Specifications include, but are not limited to: 1. Pruning/Trimming: a) Prune, thin and trim all trees once a year, if required, AS DIRECTED BY THE OWNER’S REPRESENTATIVE, to keep the trees healthy, to maintain the natural character of the variety, to control shape, and to prevent crowding. b) Pruning/Trimming will also be required from time to time to remove damaged branches. c) Cuts should be made with sharp and proper tools. When cutting parts of branches, leave a living bud at the end of the stub. Flowering trees shall be pruned beyond an outside bud. d) Make cuts sufficiently close to parent stem so that the healing can readily start under normal conditions. Limb cuts shall be clean and flush with the trunk. e) Prune/Trim only at the time of season proper for the variety. For some varieties, timing will be critical – a matter of days. Prune flowering trees after the flowers have fallen. f) Prune or trim shrubs twice each growing season to keep the natural shape of the individual plant. Shrubs and groundcover plants may need additional pruning/trimming to encourage lateral growth (at direction of Owner’s representative). g) All branches, dead wood, and cuttings shall be removed from the job site at time of pruning/trimming and disposed of in an acceptable manner. All lawn and shrub areas damaged by pruning equipment shall be restored. h) Pruning/Trimming shall include the following items: (1) Dead, dying, or unsightly parts of the tree. Care for all cuts, wounds, and scars, as necessary. (2) Sprouts growing at or near the base of the trunk (3) Branches that grow toward the center of the tree (4) Crossed branches that may rub together (5) “V” crotches, if it does not ruin the appearance of the tree (6) Multiple leaders, if the tree normally has only one stem (7) Nuisance growth that interferes with views, traffic signage, walks or lighting, including the removal of all dangerous thorns, spikes or appendages which show potential conflict with people. 2. Leaning Trees: a) Straighten as necessary, and if possible, any trees that are leaning, by pulling over and tying with a new guy wire or stake. When wrapping wire around tree, be sure to install a piece of rubber hose such that the wire will not cut the tree. 3. Fertilization: a) Granular fertilizer shall be a complete fertilizer; it shall be uniform in composition, dry and free flowing. This fertilizer shall be delivered to the site in the original, unopened containers, each bearing the manufacturer’s statement of analysis, and shall meet the following minimum requirements: twelve percent (12%) Nitrogen, four percent (4%) Phosphorus, eight percent (8%) Potassium and include trace elements. b) Trees shall be fertilized twice yearly, broadcast under foliage canopy in early Spring and early Fall, in the following amounts: c) All shrubs, groundcovers, perennials and seasonal color shall be fertilized by broadcasting over beds three (3) times a year. Note: Fertilize early Spring, Summer and early Fall at the following rates: 1-1/2 to 3 pounds per 100 square feet.
