Specifications include, but are not limited to: MOWING The contractor will maintain a regular mowing schedule that allows more frequency during peak growth seasons (March through September). No more than one-third of the blade length is to be removed at any one time when mowed. During the peak growth seasons, the desirable height of the grass is one inch. Consequently, the grass would require mowing when it reaches one and one-half inches in height. During the remainder of the year, the desired height of the grass is one and one-half, to two inches and would require mowing when it reaches three inches in height. All types of grass on the athletic fields will be maintained by mowing at the frequency necessary to maintain the desired heights of the grass throughout the year. All mowing services will be included in the base price. Contractor is responsible for areas surrounding athletic fields and anything within the athletic complex. All mowing services within athletic field fences areas and all contiguous areas of the fields or as herein described for non-fenced areas include: mowing, general grounds policing, cleaning of paved (and related areas) and removing all debris. All lawn and ground cover shall be fertilized consistent with common local landscaping practices and recommended treatment for athletic sports fields. A fertilization plan shall be developed for each field. The plan shall obtain the following: a) Fertilizer used shall be of a balanced type that supplies all nutrients required for providing sustainable growth and development. b) Schedules shall be approved by the CASO or designee – in advance. c) Soil samples shall be taken at minimum once per year of each area and sent for analysis which will include fertilization rate recommendations. Results must be sent to the CASO. All fields shall be aerated a minimum of two scheduled times per years. Competition fields shall require more aeration as needed to promote vigorous and active growth. The CASO or designee shall be notified of additional aerations. It is recommended that competition fields receive aeration 2-4 times per year depending on the amount of use and type of use. a) CORE AERATION: Core Aeration will be performed with a core tine type aerator. Heavy core aeration will consist of eight to ten passes with 50% overlap; light aeration will consist of three to four passes allowing a 50% overlap. The heavy core aeration may coincide with an over seeding. Additional core aerations needed to prevent soil compaction and drainage issues are the responsibility of the contractor.
