LITTER AND DEBRIS REMOVAL A. Litter and any other debris should be removed by the contractor on an as needed basis. Litter and debris is defined as objects that are unsightly or present obstacles to mowing and other grounds maintenance operations including but not limited to, rocks in turf areas, wind and storm damage items; paper, glass, trash, or debris deposited or blown onto the sites, metal, auto parts, tires, parts of tires and any material illegally dumped on the roadways; and tree limbs; are to be removed within the extent of right of way and including concrete medians. The Contractor is responsible for all dump fees associated with debris removal. B. Litter and debris removal frequencies: At each mowing. TRIMMING AND EDGING A. Trimming: Grass shall be trimmed during or as an immediate operation following mowing. Trimming may be accomplished by hand-held powered shears or rotary nylon “string” cutting machines. Grass will be trimmed at the same height as adjacent turf is mowed, and as needed to remove all grass blades from around all obstacles and vertical surfaces in the turf such as sign posts, light poles, trees, walls, cement curbs and medians. Contractor shall use special care when trimming around trees to avoid damage to bark surface and/or the living cambium layer beneath. B. Edging: Mechanical edging of all turf edges abutting sidewalks, and flush paved surfaces, including all road curbs, drives, exits and entry lanes onto highways. This may be accomplished by string trimmers, push blade edging machines or tractor mounted edging equipment. WEED CONTROL Weeds emerging or existing in all plant bed areas, mulched areas, sidewalks and concrete medians will be controlled by the Contractor so areas are weed-free. The Contractor should incorporate Integrated Pest Management strategies to minimize weed issues. A. The use of products with the active ingredient Glyphosate is the only post-emergent herbicide preapproved by the District. B. Pre-emergent herbicide will be applied by the contractor in perennial beds to prevent the germination of annual weeds. C. Weeds may be sprayed with a herbicide containing glyphosate or a herbicide that has been pre-approved by the District’s designee. MOWING A. Before each mowing the Contractor shall remove all debris and litter from the maintained areas. B. Mowing shall be performed in a manner consistent with landscape maintenance industry standards that ensures smooth surface appearance without scalping or leaving any missed uncut grass. C. Excess grass clippings should be evenly distributed over the turf. D. All mowing equipment shall be adjusted to proper height and blades shall be adequately sharpened. E. Mowing will be done carefully so as not to damage bark of trees, shrubs or other desirable plants. F. Mowing shall be done at a safe speed as not to rut turf areas. Sharp turns should be limited to need only situations and never at speeds that result in rutting of soil to prevent erosion. Ruts made by contractor deemed excessive shall be repaired by contractor at contractor expense. G. Mowing will not be done when weather or conditions will result in damaged turf, uneven cutting, or rutting grounds. H. Grass clippings or debris caused by mowing, weed eating or trimming will be removed from adjacent walks, drives, gutters, and curbs or surfaces on the same day as mowed or trimmed. Nothing shall be allowed to stay in the vicinity of a storm water inlet/catch basin(s) nor be allowed to enter into any body of water. Failure to follow these requirements may result in termination of the contract. I. Mowing Schedule: Mowing should occur based on the District’s schedule. Once awarded contract coordinator will issue a schedule.
