5.2 TASKS/DELIVERABLES MULCHING All beds and tree wells will be mulched with double shredded hardwood mulch and/or synthetic mulch to match existing beds, to include all courtyard areas. Mulch will be kept away from the base of the tree trunks and from the crown of the shrubs according to industry best practices. Mulch from the previous season will be turned, with up to two inches of new mulch added. Maintain at least three inches of organic material. Mulch will be evenly applied. Removal of excessive mulch build up in beds and tree pits will be performed by the Vendor Rake all bedded areas to ensure a fresh bark appearance. Debris and weeds will be removed from all areas prior to mulch application. Tree rings and landscaped beds will be edged at a two-inch depth with a metal blade edger to maintain a clean vertical line separating turf from beds, as needed. Mulch shall be added once a year to all mulch areas in the Fall (October to December). The expectation is for this to be completed without interruption to WTCC class schedule. 5.2.2 WEED CONTROL Beds and tree wells will be weeded on a continuous basis to maintain a neat appearance. This will be performed using pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides, as well as hand weeding, when required. A non-selective and or pre-emergent herbicide will be applied on a continuous basis to all sidewalks, curbs, and gravel areas to include parking areas, lawns, bedded areas, fence lines, asphalt and concrete pads, and other paved areas to prevent the growth of weeds. A post emergent herbicide will be applied to all specified lawn areas in March and April (spring and early summer) to control the growth and spread of broadleaf weeds. Problem areas will be treated individually as required during June to August (summer months). Pre-emergent schedule will be provided to the owner before the spring growing season begins (February). Remove debris, weeds from planters and parking lots to maintain a professional appearance. This includes removal of broken or damaged plant material. Vendors shall submit as part of their technical proposal a yearly schedule for weed control. All labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) from pesticides will be submitted within your technical proposal. 5.2.3 LEAF REMOVAL Leaf removal will include raking and vacuum/blower removal of leaves from turf areas, shrubs, flowerbeds, sidewalks, roadways, parking lots, parking decks, grates with speed bumps, chiller yards, generator enclosures, pedestrian bridges, dumpster areas, and loading docks to maintain a safe professional appearance. Leaves shall be recycled and used for mulch in flower beds, to the maximum extent possible. 5.2.4 MOWING AND TRIMMING Lawn areas will be mowed to a finished height of between 3 1/2” to 4” (INCHES) throughout the mowing season. The mowing will be done as needed or as weather permits. At no time will lawn areas be cut more than a 3rd of its height. Mowing operations include trimming around all obstacles, raking of excessive grass clippings and removing debris from sidewalks, curbs and parking areas. Grass clippings will be kept out of beds and tree pits. Mowing patterns will be established and changed on a regular basis to present the most aesthetically pleasing appearance. Mowers shall be commercial quality and free from major oil and fluid leaks. All landscaping equipment shall have all safety features in proper working conditions. All hard surfaces such as but not limited to parking lots, parking decks, sidewalks, patio, staircases, and curbs shall be blown or swept after mowing.
