a. Mowing, Trimming, and Aeration Mowing shall be done frequently enough so that no more than one-third of the grass blade is removed per cutting, weather permitting. It is anticipated that the turf shall be mowed twenty-four (24) times throughout the year. Turf shall be cut using a rotary-type mower at a height of 3” to 4” as conditions dictate. Blades must be always balanced and sharp. Mowing patterns should be employed to encourage upright growth and permit the recycling of clippings where possible. Grass clippings shall be returned to turf areas with the use of modified equipment designed to mulch and return the organic matter to the lawn. Clippings shall be removed from all paved or mulched surfaces after each mowing. Excessive clippings resulting from growth rates exceeding proposed frequencies or that remain as clumps shall be removed from turf areas. Trimming around trees, shrubs, signs and foundations shall be performed with each mowing. Work shall be performed using hand labor or mechanical devices, at Contractor’s discretion, to present a neat and trim appearance. Ditching will be no deeper than 4 inches and ditch will be half filled with mulch. Aeration in the Quad, aeration and seeding should be performed twice a year, once in early spring (March to April) and again in late summer to early fall (September to October). The College recommends one shallow core or solid tine aeration and one slicing aeration between March and October. The exact timing will depend on fertilizer and weed control applications to ensure optimal turf health and establishment. b. Crabgrass, and Weed Control The Contractor will utilize a 100% organic program to align with HCC sustainability commitments using active ingredient of Iron HEDTA. Up to three (3) rounds of weed control shall be applied starting mid spring as weeds are observed germinating. The second round shall be applied mid to late summer before soil temperatures reach 85 degrees. The third round shall be applied mid to late fall. Lawn areas seeded with clover will only receive spot treatment of weeds instead of broadcast or wide spray. Overseeding grass will be performed as needed in early spring and fall at least one week after Iron HEDTA weed control has been applied. Concentrated Iron HEDTA or other organic weed control may be applied for spot control in turf, rock edging and beds but not on sidewalks or curbs. From April through August, the Contractor shall continuously monitor insect and disease problems and treat problems on an as-needed basis following principals of Integrated Pest Management. c. Edging All concrete walks and all accessible (non-parking) curbing shall be edged using mechanical methods every mowing. Curbs that cannot be edged using a mechanical edger shall be edged using a weed-eater 12 times per season.
