1. Plant Material a. All plant material shall be true to name and type, and first-class representatives of their species or variety. They shall have normal, well-developed branches, be healthy, vigorous plants free from defects, plant disease, and all forms of infestation or objectionable disfigurements. All plant material shall conform to American Standard for Nursery Stock. b. Trees may be bareroot or balled and burlapped. c. Balled and burlapped plants shall be freshly dug with firm, natural balls of earth of diameter not less than that recommended in the current edition of American Standard for Nursery Stock, securely wrapped with non-synthetic, untreated, biodegradable burlap, and tightly bound with non-synthetic, untreated, biodegradable rope or twine. The root system within the root ball shall contain a sufficient balance of support, conducting, and fibrous roots. Trees with manufactured balls or balls that are dry, cracked or broken before or during installation will not be accepted. d. Trees are to appear symmetrical in shape and have a single, straight leader. Trees with multiple leaders, unless specified, will be rejected. Trees with a damaged, cut, or crooked leader, excessive abrasion of bark, sunscald, disfiguring knots, insect damage, mold, prematurely opened buds will also be rejected. e. Plants shall be 1.5” – 2” in caliper, except that plants larger than those specified may be used if approved by the Village Forester. If larger plants are approved, the root ball and root spread, shall be increased in proportion to the size of the plant, conforming to ASNS standards. f. Caliper measurements shall be taken on the trunk 6 inches (15 cm) above the root flare for trees up to 4 inches (10 cm) in caliper. Plant material larger than 4 inches (10 cm) shall be callipered at standard d.b.h. (4.5’). Plants shall be of normal height and spread as this compares to caliper. Plants that have great discrepancies and do not possess a normal balance between height and spread shall be rejected. g. Substitutions of plant materials will not be permitted unless authorized in writing by the Village Forester. If proof is submitted, substantiated in writing, that a plant specified is not obtainable, consideration will be given to the nearest available size or similar variety, with a corresponding adjustment of the contract price. h. Plants shall be inspected upon delivery, and the Village Forester reserves the right to reject any plants that do not meet the standards or that have been damaged during shipment. Such approval shall not impair the right of inspection and rejection during progress of the work. i. The Village Forester shall be the sole judge of acceptability of stock at any time during the course of this contract. j. Plants must be protected from damage during moving. Plants shall be tied and/or padded to prevent rubbing or scrapping damage during transit. Plants shall be protected from wind damage to foliage if trees are not dormant. k. Plants stored on site shall be mulched and watered. Roots balls are not to dry out. Trees shall not remain unplanted for more than 3 days.
