Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Successful Bidder shall have underground utilities marked prior to digging. The planting hole shall be dug at least twice the diameter of the root ball or container, with the sides of the hole sloped outward. Holes dug using tree spades, augers, or any technique that causes glazing, must be modified to eliminate glazed surfaces that would prevent root penetration into existing soil. The soil at the bottom of the hole must remain undisturbed to provide a firm base of support to minimize any settling. ; The Successful Bidder shall not handle the plant by the branches, leaves, trunk or stem. 4. The Successful Bidder shall, prior to planting, completely remove plastic containers (at least one-half of fiber pots are to be peeled away), and cut through any circling roots. ; For Balled & Burlapped Stock, the Successful Bidder shall, upon placement in the hole, remove the wire basket and drop the burlap to the bottom of the hole. Note: In cases of very sandy/loose balls, modify to protect integrity of root ball.