1. Mowing a. Mow all turf areas throughout the growing season, March-September weekly and as necessary to maintain turf height at a “literal” four (4) inches October-February. Do not allow grass to exceed (6) six inches before the next mowing. Once the mowing cycle has begun, work must be continuous until the cycle is completed. The number of mowing cycles may increase or decrease due to weather, holidays, or special request by the College. b. The vendor shall not mow in the same track on consecutive weeks to prevent tracking and rutting. c. If rutting occurs, the vendor must fill with topsoil and re-seed within one month of occurrence or detection during the growing season. d. If zero-turn mowers are used, refrain from locking the pivot wheel which may cause turf damage. e. All hard services, parking lots, walks, patios, and especially curbs must be kept free of grass clippings and debris. f. The College prefers the lawn not to be mowed when the grass is wet or the ground is soft to prevent tracking. g. Mechanically edge curbs, walks and other surfaces where turf has grown over or onto surfaces. Do not exceed one (1) inch depth nor a one half (1/2) inch width when edging adjacent to surfaces where pedestrian traffic occurs. Remove excess edging material at each mowing cycle. h. Edge bed lines to maintain a neat division between turf and bed areas. i. All Branches, limbs, sticks and other debris and trash should be removed before mowing. Trash should be disposed of in the college’s trash containers. Organic debris – tree limbs, branches, pinecones, seed ball – should be transported off-campus. j. Remove and dispose of cut excessively long and windrowing grass on the same day it was mowed. Remove any clippings or leaves blown onto paved areas or walkways during mowing on the same day as mowed. Do not blow clippings, leaves, or debris into storm drains, air conditioner units, buildings, vehicles, windows, landscape beds, mulched areas, etc. k. Upon the occurrence of a weather event that has caused water or wind damage all branches, limbs, sticks and other debris and trash shall be removed from turf areas within 24 hours after a request from the Maintenance Department. 2. Turf Nutrition – Fertilizing a. Fertilizing i. Apply fertilizer to turf areas at 1 lb. of Nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Material to be a complete turf grade fertilizer consisting of N-P-K such as 16-4-8, 18-5-9, 20-4-10, etc., or approved equivalent. ii. Use only slow-release nitrogen fertilizers. iii. Schedule: Apply fertilizer, pre and post-emergent herbicides at the below-listed schedules: 1. Spring (February 15 – April 15) 2. Fall (October 15 – December 15) 3. Documentation: Submit all labels from fertilizers to the College for approval before application. 3. Leaf, Trash, and Debris Removal a. Provide supplementary maintenance of the landscaped areas of the College as follows: Collect fallen leaves on an as-needed basis from all turf, plant, and mulch areas to maintain a well- groomed appearance. Do not allow large accumulations of leaves to remain. Transport all leaves and debris off-campus. Trash should be disposed of in the College’s trash containers. Organic debris – tree limbs, branches, pinecones, seed balls – should be transported off-campus. Leaf pick-up should begin in mid-October. Pick-up shall occur at a minimum of once a week from October 1st-November 30th, or as needed to maintain a clean lawn. Collect all fallen leaves or blow them into woods or natural areas. Mulching the leaves and leaving them on the lawn is unacceptable.
