Specifications: Provide all supplies, materials, labor, labor supervision, tools, and equipment necessary to provide for the complete Grounds Management services on a weekly basis for the South Main Street property as described below. All work will be done in accordance with the specifications of this contract. Specifications for Maintenance visits: Landscape Maintenance visits will be conducted throughout the year based on active and inactive seasons. • Weekly during the active growth season (April through November), 35 visits • Twice per month during the inactive season (December - March), 8 visits with the first visit being performed between the 1st and 10th of the month and the second visit occurring between the 20th and the last day of the month Turf Areas: • All turf areas shall be mowed with push mowers. NO motorized riding mowers or zero-turn mowers will be allowed. Caution and care should be exercised at all times to avoid tire marks, scuffs, dents, dings or any kind of damage to the sidewalks and curbs bordering the turf areas. • All turfgrass areas shall be maintained at a height between 2 and 3 inches. Mowing shall be performed weekly during the growing season (April-October) to maintain a manicured appearance. Any clumped clippings shall be removed or dispersed after each mowing. • Turfgrass areas shall be kept weed free using pre-emergent herbicides, post emergent herbicides and hand pulling. All chemicals must be approved by the USC Contract Services Coordinator and a list of products that are being used. • Contractor will conduct a soil test in January and provide documentation to the Contract Services Coordinator on results of the test. If the soil test comes back and Lime needs be added, then the contractor will need to apply on all turf areas. All turfgrass areas will have a turf program and equipment used. • The turfgrass is comprised of Zoysiagrass and shall receive a minimum of 2 lbs. of N/1000 sq. ft. per growing season of which 50% shall be from a slow-release source. All fertilizer must be approved by the USC Contract Services Coordinator. • All turfgrass areas shall have a program for Pest, fungus, and weeds as needed. • All turfgrass areas shall be kept free of fire ants using 3 applications of Ant Bait with 2 pounds per Acre. This will include 3 times per year for the ant application. Top choice is not recommended. Trees, Shrubs, and Plant Bed Care: • All trees are newly planted and shall not be pruned during the contract period to allow them the best opportunity to establish healthy growth and root structure, and to reduce unnecessary stress. • Corrective pruning of dead or damaged tree branches will be allowed. • All plant beds shall be kept weed free using pre-emergent herbicides, post emergent herbicides and hand pulling. All chemicals must be approved by the USC Contract Services Coordinator. • Contractor must ensure herbicides are applied with the utmost care to prevent direct contact with perennials and groundcovers. • All plant beds shall be edged. • All ornamental plants and groundcovers shall receive a complete fertility, disease, and insect control program to be reviewed by the USC Contract Services Coordinator. • All ornamental plants and groundcovers shall be pruned as needed in accordance with accepted standard horticultural practices. Irrigation: • Contractor shall have proficient knowledge and experience with commercial irrigation systems and repair. • Contractor shall perform all irrigation scheduling, monitor the irrigation system, and notify the Contract Services Coordinator of any malfunctions. Winterization and spring start-up will be performed at no additional charge. Contractor is responsible for the repair of any damages that are self-imposed. For example, contractor will replace broken heads that are damaged from stick edgers or mowers. • Contractor will be responsible for reporting any needed system repairs (including irrigation clock, valves, heads, wiring, main line or zone line breaks, backflow, etc.) caused by system failure, vehicle incidents, or natural disasters to the USC Contract Services Coordinator immediately upon discovery. Contractor should be aware of the location of the backflow valve and shutoff in case of emergency or a main line break. The Contract Services Coordinator will provide the contractor with backflow location information during the initial meeting once the contract is awarded.
