Specifications include, but are not limited to: All turf areas, high quality, and average quality shall be kept in a well-groomed, healthy, vigorous condition, with a minimum of weeds and pests. Turf management goals are to maximize turf health, deepen plant roots, and reduce inputs of water, fertilizer, and pesticides. Turf maintenance may include grass terraces on City property adjacent to the site as identified by Facility Manager. Mowing equipment used on these sites must mow and bag simultaneously. Where mechanized bagging of clippings is not possible, excess must be removed by hand sweeper or rake. Turf shall be mowed to a height of two and one-half to three (2½-3) inches. Grow turf higher in stress areas such as shade and dry, sunny slopes. Remove no more than one-third to one-half (1/3-1/2) of the leaf blade height in one mowing. Turf shall not grow higher than five (5) inches at any time. Mowing frequency will vary and shall be determined by the Contractor(s) on-site inspection taking into consideration season, temperature, rainfall, and soil conditions. In general, mowing frequency will occur every five (5) to seven (7) days throughout the growing season (April through October), slowing to ten (10) days to two (2) weeks on un-irrigated turf during dry summer weather. Less frequent mowing may also occur in early spring or late fall. All equipment shall be in good working order with sharp blades adjusted to the proper cutting height. Remove all debris including stones and limbs from turf areas before beginning mowing operation. Maintain a uniform lawn height free from scalping. Use mowers with traction control in steep terrain or wet conditions to prevent scalping or tearing of turf by spinning tires. Alternate mowing directions and patterns each mowing cycle.
