Specifications include, but are not limited to: (i) Lawn Care Schedule. All lawn areas are to be mowed weekly between March 15th and November 15th of each year and up to twice per month between November 16th and March 14th of each year, or as determined by the TFC Contract Administrator. Mowers are to be powered by an alternative fuel. All mowers must have mulch kits with mulching blades set as warranted by seasonal requirements, typically no less than approximately two (2) inches or more than three (3) inches cutting height. Appropriate size mowers shall be used for each area. Excessive grass clippings will be removed in a manner satisfactory to the TFC Contract Administrator. Each mowing, where possible, will be performed in a different pattern to prevent mower tracking. (ii) Edging. Contractor shall trim all turf perimeters along and around curbs, walks, streets, tree rings, edging, utility poles, and other fixtures at each mowing or at intervals sufficient to maintain a well-groomed and neat appearance as determined by the TFC Contract Administrator. Chemical edging shall be prohibited. (iii) Hard Surfaced Areas. Contractor shall blow or sweep clean all hard surfaces after each operation. All debris including leaves and acorns shall be removed and disposed of properly as determined by the TFC Contract Administrator. (iv) Trim. Contractor shall trim all groundcover to maintain height, shape and an overall neat clean appearance. (v) Turf Aeration. All irrigated turf areas shall be core aerated once per year, unless otherwise directed by the TFC Contract Administrator, to promote turf health before fertilizing in April. Sprinkler heads should be flagged to avoid breakage from aeration process. Any damage caused during this process will be the responsibility of the Contractor. (vi) Fertilization. Contractor shall provide the following fertilization services under this Contract: (A) All turf shall receive two (2) applications of TFC provided fertilizer on approximately April 1st and October 15th each year subject to prior approval by the TFC Contract Administrator. (B) All beds shall receive two (2) applications of TFC provided granular fertilizer prior to mulch application on approximately April 1st and October 1st each year subject to prior approval by the TFC Contract Administrator. (vii) Weed Control. Contractor shall provide the following weed control services under this Contract: (A) All weeds and grass growing through pavement/hardscape areas will be sprayed with an approved herbicide and/or removed, as needed. (B) Weeds and undesirable grasses in planting beds, tree rings, hardscape, and rock areas shall be removed or treated, as needed. (C) Post emergent weed control on turf areas shall be applied twice per year, and as needed to control weeds. All products used must be approved by the TFC Contract Administrator. (viii) Mulch. Contractor shall apply approximately one (1) inch of TFC provided hardwood mulch to maintain approximately two (2) inches of mulch on all tree rings and mulched bed areas twice per year unless otherwise directed by the TFC Contract Administrator. Prior to mulch application, areas will be cleaned of weeds and excessive plant debris. (ix) Shrub, Perennial, And Tree Pruning. Contractor shall provide the following shrub, perennial, and tree pruning services under this Contact: (A) SHRUBS. Prune, shear, or trim all shrubs to maintain appropriate size and shape, encourage vigor and flowering, and remove deadwood. All trimming shall be removed and composted. (B) PERENNIALS. Prune and shape all perennials to maintain appropriate size, to encourage vigor and flowering, and after winter die back. All trimming shall be removed and composted. (C) TREES. Primary pruning up to fourteen (14) feet on trees shall be performed during the dormant season. All pruning cuts shall be made to lateral branches, buds and be cut flush with the trunk. All suckers up to six (6) feet high will be removed on each visit. Damaged trees, or those that constitute a health or safety hazard, shall be pruned any time of the year as required. All dead wood shall be pruned, as needed. Oaks shall only be pruned between December 15th to February 15th and July 15th to August 15th each year. Tree wound dressing shall be applied immediately at time of pruning to all oaks or as determined by the TFC Contract Administrator. All branches trimmed by Contractor shall be chipped for mulch. Major tree trimming or pruning above fourteen (14) feet is excluded under this Contract. All pruning shall be in accordance with applicable codes. (x) Debris And Litter Removal. All maintained areas included under this Contract shall be policed for debris at each visit. Contractor shall remove all collected debris from the site including landscaped areas, parking areas, street, and driveways and shall be disposed of properly. In addition, trash pickup shall be completed in all areas prior to mowing and edging. (xi) Irrigation. Upon request Contractor shall inspect all irrigation systems at least once per month throughout the year. Contractor shall adjust the setting of the controllers for correct seasonal water application for optimal growth, reduction of water waste, and as approved by the TFC Contract Administrator. (A) Contractor shall check all valves, heads, controls, and sensors once per month for proper operation. A written report must be provided to the TFC Contract Administrator showing needed repairs and detailed pricing for any repair. (B) Contractor shall provide an "after-hours" irrigation emergency telephone number to the TFC Contract Administrator. (C) All irrigation repairs shall be detailed and billed separately. All repairs shall require written approval by the TFC Contract Administrator.
