Specifications include, but are not limited to: A. Trees, Shrubs and Groundcover 1. Pruning: a) Prune and trim all trees once a year or more if required, AS DIRECTED BY THE OWNER’S REPRESENTATIVE, to keep the trees healthy, to maintain the natural character of the variety, to control shape, and to prevent crowding. b) Pruning will also be required to remove damaged or dead branches. c) Cuts should be made with sharp and proper tools. d) Prune only at the time of season proper for the variety. For some varieties, timing will be critical – a matter of days. Prune flowering trees after the flowers have fallen. e) Prune or trim shrubs twice each growing season or as needed to keep the natural shape of the individual plant. Shrubs and groundcover plants may need additional pruning to encourage lateral growth (at direction of Owner’s representative). f) All branches, dead wood, and cuttings shall be removed from the job site at time of pruning and disposed of in an acceptable manner. All lawn and shrub areas damaged by pruning equipment shall be restored. g) Pruning shall include the following items: (1) Dead, dying, or unsightly parts of the tree. (2) Sprouts growing at or near the base of the trunk (3) Nuisance growth that interferes with views, traffic signage, walks or lighting, including the removal of all dangerous thorns, spikes or appendages which show potential conflict with people. 2. Mulching: a) All plant beds and tree pits shall have a 3” layer of fresh, clean pine straw or other mulch replenished annually. (Designated Areas Only) at the Main Campus and Newton Campuses. 3. Weed Control: a) All beds and tree wells shall always be weeded on a continual basis to maintain a neat appearance. Weed control shall be performed through the use of pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides as well as hand removal. All chemicals shall be used according to the product label. A non-selective and/or pre-emergence herbicide (Round-Up, Surflan, or industry equivalent) shall be applied on a continuous basis throughout the contract to all walks, curbs, building edges and other asphalt or concrete paved areas to help prevent the growth of weeds. B. Lawn 1. Mowing: a) Mow lawn areas to the height no higher than 2.75 inches. Use rotary type mowers designed for commercial use. Use small mowers for difficult or tight areas where commercial mowers cannot maneuver. Make every effort to mow entire areas during one mowing operation (Weekly Cycle). Mowing wet grass should be avoided. 2. Edging and Trimming: a) Neatly edge and trim around all plant beds, curbs, walks, streets, trees, plants, and building areas. Use mechanical edgers for edging; do not use chemical treatment for this part of the operation. Maintain all shapes and configurations of plant beds. Provide a clean, trenched line between grass and mulched areas. Care shall be taken not to injure trunks of trees or plant materials. Lawn trimming and edging should be executed at every mowing. Trim all hedges as necessary to keep them looking neat and level as directed by the Owner’s representative. 3. Clippings (Manicured Lawns): a) Do not dispose of clippings in mulched beds. All clippings on walks, driveways and parking shall be swept or blown clean immediately after mowing operation of that particular area. Extra clippings will be raked and disposed of, off site. 4. Foreign Matter: a) Remove all extraneous leaves, weeds, trash, limbs and debris from lawn and plant beds as necessary to maintain a completely clean appearance constantly. Do not mow over trash in any lawn areas.
