feet. Immediately following fertilization, the ground cover shall be thoroughly watered to prevent fertilizer burn.
