Specifications include, but are not limited to: Mowing – All turf shall remain at a uniform height and present a well/manicured appearance. Mowing is to be accomplished free of scalping, rutting, bruising or uneven/rough cuts. If this occurs, the Contractor may be asked to recut the area(s), as determined by the City Project Manager, at no additional cost to the City. All litter and trash must be removed before mowing. There shall never be visible rows or clumps of debris/clippings. No debris/clippings shall be left in any plant beds, mulched areas, or paved areas. Hardscapes must be swept, blown or vacuumed to remove the debris/clippings. Whether the site is cut with tractor, mower, weed eater, or lawn mower, the debris/clippings from the mowing shall be removed by the Contractor. Contractor shall address leaves on the ground at the time of mowing and the associated cost shall be included in the bid response. The Contractor’s M&S Plan shall include the mowing schedule, including the minimum number of mowing cuts required by the PWS. Maintenance of the property shall be performed continuously at each location. There will be no jumping around between sites during maintenance cycles. Edging – Sidewalks, driveways, curbs, and other defined edges shall be edged with each mowing service. Edging height shall match surrounding turf heights and shall be neat and clean, providing a clear zone free of scalping, rutting, bruising or even/rough cutting. Edging shall be performed concurrently (same day) as mowing. Edging may be accomplished by mechanical and/or chemical control. The use of chemicals for edging must be pre-approved by the City Project Manager. If chemicals are used, the dead or dying grass should be removed in areas around trees, shrubs, buildings, fences, light poles, signposts, fire hydrants, or any other fixed obstacles. The Contractor is to ensure that proper attention is given where tree roots are in close proximity to edging. Extreme care shall be taken to prevent damage to hardscapes while edging. If vegetation should die or become unhealthy due to line trimming damage and/or edging, the Contractor will be responsible for repairing and/or replacing the damaged vegetation with vegetation of the same size and type. This replacement shall occur within fifteen (15) days of noticed and/or reported damage. Repair or replacement required as result of the Contractors work shall be completed by the Contractor at no cost to the City. Pruning - Hedges, shrubs, and tree shall be done to achieve healthy, neat and attractive condition and shall be maintained in accordance with American National Standard A300 Pruning Standards. Vegetation shall be pruned to enhance their beauty and health and to maintain natural growth characteristics. If vegetation should die or become unhealthy due to pruning damage, the Contractor will be responsible for repairing and/or replacing the damaged vegetation with vegetation of the same size and type. Mulching – Contractor is to maintain 3” of mulch at established locations. ½”-1” layer should be refreshed at least 2 times a year to maintain coloring and aesthetics. Shredded pine bark (dark brown color) or pine straw mulch (reddishbrown color), or City approved substitution, should be used to match property’s existing mulch. The City Project Manager shall have the discretion to postpone or eliminate a replacement cycle(s). Fertilization – The contractor shall perform an effective commercial fertilization program that shall include fertilizing four times (4x) per year. A soil test shall be performed each February to aid the Contractor in determining the best fertilizer mixture. The fertilizer shall be applied in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Fertilizer must be approved in advance by the City Project Manager. The Contractor should notify the City Project Manager one (1) week in advance of fertilizing. The Contractor shall maintain records of all fertilizer usage. All soil test results and fertilization records must be available for inspection upon request from the City Project Manager. The Project Manager, in consultation with the Contractor, may postpone or cancel a scheduled application of fertilizer.
