Grounds Maintenance (Mowing and Trimming) Mow and trim the lawn area of the Rest Area grounds consisting of approximately twenty-three (23) acres per cycle, nine (9) acres at the eastbound facility and fourteen (14) at the westbound facility. The estimated acreage to be mowed is 23 acres per mowing cycle with an estimate of 30 cycles for the mowing season. This amount may vary based upon weather conditions, and the actual number of cycles shall be determined by the Department. Perform the mowing operation with commercial grade turf type mowing equipment not less than 48" and not more than 72" in width. A small push type mower may be utilized for trimming. Farm tractors with rotary finish mowers will not be allowed. Mow the grass to a minimum height of 3". Correct any uneven or streaked mowing immediately. The Department will direct the time and place for mowing to begin. If a mowing cycle is delayed because of weather conditions or other problems that results in a build up of grass clippings (bio-mass), remove or disperse the clippings over the area to eliminate unsightly build-up of debris and to prevent the smothering of the turf. Perform trimming operations after each mowing cycle. Perform trimming operations around mulched areas, trees, picnic table pads, trash containers, curbs, sign posts or other obstacles located on the grounds. Blow or sweep clippings off of all concrete surfaces after trimming is completed. Perform trimming along concrete edges as needed to keep all growth from encroaching over the sidewalks, curbs, picnic pads and other concrete areas. Utilize a hand-held string trimmer or power edger to perform the trimming operation. The use of herbicides will not be used to keep the growth from the sidewalks or curbs with the exception of those areas where there is growth in cracks (Refer to Line 0003 for products and procedures). Mulching landscape plantings, landscape beds, & trees Provide a mulch material that consists of #1 shredded hardwood that has been aged a minimum of six (6) months and that is free of foreign materials, wood preservatives and weed seed. Any existing weeds in the mulched area should be cut/pulled and removed from the site prior to the addition of mulch. Place and spread the mulch in a uniform manner around the landscape plantings, around and throughout the landscape beds and around the trees to a depth of four inches (4") and to a minimum distance of thirty-six inches (36") from the trunk/stem of the landscape plantings, trees and the periphery of the landscape planting beds. All mulch placed around individual trees must be arranged in a "doughnut" shaped configuration. The approximate amount of mulched area is 1000 square feet. The actual area shall be determined by the Department. The Department will approve all mulch materials prior to their use. The Department will direct the time and place for the placement of mulch materials. The areas where mulch is to be placed will be identified by the Roadside Environment District Administrator. Pre-emergence and Post-emergence Weed Control - Landscape Plantings Provide and apply a pre-emergent herbicide to all mulched areas around the landscape plantings, the landscape planting beds and the trees to prevent the germination and emergence of weed seed. Provide 'Gallery' by Dow AgroSciences, Inc. and 'Pendulum' by BASF Corporation or equal products (see the attached document for herbicide specifications) as the pre-emergent herbicides to be used on all areas. Apply the pre-emergent herbicides at the recommended label rate for landscape plantings unless otherwise directed by the Department. Apply the pre-emergent herbicide materials utilizing a "Teejet Lawn Spray Gun", manufactured by 'Spraying Systems, Inc.' or equal. These herbicides shall be used as pre-emergence treatment of joints in sidewalks and concrete pads. The approximate amount of area is 1000 square feet. The actual area shall be determined by the Department The Department will approve the herbicide material prior to its use. The Department will direct the time and place for the application of the pre-emergent herbicide. The areas where the pre-emergent herbicide is to be applied will be identified by the Roadside Environment District Administrator prior to any scheduled work. Provide a post-emergent herbicide and apply the herbicide to all mulched areas around trees to control the growth of unwanted vegetation. Post-emergent herbicides may not be used in landscape planting beds. Provide Round-Up Pro by Monsanto or equal product (see the attached document for herbicide specifications) as the post-emergent herbicide to be used on all areas. Apply the post-emergent herbicides at the recommended label rates unless otherwise directed by the Department. This herbicide may be used for the treatment of vegetation in sidewalk joints. Treatment of vegetation in sidewalk joints shall be included in Line Item 15. Cut and remove any unwanted re-growth vegetation located within the mulched areas around the trees. The Department will approve the herbicide materials prior to their use. The Department will direct the time and place for the cutting and removal of unwanted vegetation and for the application of the post-emergent herbicides. Provide pesticide applicators that have been certified and licensed by the Division of Pesticide Regulation of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture as commercial applicators in Category 3, Ornamental Turf and Lawn Care.
