Landscape

Specification
Guidelines 6th edition

Exterior Landscape Installation

1.0 General Conditions
1.1 Scope of Work
A. The landscape contractor shall provide all materials,
labor, and equipment to complete all landscape work
as shown on the plans and specifications.
B. Total number of plants shall be drawn on the
landscape plan. The landscape contractor shall
state the total number of each plant with the
contract price. The plant list submitted with the
bid will automatically become part of the contract
documents.
NOTE: If the contractor bids according to the Plant
List, he/she should thoroughly check the plant list
quantities with the symbols drawn on the plan to be
sure there are no discrepancies. It is the landscape
architects responsibility to be sure the plant count is
correct on both the plan and the plant list, if used.
Each plant grouping shall be labeled with the total
number of plants per grouping by the landscape
architect. If quantities are specified on a plant list,
that list shall be accurate. If there is a discrepancy
between the drawing and the list on the plans, the
contract between the owner and the contractor shall
take precedence.
C. The owner shall furnish a certified land survey of the site.
1.2 Standards
A. All plant material will conform to the current
issue of the American Standard for Nursery Stock
published by the American Nursery & Landscape
Association (ANLA).Plant material must be selected
from nurseries that have been inspected and certified
by state plant inspectors.
B. Collected material may be used only when approved
by owners representative.
C. Nomenclature will be in accordance with Hortus III,
by L.H. Bailey.
1.3 Submittals
When requested by the owner or owners representative,
samples of all materials other than plants shall be
submitted to the owners designated representative for
approval.
1.4 Approvals
All approvals shall be in writing.
Landscape Specification Guidelines
1.5 Substitutions: Pre-bid
It is the landscape contractors responsibility to make
every reasonable effort to find the material specified by
the architect. The landscape contractor is responsible
for qualifying his/her proposal to document any plant
suitability or availability problems. The landscape
contractor may offer substitutions to the landscape
architect for his/her consideration. The landscape
contractor will notify the landscape architect if there
are known diseases or insect-resistant species that can
be substituted for a selected pest-prone plant. The
contractor shall submit a base bid as per plan, plus price
clarifications for all recommended substitutions.
1.6 Substitutions: Post-bid
The intent is to eliminate post-bid substitutions.
However, in the event that the contract material has
become unavailable, an appropriate substitution must be
approved by the owners representative.
1.7 Utilities and Underground Features
A. The landscape contractor shall notify utility
companies and/or the general contractor in advance
of construction to locate utilities (Miss Utility:
www.missutility.net for MD, DC, and DE or http://
va811.com for VA)
B. Street lighting and other private utilities, including
cable TV, communication lines, etc., shall be located
by the owner or general contractor.
C. If there is a conflict with the utilities and the
planting, the landscape architect shall be responsible
for relocating plants prior to the planting process.
Any costs due to relocating after planting shall be
borne by the owner.
D. Underground features, including, but not limited
to, existing irrigation, septic systems, drain
systems, invisible pet fencing, landscape lighting,
underground natural gas, and security systems shall
be located by the owner or general contractor.
1.8 Concealed Contingencies
The correction of undisclosed subsurface conditions,
including, but not limited to, rock, roots, stumps, water,
clay pan, soils contaminated with toxic substances, or
other obstacles encountered in excavation work, that
are not apparent at the time of estimating will result
in additional costs to the owner. Upon discovery of
undisclosed conditions, the landscape contractor shall
notify the owner, with written approval regarding any
additional costs, before corrective measures are taken.
2 Exterior Landscape Installation
1.9 Drainage
If plants are to be installed in areas that show obvious
poor drainage, and the plants are inappropriate for that
condition, the landscape contractor shall notify the
landscape architect and owner. If deemed necessary, the
plants shall be relocated, the contract shall be adjusted to
allow for drainage correction at a negotiated cost, or the
plant selection shall be modified by the landscape architect
to accommodate the poor drainage situation.
1.10 Workmanship
A. During delivery and installation, the landscape
contractor shall perform in a professional manner,
coordinating his/her activities so as not to interfere
unduly with the work of other trades, and leaving
his/her work area(s) clean of litter and debris at the
close of each workday.
B. During planting, all areas shall be kept neat
and clean, and precautions shall be taken to
avoid damage to existing plants, large trees, turf,
and structures. Where existing trees are to be
preserved, additional precautions should be taken
to avoid unnecessary accumulation of excavated
materials, soil compaction, or root damage. See the
specification on Tree Preservation.
C. Upon completion, all debris and waste material
resulting from planting operations shall be removed
from the project and the area cleaned up.
D. Any damaged areas caused by the landscape
contractor shall be restored to their original condition.
1.11 Water Supply
The owner shall supply water on site at no cost. If the
landscape contractor has to supply water to the site, it
shall be at an additional cost.
1.12 Planting Seasons
A professional horticulturist, nursery professional, or
arborist shall be consulted to determine the proper time,
based on plant species, climate, and weather conditions,
(e.g. frozen ground, oversaturation) to move and install
particular plant material to minimize stress to the plant. It
is safe to plant year-round if certain criteria are followed.
Plant material moved out of the normal planting season
may require special treatment and will result in additional
expense to the owner. The following guidelines should
aid the landscape contractor and landscape architect in
determining what and when to plant:
Landscape Specification Guidelines
A. Stress Chart for B&B Deciduous Material
Lowest Risk 1. Deciduous plants dug and planted
while dormant in spring or fall except
for those listed in G. below.
2. Deciduous plants dug during
dormancy and planted after
producing leaves, provided they have
been properly stored.
3. Deciduous plants dug after leaves have
fully expanded and hardened off.
4. Deciduous plants dug in the spring
during newly expanding leaf
Highest Risk production.
All woody plant material dug in full foliage between the
months of May and September shall be handled in one
of the following ways to harden-off:
1. Properly harden-off in the field 710 days prior
to digging by a gradual process of trenching and
soaking, leaving the bottom surface of the ball
attached to soil until shipping.
2. Condition under irrigation in partial shade or sun
for at least four days prior to shipping.
C. Container-grown and B&B deciduous material can
be planted year-round, provided it receives adequate
irrigation for the first growing season.
D. Herbaceous perennials and summer flowering bulbs
can be installed as soon as the ground is workable
in spring until November 15. Plants installed after
November 15 require protective, supplemental mulch
applied after December 15 and removed March 1.
E. Cold-sensitive annuals can be installed after danger
of frost has passed.
F. Spring-flowering bulbs can be installed between
September 15 and December 31.
G. Field-grown, balled and burlapped Red, White,
Willow, and Scarlet Oaks; Dogwood; Sweet Gum;
Leyland Cypress; and White Pine, and all broadleaf
evergreens should be planted between March 1 and
October 30 based on normal climatic conditions.
1.13 Inspection and Acceptance
A. Inspection: There should be a verification of
performance for work by contract documents,
to be conducted by the architect or owners
representative on site and in the presence of the
landscape contractor, for the purpose of acceptance.
Inspection shall be made within two (2) weeks of
3 Exterior Landscape Installation
 written notification from the landscape contractor.
Failure of the owner to inspect the work shall
void the guarantee. During inspection for initial
acceptance, the landscape contractor should have
an acceptance form to be signed by the owner or
owners representative.
B. Initial acceptance: There should be an approval of
the work inspected. Acceptance can be on partially
completed work under the contract, if approved
by the landscape architect or owner. If, for reasons
beyond the landscape contractors control, work
has stopped, inspection shall be made on partially
completed work. Warranty shall begin after
landscape inspection and acceptance. Maintenance
after initial inspection and acceptance shall be
the responsibility of the owner, unless an optional
maintenance contract has been specified.
The landscape contractor should periodically inspect
the site during the warranty period and notify the
owner in writing if proper maintenance is not being
performed.
C. Final inspection and acceptance: The landscape
contractor shall conduct a final inspection with the
owner or owners representative at the end of the
one-year period.
1.14 Warranty
A. The standard warranty is for a one-year period,
excluding bulbs, sod, and annuals, commencing
on the date of initial acceptance. All plants shall
be alive and in satisfactory health at the end of the
guarantee period.
B. Any material that is 25% dead or more shall be
considered dead and must be replaced at no charge.
A tree shall be considered dead when the main
leader has died back, or 25% of the crown is dead.
C. Perennials shall be guaranteed for one year after
initial acceptance.
D. Warranty may be void if proper care, by owner or
owners maintenance contractor, is not maintained.
E. Replacements shall be made during the next
planting period.
F. The landscape contractor shall be responsible for a
one-time replacement only.
G. Replacements shall be of the same type, size,
and quality as original species unless otherwise
negotiated.
H. The landscape contractor will not be responsible for
Landscape Specification Guidelines
plant material that has been damaged by vandalism,
fire, removal, relocation, wildlife, theft, or other
activities beyond the landscape contractors control.
Plant losses due to abnormal weather conditions,
such as floods, excessive wind damage, drought,
severe freezing, or abnormal rains will in no way be
the responsibility of the landscape contractor.
I. Existing plant material transplanted shall not be
guaranteed unless otherwise stated by the landscape
contractor.
2.0 Plant Materials
2.1 Scope of Work
The landscape contractor shall be responsible for
furnishing and installing all plant material shown on the
drawings and plant list, as submitted with the contract.
The landscape contractor shall have investigated the
sources of supply and satisfied himself/herself that he/
she can supply all the plants specified on the drawings
in the size, variety, quantity, and quality noted before
submitting the bid. Failure to take this precaution will
not relieve the successful bidder from the responsibility
of furnishing and installing all the plant material in
strict accordance with the contract requirements.
2.2 Standards
A. Plants will be in accordance with the current
ANLAs standards and conform in general to
representative species.
B. Bare root
1. Bare-rooted shrubs shall be dug with adequate
roots and root spread
2. Roots shall be protected during handling and
planting to guard against drying out and damage.
C. Balled and burlapped (B&B)
1. Balled and burlapped plants shall be dug with
firm root balls free of noxious weeds. There
should be no excess soil on top of the root ball or
around the trunk.
2. Ball sizes shall be in accordance with ANLA
standards.
3. Caliper and height measurement: In size grading
B&B single-trunk trees, caliper shall take
precedence over height. Caliper of the trunk
shall be taken 6" above ground level (up to and
including 4" caliper size) and 12" above ground
level for larger trees. For multiple-trunk trees,
height measurement shall take precedence over
caliper.
4 Exterior Landscape Installation
D. Container-grown stock
1. The size of container-grown shrubs is measured
by height and width of plant. Herbaceous
perennials shall be measured by pot size, not
top growth. The root system of container-
grown plants shall be well developed and well
distributed throughout the container.
2. All container-grown trees and shrubs that have
circling and matted roots shall be treated in the
following manner prior to planting: using a knife
or sharp blade, make 4-5 cuts, 1" deep, the length
of the root ball, to cut all circling roots. See 6.3
Planting Procedures For All Container-Grown
Trees & Shrubs in this section.
3. All container-grown plants should be grouped
and watered adequately until they are planted
in the landscape. To properly acclimate to new
conditions after being planted in soil, soil must
remain moist. Water twice weekly or at four-
day intervals until the equivalent of one inch of
rainfall or supplemental irrigation is received.
E. Root control bagstrees and shrubs: Plants grown
in root control bags may be slightly larger than root
ball sizes identified by ANLA standards. Before
transplanting these into the landscape, the geotextile
bag must be completely removed from around the
root ball and the tree properly staked. See Section
5.2, Typical Upright Staking Detail. Adequate
irrigation is essential to root control bagged trees
and shrubs.
F. Trees shall be nursery-grown unless otherwise
specified. Pruning shall be done before planting
or during the planting operation. See section 4.4,
Pruning Detail For Trees.
G. All plant material in transit shall be covered to keep
material from drying out. The covering shall comply
with state and local laws pertaining to the transport
of materials.
2.3 Inspection
A. Plants may be subject to inspection and approval
by the owner or owners representative at the
place of growth or holding yard for conformity to
specification requirements as to quality, size, and
variety. It is the landscape contractors responsibility
to know his/her sources. The landscape contractor
shall select plants ahead of inspection visits to
prevent rejection of materials delivered to the site.
Cost of inspection visits shall be borne by each
individual party.
Landscape Specification Guidelines
B. Plants damaged in handling or transportation can
be rejected by the owner or owners representative.
C. Plants with soil excessively covering the root flare,
if not removed, can be rejected by the owner or
owners representative.
D. Any plant material inspected at the place of growth,
accepted, and tagged by the owners representative
that has not been damaged during transportation
cannot be rejected at the site as long as the tag
remains attached to the plant.
E. State nursery inspection certificates shall be
furnished to the landscape architect upon request.
3.0 Products
3.1 Fertilizer
A. Perform a soil test to determine nutrient
requirements. Apply fertilizer based on soil test
results and recommendations.
B. Slow-release fertilizer should be the preferred type.
The technical data sheet or label on the fertilizer
should show that a minimum of 50% of the
nitrogen source is water insoluble (WIN) and the
salt index is less than 50. (Note: Salt index is relative
to sodium nitrate, with a salt index of 100.)
3.2 Mulch
A. Organic material including shredded hardwood bark
and ground wood waste shall be composted and
mature. (Ref: Soils 2.1A)
B. Organic material shall be uniform in size and free of
foreign matter.
C. Pine bark, pine needles, cypress bark, redwood bark,
and cocoa shell do not need to be composted.
3.3 Stakes
Stakes shall be 2" x 2" hardwood or approved equal.
See section 5.7 Tree Support Schedule for proper stake
length.
3.4 Guying Material
A. Wire: 12 or 14 gauge galvanized steel or acceptable
equal, depending on size of tree.
B. See section 5.7 Tree Support Schedule.
C. Non-wire tie: Flat, woven, smooth, elastic tie
material (e.g., ArborTie).
3.5 Turnbuckles
Turnbuckles shall be galvanized steel or zinc-coated. See
section 5.7 Tree Support Schedule.
5 Exterior Landscape Installation
3.6 Hose
Hose shall be corded rubber, uniform in color and either
1/2" or 3/4" depending on the size of the tree. Other
methods, such as straps or plastic chain locks, may be
used where acceptable. See section 5.7 Tree Support
Schedule.
3.7 Clamps
Clamps shall be galvanized, zinc- or vinyl-coated, and
large enough to hold the wire or cable used.
3.8 Cable
Cable shall be galvanized steel. Level of strength and
diameter depend on size of tree. See section 5.7 Tree
Support Schedule.
3.9 Twine
Twine shall be 23-ply jute or an approved equal and
biodegradable.
3.10 Prefabricated Tree Support Systems
Steel anchors. See section 5.7 Tree Support Schedule.
3.11 Tree Wrap
It is recommended that smooth bark trees be wrapped
during dormant installation and removed when canopy
is in leaf.
4.0 Planting Procedure for Trees
4.1 Preparing Tree Pit
A. Walls of tree pit shall be dug so that they are vertical
or sloping outward in heavy soils, and scarified.
B. The tree pit must be wide enough to adequately
compact soil on every side of the trees rootball.
C. The tree pit shall be deep enough to allow 1/8 of
the ball to be above the existing grade. Plants shall
rest on undisturbed existing soil or well-compacted
backfill.
D. Pits for bare-rooted trees shall only be broad enough
to accommodate the roots fully extended and only
deep enough so that the uppermost roots will be just
below the original grade.
E. If poor drainage is suspected, a percolation test may
be required. A 12-inch wide by 18-inch deep hole
must be filled with water, and eight hours later, the
hole should be empty. Sub drainage may be needed
if the hole does not drain properly in eight hours.
Landscape Specification Guidelines
4.2 Placing Tree in Pit
A. Identify the root flare and remove excess soil if
necessary.
B. Place the tree in the pit carrying the ball and then
lower it into the pit. Never lift the tree by the trunk
or branches.
C. Set the tree straight and in the center of the pit with
the most desirable side facing toward the prominent
view.
D. For bare-rooted trees, set the tree in the pit so that
all roots, when fully extended, will not touch the
walls of the planting pit and the uppermost root is
just below the original grade.
E. Remove containers from all container-grown
trees. Slash the edges of the root balls from top to
bottom, at least 1" deep, as described in section
6.3 Planting Procedures for All Container-Grown
Trees and Shrubs. The slashing of roots may not
be required for plants grown in a Cellugro system,
in root containment bags, or in air-root-pruned
containment systems.
4.3 Backfilling Tree Pit
A. Each site is unique. Soil tests should be used to
identify special conditions. Backfill mixture for trees
and shrubs shall be 3/4 existing soil mixed with 1/4
organic material, plus granular fertilizer. If compost is
used, omit the granular fertilizer.
B. If any other additives are found to be needed at the
time of planting, it shall be with the approval of
the landscape contractor, landscape architect, and
owner or owners representative at an additional
negotiated cost.
C. Backfill tree pit with a soil mixture stated in the
specifications, except where existing soil is suitable
according to soil test results.
D. At the time of installation, you must cut and remove
rope or wire back to the edge of the ball. Remove as
much burlap, woven products, and twine as possible.
All plastic or synthetic film or twine must be
removed from the rootball. Cut all twine away
from trunk. It is recommended that all materials
be removed or pulled back 12" below the top of the
rootball.
E. The tree must remain straight during backfilling
procedure.
F. Thoroughly mix soil amendments, if needed, either
prior to filling pit or as pit is being filled.
6 Exterior Landscape Installation
G. Backfill sides of tree pit halfway with soil mixture
and tamp as pit is being filled. Do not over compact
top 2/3 of planting mixture.
H. Finish backfilling sides of tree pit and tamp firmly.
I. Never cover top of rootball with soil.
J. Form a saucer above existing grade, around the
outer rim of the tree pit, especially on slopes and in
heavy soils.
K. Mulch top of root ball and saucer to a minimum
depth of 2", not to exceed 3". Do not place mulch
against the trunk.
L. Water thoroughly on the interior of the tree saucer
until it is filled, even if it is raining. A second
watering may be necessary to ensure saturation
of the root ball and elimination of air pockets.
An alternative watering method is to backfill
half the pit, flood the pit, and completely backfill
afterwards. Slow-release watering devices or
automatic drip irrigation systems will improve
survival.
M. Remove all tags, labels, strings, and wire from the
tree, unless otherwise directed.
D. Cut pieces of hose or nylon strapping material long
enough to loop around the trunk of the tree.
E. Place the hose around the trunk at the height
required to provide optimum support. Interlock
hoses. Thread the wire through the hose and pull
both ends horizontally 2' beyond the stake.
F. Twist the wire at the rubber hose to keep it in place.
Wind both ends of the wire together around the
stake twice and then twist wire back onto itself to
secure. Cut off excess wire. The wire shall be 26"
from the top of stake.
G. The above procedures are to be followed for each
stake, keeping the tree straight at all times. For best
establishment, there should be 13" sway in the tree.
H. It is the owners responsibility to remove stakes,
wire, and hose one year after planting unless
growing conditions warrant otherwise.
5.2 Typical Upright Staking Detail

4.4 Pruning Details for Trees

A. Pruning should be restricted to corrective pruning
only, including, but not limited to, dead/dying and/
or crossing branches.
B. Do not cut main leader.
C. Make all cuts back to a lateral branch or bud. Cuts
should be perpendicular above branch collar. See
Exterior Landscape Maintenance specification.
D. Final pruning shall be done after tree is in place.

5.0 Bracing Procedures

5.1 Tree Staking
A. The decision to stake should be made on an
individual tree basis and should not be required for
all plantings. It is recommended that all container
and root control bag trees be staked.
5.3 Tree Guying
B. Choose the correct sizes of stakes, hose, and wire
A. The decision to guy should be made on an
according to section 5.7 Tree Support Schedule.
individual tree basis and should not be required for
Staking shall be completed as soon as possible after
all plantings.
planting the tree.
B. Choose the correct sizes of stakes, hose, and wire
C. Space stakes evenly and vertically on the outside of
according to section 5.7 Tree Support Schedule.
the tree ball and drive firmly into the ground. Never
Guying shall be completed as soon as possible after
drive a stake through the rootball, as it will damage
planting the tree.
the trees root system.

Landscape Specification Guidelines 7 Exterior Landscape Installation

C. Cut lengths of staking hose to extend 2" past tree
trunk when wrapped around.
D. Space stakes evenly on outside of the tree saucer
and drive each firmly into the ground. Stakes shall
be driven at a 30 angle, with the point of the stake
toward the tree.
E. Place the hose or nylon strapping material around
the trunk, just above the lowest, stoutest branch.
Interlock hoses.
F. Thread the wire through the hose and pull down the
wire to extend 2' beyond the stake.
G. Twist the wire at the rubber hose to keep it in place.
Wind both ends of the wire together around the
stake twice and then twist wire back onto itself to
secure. Cut off excess wire. The wire shall be 2"
from the top of stake. If necessary, twist wires to
tighten guy.
H. The above procedures are to be followed for each
stake, keeping the tree straight at all times. For best
establishment, there should be 13" sway in the tree.
I. Flag the guy wires with surveyors flagging tape or
approved equal.
J. It is the owners responsibility to remove stakes,
wire, and hose one year after planting unless
growing conditions warrant otherwise.
5.4 Typical Tree Guying Detail
Landscape Specification Guidelines
5.5 Guying With Prefabricated Cable Systems
A. The decision to guy trees should be made on an
individual tree basis and should not be required for
all plantings.
B. Choose the correct sizes and numbers of anchors,
turnbuckles, and clamps and correct size of braided
wire (cable) according to section 5.7 Tree Support
Schedule. Anchoring shall be done as soon as
possible after planting.
C. Drive anchors into ground to manufacturers
recommended depth at final desired angle. Do not
drive anchors straight into ground.
D. Set each anchor by inserting drive rod through cable
loop attached to anchor by manufacturer, pulling
cable upwards a distance slightly longer than the
anchor body, thus rotating anchor approximately
90 into load lock position. Large anchors may
require use of a come-along, jack, or post puller.
Attach wire from anchor to the turnbuckle into a
fixed position using clamps.
E. Loop wire from top of turnbuckle through 1/2"
hose, around tree, and back through turnbuckle into
a fixed position using clamps. Tighten turnbuckles
to allow a 13" sway in the tree.
F. Flag the guy wires with surveyors flagging tape
or approved equal. G. Owner should be notified
in writing to remove wires and hose one year after
planting unless growing conditions warrant otherwise.
G. It is the owners responsibility to remove cables
and hose one year after planting unless growing
conditions warrant otherwise.
5.6 Typical Tree Guying With Prefabricated Cable
Systems
8 Exterior Landscape Installation
5.7 Tree Support Schedule F. The shrub must remain straight during backfilling
NOTE: General guidelines are as follows. Evergreens are procedure.
more likely to require stakes or guying. Flowering/shade G. Backfill sides of the pit halfway up with soil mixture
trees not exceeding 8' shall be staked at the landscape and tamp as the pit is being filled.
contractors discretion. The landscape contractor shall be
responsible for maintaining trees in a straight, upright H. Cut and remove rope or wire off the top of the
condition throughout the warranty period. rootball. Cut and remove as much burlap, woven
products, and twine as possible. All plastic or
Tree Tree Size Stake # Wire or Turn- Hose synthetic film or twine must be removed from the
Size Caliper (in) Cable buckle rootball. Cut all twine away from trunk.
Height
68' 11" 5' 2 14-gauge - 1/2" I. Finish backfilling the sides of the shrub pit and
upright wire tamp firmly.
810' 1"2" 5' or 2 14-gauge - 1/2"
6'upright wire J. Form a saucer above the existing grade and
1012' 22" 78' 2 14-gauge - 1/2" completely around the planting pit.
upright wire
1214' 23" 2' guy 3 12-gauge - 1/2"
K. Mulch top of rootball and saucer a maximum depth
wire of 2". Keep excess mulch away from the trunk flare.
1416' 34" 2' guy 3 12-gauge - 3/4" To avoid insect/disease problems, mulch shall not
wire come in to contact with woody plant material.
1620' 46" 30" guy 3 12-gauge - 3/4"
wire L. Water shrub or shrub mass thoroughly, even if it
20' 6" Anchor 3 3/16" 3/8 x 3/4" is raining. A second watering may be necessary to
cable or as 6" ensure saturation of the rootball and elimination of
appropriate
air pockets. An alternative watering method is to
backfill half of the pit, flood the pit, and completely
backfill afterwards. Slow-release watering devices
6.0 Planting Procedures For Shrubs or automatic drip irrigation systems will improve
6.1 Planting Shrubs
survival.
A. For a single shrub, the pit shall be dug 1' wider than M. Prune out any dead or broken branches. Prune
the diameter of the rootball and deep enough to hedge as directed by landscape architect.
allow 1/8 of the rootball to set above existing grade. N. Remove all tags, labels, strings, wire, etc. from the
B. For a shrub mass planting, the entire bed area plant, unless otherwise directed.
shall be tilled 46" deep, except within the critical
root zone of existing plant material or where 6.2 Planting Bare Root Material
underground utilities are present. Tilling should A. The pit shall be only broad enough to accommodate
only be done in moist soil to avoid compaction. If the roots fully extended and only deep enough so
the soil is in clay or silt or loam, organic material that the uppermost roots will be just below the
should be added. Each shrub pit shall be excavated original grade.
for the proper setting of the rootball. (Reference:
Soils specification) B. Set the plant in the pit so that all roots, when fully
extended, will not touch the walls of the planting
C. Place the shrub in the pit by lifting and carrying it pit, and the uppermost roots are just below the
by the rootball or container. Remove containers from original grade.
all container-grown shrubs, slash the edges of the
rootball from top to bottom, at least 1" deep. The C. Spread out the roots properly and work backfill mix
slashing of roots may not be required for containers among them. Prune off broken roots in a natural
pre-treated with copper coating or plants grown in a position. Water thoroughly while backfilling.
Cellugro system or in root containment bags. D. Complete the planting operation as detailed in
D. Set the shrub straight and in the center of the pit section 6.1 Planting Shrubs.
with the most desirable side facing toward the
prominent view. 6.3 Planting Procedures for All Container-Grown
Trees and Shrubs
E. For individual shrub planting, use a backfill mixture A. Remove the plant either by cutting or inverting the
as stated in section 4.3 Backfilling Tree Pit. container.

Landscape Specification Guidelines 9 Exterior Landscape Installation

B. For untreated plastic container-grown plants with
circling roots, use a sharp knife to make four or five
1" cuts the length of the rootball.
C. Plant shrub or tree a minimum of 1/8 of the height
of the rootball above existing grade.
D. Apply no more than a 2" thick layer of approved
mulch. E. Plants grown in root containment bags
must have the bags removed during the planting
operation. No additional slashing of the rootball is
necessary.
7.0 Planting Procedures for
Ground Cover, Perennials, and
Annuals
7.1 Preparing Ground Cover, Perennial, and Annual Beds
A. The planting bed shall be loosened by tilling
when the soil is moist prior to planting. Soil shall
be loosened to a depth of 46"except within the
critical root zone of existing plant material or where
underground utilities are present.
B. Organic matter shall be spread over the bed to a
depth of 2" after the soil has been loosened. The
organic matter shall then be worked into the bed by
tilling. (Reference: Soils specification)
C. Fertilizer shall be top-dressed over annual bed area
(except when compost is applied) based on soil test
results. In the establishment stage, liquid fertilizer
may be applied to annuals, as directed by owner or
landscape architect.
D. The entire bed shall be mulched to a minimum
depth of 1", 2" maximum, with approved mulch,
such as pine fines, pine needles, or unscreened
compost.
7.2 Planting Ground Cover, Perennials, and Annuals
A. Before planting, biodegradable pots shall be split,
and non biodegradable pots shall be removed.
Root systems of all potted plants shall be split or
crumbled.
B. The plants, either potted or bare root, shall be
installed so that the roots are surrounded by soil
below the mulch. Potted plants shall be set so that
the top of the pot is even with the existing grade.
The roots of bare root plants shall be covered to the
crown.
Landscape Specification Guidelines
C. Spacing of plants shall be installed as noted on the
landscape plan or contract.
D. The entire planting bed shall be thoroughly watered.
E. Treat the planted bed with a pre-emergent, soil-
applied herbicide, per label instructions, unless
otherwise directed by the owner or landscape
architect. Apply the pre-emergent herbicide only
when all foliage is dry to prevent foliar burn.
8.0 Planting Procedures for Bulbs
8.1 Preparation of the Planting Bed
A. The planting bed shall be loosened prior to planting
by tilling when the soil is moist, except within
the critical root zone of existing plant material or
where underground utilities are present. Depth of
loosening depends on bulb species. See section 8.3
Bulb Planting Chart.
B. Organic matter shall be spread over the bed to a
depth of 2" after the soil has been loosened. The
organic matter shall then be worked into the bed by
tilling.
C. Fertilizer shall be incorporated into the soil, except
when compost is used, to the planting depth of
perennials and bulbs. The fertilizer rate will be based
on the results of the soil test. Annual bulbs do not
require fertilizer.
D. The entire bed shall be mulched to a minimum
depth of 1", 2" maximum, with approved mulch.
8.2 Planting Bulbs
A. Bulbs shall be installed by one of the following
methods:
1. The bulb-planting hole shall be dug through the
mulch with a hand trowel, bulb planter, or power
auger.
2. Excavate to the recommended planting depth. Set
out the bulbs and then cover the bulbs with soil.
3. Bulbs used as a single season display may be
planted at a lesser depth.
B. Bulbs shall be planted so that the basal plate faces
down in the planting hole.
C. Spacing of bulbs shall be installed as noted on the
landscape plan or contract.
D. Treat the planted bed with a pre-emergent approved
for bulbs, as per label instructions.
10 Exterior Landscape Installation
8.3 Planting Chart
See chart below.

8.4 Bulbs, Perennials, Tubers, Corns, Rhizomes

9.0 Mechanical Tree Planting

9.1 General Conditions
A. Mechanical tree planters may be used for
transplanting trees and other large plants whenever
practical.

9.2 Selecting Size of Mechanical Digger

A. Determine the size of the plant to be moved.
B. Use caliper inch as per ANLA standards to measure
all trees.
C. The size of mechanical digger used will be based on
trunk diameter, species, time of year, and condition
of tree and site factors. Ref: ANLA ANSI-Z60.1-2004

D. Use the mechanical digger that will give a root
equivalent to 9" or 10" of soil per inch of trunk
diameter. Example: A 4" caliper tree should be dug
with 36" or 40" tree spade to ensure proper root area
during transplanting. For trees, this rule of thumb
is generally used up to 10" caliper. Larger trees
are generally dug with a backhoe, burlapped, and
moved with a crane.
E. Balled and burlapped specifications: Ball sizes
should always be of a diameter and depth sufficient
to encompass enough of the fibrous and feeding
root system as necessary for the full recovery of the
plant. It is recognized that balling of nursery grown
stock can be accomplished by hand digging or by
using mechanical devices especially designed for
nursery conditions. The use of digging machines is
an acceptable nursery practice. See chart below for
root ball sizes.
F. During the active growing season, a larger rootball is
recommended to reduce transplanting shock.
9.3 Equipment
A. Mechanical diggers shall be in good condition to
ensure a successful transplant.
B. All blades shall be aligned, free of damage, and
sharpened on a regular basis.
C. The hydraulic system shall be leak-free to avoid
damage to plants and property.
9.4 Procedure
A. It is recommended that field-grown stock be root-
pruned 6 to 12 months before removal from the
nursery.
B. Before digging the tree, skim off any weeds and
excess topsoil from the ball. Avoid damaging any

Reprinted by permission from Landscape Designer & Estimators Guide. (Revised Edition) written by National Landscape Association

Landscape Specification Guidelines 11 Exterior Landscape Installation

 roots or trunk. Match the size of the rootball to the Support Schedule and section 9.5 Mechanical
hole excavated for transplanting. Tree Planting Detail on Level Grade.
C. Digging 6. Remove all string, tags, and seals, and prune any
broken branches, unless otherwise directed.
1. Prepare tree for digging:
7. Thoroughly water tree.
a. Tie branches up or down to allow good access
to the tree by the mechanical spade. 8. It is the owners responsibility to remove stakes,
wire, and hose one year after planting, unless
b. Prune only those branches interfering with
growing conditions warrant otherwise.
the digging process.
c. Prepare and protect site as directed by the 9.5 Mechanical Tree Planting Detail on Level Grade
owner or landscape architect.
2. For digging trees on existing slopes, refer to
section 9.7 Mechanical Tree Planting Detail for
Sloped Areas.
3. Drop spades one at a time, alternating from one
side to the other, to ensure even penetration and
clean root cutting. Water injection is helpful
at this point, if available on the machine.
Presoaking the area 24 to 48 hours prior to
digging is recommended.
4. After lifting the tree from the hole, using
sharpened hand tools, cut any roots protruding
from the spades.
5. If the tree is moved off site, it must be tarped to
prevent water loss from leaves and stems.
6. Remove any loose debris and, if possible, tarp
bottom of rootball before transporting.
D. Setting 9.6 Details on Transplanting Trees From Sloped Areas
1. Scarify sides of the hole to remove glazing. Plant to Level Areas Using a Mechanical Tree Spade
tree into hole dug by tree spade at the same Operator shall inspect the degree of slope where the tree
elevation as the trees original grade. Up to 1/8 of is growing before digging the cavity.
the rootball can be higher than the trees original
grade but never deeper. Level and adjust tree to
straighten it as blades are being removed.
2. Should voids exist between the hole and the
rootball, fill with good grade of topsoil or clean
existing soil.
3. Use a long, slender tool (e.g., shovel handle,
digging bar) to pack excess soil tightly around
the edge of the rootball and create a saucer
around the tree as if hand planting.
4. Shave certain areas of the rootball, if necessary,
in slope situations. Use extreme caution to
minimize root disruption. Refer to section 9.7
Mechanical Tree Planting Detail for Sloped
Areas.
5. Staking and mulching procedures shall follow
those for B&B trees. See section 5.7 Tree

Landscape Specification Guidelines 12 Exterior Landscape Installation

9.7 Mechanical Tree Planting Detail for Sloped Areas
10.0 Planting Above Structure
And In Raised Planters
10.1 Scope of Work
A. Furnish all labor, materials, tools, equipment, and
services necessary to complete the following for on-
structure planters as specified on drawings.
1. Installation of all drainage material.
2. Installation of planter soil mix.
3. Installation of plant materials.
B. The landscape contractor shall be familiar with the
project premises and how the existing conditions
will affect his/her work.
10.2 Related Work
Soils (See Previous Section)
1.0 General Conditions
2.0 Plant Materials
3.0 Products
4.0 Planting Procedures For Trees
5.0 Bracing Procedures
6.0 Planting Procedures For Shrubs
7.0 Planting Procedures For Ground Cover,
Perennials, And Annuals
8.0 Planting Procedures For Bulbs
10.3 Testing
The landscape contractor shall test all planters for
positive drainage after all waterproofing and protection
board is installed, but prior to installation of drainage
material.
Landscape Specification Guidelines
10.4 Products
A. Filter fabric (i.e., soil separator) and drainage board
are used in the bottom of the container to prevent
soil from plugging drainage and/or weep holes.
B. Unless otherwise specified by the owner/owners
representative, topsoil shall be sandy loam in
texture, with a mechanical analysis of 5060%
sand, 1525% silt, and 1015% clay. The soil must
be homogeneous throughout to ensure adequate
drainage. C. Organic matter shall be composted
pine bark, mature compost, or approved product.
Organic material added to the topsoil must be
uniformly mixed throughout the entire soil profile.
D. The contractor should perform soil testing
before the soil mix is installed into the planter to
correct any nutrient deficiencies or perform any pH
adjustment that may be necessary. The landscape
architect should be on site to review all stages of
planting in above structures and in raised planters.
10.5 Procedure
A. Drainage
1. Install drainage material in all planting areas over
structure, as per plan. Areas to be planted must
be clean of extraneous material and debris. Do
not damage planter waterproofing or protection
board. Ensure that planter drains are operable
and free of debris. The landscape architect may
review the installation of the drainage systems
prior to placing any backfill mixes.
2. Install filter fabric or drainage board along
planter bottoms. Make sure filter fabric or
drainage board does not slip during the backfill
installation.
B. Soil placement
1. Place soil in 12" layers and lightly tamp to
eliminate air pockets and minimize settling. Care
should be taken when placing soil so as to not
compact and restrict drainage. Due to anticipated
settling, soil fill may exceed final grade.
Prior to planting, the landscape contractor shall
re-grade and repair any areas that settle or are
uneven.
C. Planting operations: See sections 2.0 through 8.0 for
planting materials and procedures.
D. Bracing operations: See section 5.4 for selection
of bracing techniques. In some cases, galvanized
steel eyebolts can be imbedded into the sides of the
planter to allow the connection of guy wires.
13 Exterior Landscape Installation
11.0 Green Roofs
Ref: Maryland Department of the Environment
2000 Maryland Stormwater Design Manual, Volume
II Stormwater Design Appendices, Appendix B.4
Construction Specifications for Environmental Site
Design Practices, Section B.4.A Green Roof Specifications
www.mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/
stormwatermanagementprogram/soilerosi
onandsedimentcontrol/documents/md%20swm%20
volume%202.pdf
www.mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/
stormwatermanagementprogram/soilerosi on
andsedimentcontrol/documents/md swm volume 2.pdf
B.4.A Green Roof Specifications
1. Material Specifications
Because there is significant variation in green roof
assemblies and methods, providing comprehensive
specifications is not feasible. Material specifications
for green roofs will vary based on each roofing
system, and specific information should be obtained
from the appropriate manufacturer or retailer.
The following information and specifications,
which include acceptable materials for generic
applications, are not exclusive or limiting.
2. Planting Media
Planting media should be a soil-like mixture
with an organic content of 15% or less. The
grain size distribution is necessary for attaining
proper moisture content, permeability, nutrient
management, non-capillary porosity, and soil
structure. Grain size guidelines vary for single and
dual media green roof assemblies.
The planting media shall be tested and meet the
following criteria:
Non-Capillary Pore Space at Field Capacity, 0.333
bar TMECC 03.01, A)
Moisture Content at Field Capacity
(TMECC 03.01, A)
Maximum Media Water Retention (FLL)
Alkalinity, CaCO3 equivalents (MSA)
Total Organic Matter by Wet Combustion (MSA)
pH (RCSTP)
Soluble Salts (DTPA saturated media extraction
RCSTP)
Cation Exchange Capacity (MSA)
Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity (FLL):
Single Media Assemblies
Dual Media Assemblies
15% (volume)
12% (volume)
Landscape Specification Guidelines
30% (volume)
2.5%
315% (dry wt.)
6.58.0
6 mmhos/cm
10 meq/100 g
0.05 in/min
0.30 in/min
Mineral Fraction Grain Size Distribution
(ASTM D422):
Single Media Dual Media
Clay Fraction (2 micron) 0 % Passing #200
Sieve 5% 5 5%
% Passing # 60 Sieve 10% 1025%
% Passing #18 Sieve 550% 2050%
% Passing inch Sieve 2070% 5590%
% Passing inch Sieve 75100% 90100%
Appendix B.4. Construction Specifications
for Environmental Site Design Practices
Supp. 1 B.4.2
3. Green Roof Layers
Root barriersshould be thermoplastic
membranes with minimum thickness of 30 mils.
Membranes certified for use as root barriers are
recommended. However, only FLL currently
offers a recognized certification test. Many FLL-
certified materials are locally available.
Granular drainage mediashould be a non-
carbonate mineral aggregate meeting the following
specifications:
Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity 25
inches/minute
Total Organic Matter (by wet combustion) 1%
Abrasion Resistance (ASTM C131-96) 25% loss
Soundness (ASTM C88 or T103 or T103-91)
5% loss
Porosity (ASTM C29) 25%
Alkalinity, CaCO3 equivalents (MSA) 1%
Grain Size Distribution (ASTM C136)
Percent Passing #18 Sieve 1%
Percent Passing inch Sieve 30%
Percent Passing 3/8 inch Sieve 80%
Separation fabricshould be a lightweight, non-
woven geotextile that is easily penetrated by roots,
while providing a durable separation between
drainage and growth media layers.
Separation fabrics should meet the following:
Unit Weight (ASTM D3776) 4.25 ounces per
square yard
Grab Tensile Strength (ASTM D4632) 90lbs.
Mullen Burst Strength (ASTM D4632)
135lbs/inch
Permittivity (ASTM D4491) 2 sec-1
14 Exterior Landscape Installation
Landscape
Specification
Guidelines 6th edition

Exterior Landscape Maintenance

1.0 General Conditions
1.1 Scope of Work
A. The landscape contractor shall provide all materials,
labor, and equipment required to complete all
landscape maintenance work as specified in the
contract.
B. The landscape contractor shall be familiar with the
project premises and how the existing conditions
will affect his/her work.
1.2 Standards
A. All landscape maintenance services shall be
performed by trained personnel using current and
acceptable horticultural practices.
B. All operators of power equipment shall conform to
OSHA regulations.
C. All work shall be performed in a manner that
maintains the original integrity of the landscape
design.
D. All chemical applications shall be performed in
accordance with current county, state, and federal
laws, utilizing EPA registered materials and methods
of application. These applications shall be performed
under the supervision of a licensed certified pesticide
applicator. For turfgrass fertilizer applications
in Maryland, there is a Nutrient Management
Certification required. All fertilizer applications
made to turf must be made under the certified
individuals supervision. Selection of chemicals
shall be in accordance with the following current
University Extension Publications:
In Maryland:
Maryland Fertilizer Use Act of 2011 For Professional
Fertilizer Applicators
Certification
Beginning October 1, 2013, anyone who applies fertilizer
to turf as part of his or her job must be certified, or work
under the direct supervision of someone who is certified.
General Requirements
Take soil test using an approved lab, initially and then
every three years thereafter.
Follow the recommendations of UMD Extension:
TT115 for turf maintenance; TT-116 for seeding; or
TT118 for golf courses.
Landscape Specification Guidelines
Keep records of fertilizer applications:
Date
Location
Rate (e.g., 4 lb/1000 ft2)
Total amount used
Analysis of fertilizer
Do not apply fertilizer to impervious surfaces.
Nitrogen Limits
No more that 0.7 lb/1000 ft2 of soluble nitrogen may be
applied in any one application.
No more than 0.9 lb/1000 ft2 total nitrogen may be
applied in any single application, unless you are using an
enhanced efficiency fertilizer.
Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizer
Defined as not having a release rate of more than
0.7lb/1000 ft2 per month of nitrogen.
If using enhanced efficiency fertilizer, keep
manufacturers documentation of release rate. May not
be applied after November 15. May not apply more than
2.5 lbs/1000 ft2 of nitrogen using an enhanced efficiency
fertilizer. May not apply more than 80% of annual
recommended rate for nitrogen.
Phosphorus
Organic Turf Fertilizer:
May not contain more than 5% P2O5.
May not have an application rate greater than 0.25
lb/1000 ft2 of P205 per application or 0.5 pound/1000
ft2/year.
May not be used if soil test phosphorus level is optimum
or excessive.
Timing Restrictions
No application of N or P2O5 to turf before March 1 or
after November 15, except that between November 15
and December 1, pound of soluble N may be applied.
No application of N or P2O5 when the ground is frozen.
Lime, K, and other nutrients are not regulated.
Setbacks
No application of N or P205 within 15 feet of water.
If using a drop spreader, rotary spreader with deflector
shield, or targeted spray, the setback may be reduced to
10 feet.
1 Exterior Landscape Maintenance
Additional Information:
Landscape IPM Guidelines for Integrated Pest
Management, Bulletin 350.
Total Crop Management of Herbaceous
Perennials, Bulletin 359.
Lawns and the Chesapeake Bay, Fact sheet 702.
Fertilizing Landscape Trees and Shrubs, Fact sheet
HG 23.
Fact sheets (printed and electronic) on specific
insects, mites, and disease control.
Fact sheets (printed and electronic) on turf disease
and weed control.
Other updated University of Maryland Extension
printed and electronically published literature:
Nursery News, Green Industry News, Agronomy
Please visit www.mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer to
download the Nutrient Management Manual for
turfgrass fertilizer applications.
In Virginia:
Pest Management Guide, Horticulture and Forest Crops
Bulletin 456-017
Electronic pest management guides can be accessed at
http://www.ext.VT.edu/pubs/pmg/
Fertilizer regulations can be accessed at www.dcr.
virginia.gov/stormwater_management/nutmgt.shtml
In D.C.:
The District of Columbia does not have any fertilizer
regulations.
All organic gardening shall not use synthetic chemical
pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.
All companies using IPM shall have regular monitoring
and tracking of pest populations as a central part of their
program. Alternative methods to broad spectrum pesticide
applications such as biological releases or selection of
pest resistant plant material will be used where practical.
Selective biorational and botanical insecticides will be
used in controlling pest populations when possible.
1.3 Approvals
A. Any work performed in addition to that outlined
in the contract shall only be done upon written
approval by the owner or the owners representative.
B. All seasonal color selections, if not originally
specified by the landscape architect, shall be
approved by the owner or the owners representative
prior to ordering and installation.
Landscape Specification Guidelines
1.4 Soil Testing
Refer to the Soils specification, section 1.7 (Soil Testing).
1.5 Workmanship
A. During landscape maintenance operations, all
areas shall be kept neat and clean. Precautions shall
be taken to avoid damage to existing structures
and plant material. All work shall be performed
in a manner that ensures the safety of operators,
occupants, and any pedestrians.
B. All fertilizers remaining on paved surfaces must be
removed.
C. Upon completion of maintenance operations,
all debris and waste material shall be cleaned up
and removed from the site, unless provisions have
been granted by the owner to utilize onsite trash
receptacles or to compost on site.
D. Any damage to the landscape, the structure, the
irrigation, and/or electrical systems caused by the
landscape contractor shall be repaired by the landscape
contractor without charge to the owner.
1.6 Warranty
The landscape contractor shall make every effort to
maintain the health and growth of all plant material and
turf. The landscape contractor shall not be responsible
to guarantee the plant material or turf, except when
that landscape contractor was obviously negligent in the
performance of his/her work as outlined in the contract.
2.0 Products
Pesticides, fertilizers, lime, and other such products used
in landscape maintenance operations shall be selected
based on the most current information provided by
the University of Maryland or Virginia Polytechnical
Institute (VPI) and currently labeled by the EPA for its
proposed use.
3.0 Turf
3.1 Mowing and Cleanup
A. Prior to each mowing, all trash, sticks, and other
unwanted debris shall be removed from lawns and
all areas to be mowed.
B. Cool season grasses, including blue grass, tall
fescue, perennial ryegrass, and others, shall be
maintained at a height of 3" to 4" throughout
the growing season.
C. It is not recommended to mow during extremely dry
or wet conditions. During the mowing season, all
2 Exterior Landscape Maintenance
 lawn areas shall be mowed every 7 to 10 days or as
weather conditions dictate. This is best determined
by blade growth, as only 1/3 of the blade should be
removed at any one cutting. Caution shall be used
to avoid any flying debris. Safety glasses and ear
protection shall be worn during this operation.
D. The mowing operation includes trimming around
all obstacles, removing excess grass clippings, and
removing debris from walks, curbs, and parking areas.
CAUTION: String trimmers shall NOT come in
contact with the bark of the tree.
E. When possible, on all maintained lawns, mulching
mowers should be used.
3.2 Edging
Edging of all sidewalks, curbs and other paved areas
should be performed once every other mowing. Debris
from the edging operations shall be removed and the
areas swept or blown clean. Caution shall be used to
avoid any flying debris. Safety glasses and ear protection
shall be worn during this operation.
3.3 Fertilization
Operating in Maryland
Nutrient management laws passed by the Maryland
Legislature in 1998 require that University of Maryland
nutrient management guidelines are followed on
commercially managed turfgrass sites larger than 3 acres.
Fertilizer regulations can be accessed at www.mda.
maryland.gov/fertilizer
Operating in Virginia
Fertilizer regulations can be accessed at www.dcr.
virginia.gov/stormwater_management/nutmgt.shtml
Operating in District of Columbia
Presently, the District of Columbia does not have
nutrient management laws, but it is still environmentally
responsible to follow the guidelines used in Maryland or
Virginia.
3.4 Lawn Weed Control
A. Chemical
1. Based on the previous years performance, a pre-
emergent (soil-applied) herbicide may be applied,
consistent with soil temperature requirements for
the product being used and the state law, to help
control the germination of crabgrass and other
annual weed seeds.
Landscape Specification Guidelines
2. A post-emergent (foliar-applied) herbicide shall
be applied, if necessary, around mid-May to
help prevent the growth of broadleaf weeds. A
second application may be applied, if necessary,
in late September to early October to help
control fall weeds.
3. A non-selective pre- or post-emergent (soil- or
foliar-applied) herbicide shall be applied, only
when necessary, to walks, curbs, and other paved
areas to help control the growth of weeds.
4. Selection and proper use of herbicides shall be
the landscape contractors responsibility. All
chemical applications shall be performed under
the supervision of a licensed certified pesticide
applicator. Read the label prior to applying any
chemical.
B. Non-Chemical Alternatives to Herbicides
1. Perennial weeds: The creeping-type of weedy
grasses such as Bermudagrass, Roughstalk
Bluegrass, Nimblewill, and Quackgrass cannot
be successfully removed by digging unless they
exist in very small, isolated patches. Because
bunchgrasses have few, if any, stolons or rhizomes,
they can be controlled effectively by digging. Using
a spade or shovel, cut around clumps of weed
grasses. The cut should be outside of all plant parts
and at least 2" deep. When digging small patches
of creeping-type grasses, the outside edge should be
612" outside plant parts and at least 6" deep.
3.5 Insect and Disease Control
A. The contractor shall be responsible for monitoring
the site conditions on each visit to determine if any
insect pest or disease problems exist. The contractor
shall identify the insect pest or disease, as well as
the host plant, and then consult the most current
edition of the University Extension Services Pest
Management Recommendations for Turf for
control. The certified pesticide applicator shall be
familiar with the label provided for the selected
product prior to application.
3.6 Irrigation
Refer to the specification on Irrigation, section 1.15
(Maintenance).
3.7 Renovation
All turf renovation shall be considered an extra to the
contract. Renovations may include disking, tilling,
aerating, and/or topdressing. If required, this work
shall be performed in accordance with the most current
industry standards. Information about lawn renovation
can be accessed at www.ipmnet.umd.edu.
3 Exterior Landscape Maintenance
4.0 Trees, Shrubs, Herbaceous
Perennials, and Ground Cover
4.1 Pruning
A. Please refer to the following for laws governing each
jurisdiction:
www.dnr.state.md.us
www.ddot.dc.gov
www.dof.virginia.gov
www.fairfaxcounty.gov
B. All ornamental trees, shrubs, and ground cover
shall be pruned when appropriate to remove dead or
damaged branches, maintain the natural form of the
plant, and create the effect intended by the landscape
architect or designer. Except for desired hedges, or to
conform to design intent, all pruning and thinning of
plants shall be done to retain their natural shapes. If
previous maintenance practice has been to shear and
ball, then a natural shape will be restored gradually.
See diagram.
Plant Shapes
C. Pruning Guidelines
1. Prune those that flower before the end of June
immediately after flowering. Flower buds develop
during the previous growing season. Fall, winter,
or spring pruning would reduce the spring
flowering display.
Landscape Specification Guidelines
2. Prune those that flower in summer or autumn in
winter or spring before new growth begins, since
these plants develop flowers on new growth.
3. Hollies and other evergreens may be pruned
during winter so their branches can be used for
seasonal decoration. However, severe pruning of
evergreens should be done in early spring only.
4. Broadleaf evergreen shrubs would best be hand-
pruned to maintain their natural appearance.
5. Hedges or shrubs that require shearing to
maintain a formal appearance shall be pruned
as required. Dead wood shall be removed from
sheared plants before the first shearing of the
season. See diagram below.
6. Conifers shall be pruned, if required, according
to their genus.
a. Conifers should never be pruned to bare wood.
b. Yews, junipers, hemlocks, arborvitae, firs,
spruces, and false-cypress may be pruned any
time of the year. If severe pruning is necessary,
it must be done in early spring.
c. Pines may be pruned within five weeks
following total candle elongation by reducing
the candle length. See diagram below.
7. Ground cover shall be edged and pruned as
needed to contain them within their borders.
8. Thinning: Remove undesirable branches and
water sprouts and suckers by cutting them back
to their point of origin on parent stems. This
method results in a more open plant, without
stimulating excessive growth. Thinning is used
on crape myrtle, lilacs, Viburnums, Smokebush,
and others. See diagram below.
4 Exterior Landscape Maintenance
 9. Renewal pruning: Remove oldest branches of
shrub at ground, leaving the younger, more
vigorous branches. Also remove weak stems.
On overgrown plants, this method may best be
done over a three-year period. Renewal pruning
may be used on Abelia, forsythia, deutzia,
Mockorange, Spiraea, and others. See diagram
below. Some plants, like Smokebush, Vitex,
Abelia, and Buddleia, may be cut down close to
the ground in late winter and will regenerate.
D. Plants overhanging passageways and parking areas
shall be pruned as needed.
E. Shade trees that cannot be adequately pruned from
the ground shall not be included in the Maintenance
Contract. This type of work shall be performed by a
Maryland Tree Expert under a separate contract.
F. For more detailed information regarding the
pruning of specific plants, refer to www.ipmnet.
umd.edu.
4.2 Cleanup
Plant beds shall receive a general cleanup before
fertilizing and mulching. Cleanup includes:
A. Removing debris and trash from beds.
B. Cutting back herbaceous perennials left standing
through winter (e.g., ornamental grasses, Sedum
Autumn Joy). Established beds may require dividing
and thinning. See section on perennials.
C. Thoroughly weed area by manually removing
all weeds, chemically treating all weeds, or a
combination of the two.
D. Cultivate existing mulch and/or remove excess soil
and/or mulch to expose the root flare and so that
when new mulch is applied, there is no more than a
total depth of 2" of mulch.
E. Edge previously mulched beds to create a 90-degree
edge with a depth of 2" to 3", and remove resulting
debris. Single tree plantings in turf shall have
the trunk of the tree located in the center of the
mulched area (tree ring).
F. If necessary or specified, a pre-emergent herbicide
may be applied to the soil to inhibit the growth
of future annual or biennial weeds. Organically
maintained gardens shall not receive any pre-
emergent herbicides.
4.3 Fertilizing
A. Fertilizer selection
Slow-release fertilizer should be the preferred type.
Landscape Specification Guidelines
The technical data sheet or label on the fertilizer
should show that a minimum of 50% of the
nitrogen source is water insoluble (WIN) and the
salt index is less than 50.
Slow-release fertilizers should be applied at a rate
between 1 and 3 lbs of actual nitrogen per 1000 sq.
ft. per application and shall not exceed 3 pounds
of actual nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft. annually. Quick-
release fertilizer should only be used when the
objectives of fertilization cannot be met with slow-
release fertilizer. Rates are between 1 and 3 lbs of
actual nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft. per application and
shall not exceed 3 lbs of actual nitrogen per 1000 sq.
ft. annually. A soil test shall determine if phosphorus
and potassium are required. In Maryland, a soil test
is required to be done every three (3) years for turf
and landscape beds. Follow the guidelines for other
jurisdictions.
B. Fertilization area
The fertilization area shall be defined prior to
application. Consideration shall be given to root
accessibility, root location, fertilization objectives,
and plant species. The area to be fertilized for shrubs
shall be the area under the drip line of the plant.
For trees, an area 1.5 times the drip line area can be
fertilized. Inaccessible surfaces shall not be included
in the rate of application. Overlapping fertilization
areas shall be calculated once.
C. Fertilizer guidelines for fertilization of trees, shrubs,
and ground covers
1. Trees. The fertilization of trees should be based
on plant age, vigor, and maintenance program.
Young trees that are producing 12" or more of
new growth per year have an adequate supply
of nutrients. This is especially true if the trees
are growing in a well-fertilized lawn or garden
area. The soil around young trees that are
producing less than 12" of new growth per year
should be tested and fertilized according to
recommendations. Generally, the application of 2
to 3 lbs of a complete 50% organic fertilizer per
inch caliper is recommended for both deciduous
and evergreen species. The fertilizer is best
applied by drilling 1" to 2" diameter holes drilled
8" to 10" deep at 2' to 3' intervals starting near
the edge of the original root ball and extending
1/3 the distance beyond the drip line. One should
avoid top-dressing shade trees by applying an
excess amount of nitrogen on turf growing under
the shade of trees.
The fertilization of mature trees should be limited
5 Exterior Landscape Maintenance
 to maintaining vigor and color. If mature trees
have good color and are producing a minimum of
8" to 10" of new growth, they have an apparent
adequate supply of nutrients available. Many
species of mature trees generally respond well to
fertilizing or vertical mulching at 4- to 6-year
intervals. The fertilization rate for mature shade
trees is 3 to 4 lbs of a complete 50% organic
fertilizer per inch diameter at breast height
(DBH), starting at half the distance between the
drip line and the trunk of the tree and extending
1/2 the distance beyond the drip line. The 1" to
2" diameter holes should be 8" to 10" deep and at
2' to 3' intervals. When vertical mulching, drill
3" diameter holes 10" to 12" deep at 2' intervals
and fill the holes with screened compost.
2. Calculation of area for fertilizer application.
Example:
A crabapple with a 20-ft branch spread will
receive fertilizer. The area of a circle is calculated
as r2. Using 3.14 as the value of and having a
radius (r) of 10 ft., the area of this circle would be
= 3.14 x 102 = 314 sq.ft.
If the tree is to receive 2 lbs of actual N/1000 sq.
ft. then,
2 lbs of actual N/1000 sq. ft. = x lbs of N
1000 sq. ft.
314 sq ft. x 1000 = 2 x 314
x 1000 = 628
x 1000 = 628
1000 1000
x = .628 actual N/1000 sq ft. is applied to 314 sq. ft.
3. Application rate of fertilizer per tree status:
Status Rate/Year
Newly planted 01 lb N/1000 ft2/year
Established plants 24 lb N/1000 ft2/year
Mature trees 1 lb N/1000 ft2/year
4. Fertilizer Application Methods
For surface application, all fertilizer shall be
uniformly distributed within the defined area of
fertilization. Surface application shall not be
made where surface runoff is likely to occur.
Where turf or ground cover exists, subsurface
fertilization should be the preferred method of
fertilization.
For subsurface dry fertilization holes, they
shall be evenly spaced within the defined
Landscape Specification Guidelines
fertilization area. Holes should be 1"2" in
diameter, spaced 12"36" apart and 4"8" deep.
The fertilizer should be evenly distributed among
the holes. The fertilizer should not be closer than
2" to the soil surface.
For subsurface liquid fertilizer injection, the
injection sites shall be evenly distributed within
the fertilization area. For liquid injection systems,
the pressure should not exceed 200 lbs per square
inch. Fertilizer should be evenly distributed
between holes.
Foliar applications, injections, or fertilizer
implants shall only be used when soil application
of fertilizer is impractical or ineffective in
achieving fertilization objectives.
5. Shrubs should only be fertilized when they lack
good color and/or are not growing properly. Yearly
fertilizing of shrubs results in excessive growth
of many species, resulting in increase need for
pruning to maintain size and shape. Fertilizer
needs should be based on soil test results and
cultural practices. Excessive use of mulch or
repeated application of hardwood bark mulches
can create nutrient deficiency symptoms by
applying fertilizers. If the shrubs appear to have
normal growth and color, they are best left alone.
6. Ground covers: Newly planted ground covers
often benefit from being fertilized with a 50%
organic complete fertilizer at the rate of 2 to 3
lbs. of fertilizer per 100 sq. ft. during the first
two to three years following establishment,
especially if the soil was not properly prepared.
Once the ground covers are well-established,
yearly applications of fertilizer can create
conditions for invasion by disease-causing
organisms. The need to apply fertilizers to
established ground covers should be based on
color, vigor, and soil test results.
4.4 Mulching
The use of mulch should be limited to a maximum total
depth no greater than 2" and applied only where the
existing mulch has been either cultivated into the soil or
removed. Only composted hardwood bark mulch, pure
pine bark mulch, composted mix pine bark mulch, or
unscreened compost shall be used in beds containing
shallow rooted woody species, herbaceous perennials,
or annuals. The use of shredded wood, wood chips,
and colored shredded wood waste should be limited
to uses such as around well-established deep-rooted
species, walkways, or play areas. Repeated applications
6 Exterior Landscape Maintenance
of double-shredded hardwood bark mulch should be
minimized in order to avoid the accumulation of toxic
manganese in soils.
If annual or biennial weeds are the primary reason
for mulching, they are best controlled with the use of
pre-emergent herbicides applied before the weed seeds
germinate or with the use of post-emergent herbicide
applied with a wick applicator or by spray applied to the
foliage of the growing weeds. If there are perennial weeds
that exist, physically remove or spot treat chemically
with an herbicide before mulching or else they will grow
through the pre-emergent barrier.
Special care shall be taken in the mulching operation
not to over mulch or cover the base of trees and shrubs.
4.5 Weeding
A. All beds shall be weeded on a continual basis
throughout the growing season to maintain a neat
appearance at all times.
B. Pre and post-emergent (foliar applied) herbicides
shall be used where and when applicable and in
accordance with the products label.
4.6 Insect and Disease Control
The landscape contractor shall be responsible for
monitoring the landscape site on a regular basis. The
monitoring frequency shall be determined by joint
consensus between the customer and contractor. Trained
personnel shall monitor for plant damaging insect
activity, plant pathogenic diseases, and potential cultural
problems in the landscape. The pest or cultural problem
will be identified under the supervision of the contractor.
Monitor for weeds throughout the season, especially for
invasive species. If any invasive species are found, take
immediate action to remove.
For plant damaging insects and mites identified in the
landscape, the contractor shall consult and follow the
recommendations of the most current edition of the state
University Extension publications on insect and disease
control on landscape plant material. (Refer to section 1.2
of this specification.)
Plant pathogenic disease problems identified by the
contractor that can be resolved by pruning or physical
removal of damaged plant parts will be performed as
part of the contract. For an additional charge, plant
pathogenic diseases can be resolved through properly
timed applications of fungicides when the customer
authorizes. Fungicides are effective when applied before
the symptoms are present on the plant and are applied
on a preventative basis.
Landscape Specification Guidelines
If the contractor notes an especially insect- or disease-
prone plant species in the landscape, he or she will suggest
replacement with a more pest-resistant cultivar or species
that is consistent with the intent of the landscape design.
NOTE: For identifying plant-damaging insects and
mites, a reference textbook that can be utilized is
Insects That Feed on Trees & Shrubs, by Johnson &
Lyon, Cornell University Press. For plant pathogenic
diseases, three references are suggested: Scouting &
Controlling Woody Ornamental Diseases in Landscapes
and Nurseries, authored by Gary Moorman, published
by Penn State College of Agriculture; Diseases of Trees
and Shrubs by Sinclair, Lyon, and Johnson, published by
Cornell University Press; and Total Plant Management
for Herbaceous Perennials, a joint effort of the University
of Maryland, Virginia Tech, and Cornell University and
their specialists in various environmental fields. This
publication is available at www.ipmnet.umd.edu.
4.7 Trash Removal
The landscape contractor shall remove trash from all
shrub and ground cover beds with each visit. All trash
shall be removed from turf areas prior to mowing.
4.8 Leaf Removal
Fallen leaves shall be mulched or removed from
maintained areas on a contractual basis. If requested
by the owner, supplemental leaf removals shall be
performed by the landscape contractor at an additional
cost to the owner.
4.9 Watering
A. If an irrigation system exists, the landscape contractor
shall be responsible for monitoring its effectiveness
and reporting any problems to the owner.
B. The landscape contractor shall not be responsible for
any hand-watering of the trees, shrubs, or ground
cover, except where feasible and at an additional cost
to the owner.
C. In drought years, it is advisable for contractors to
recommend watering to prevent damaging stress to
landscape plants.
4.10 Espaliers
Espaliers may be formal or informal. Wires may be run
horizontally across the structure, and branches may be
attached to the wires or individually to masonry nails,
screw eyes, or similar hardware. See diagram below.
A. Attach tie, covered wire, tape, or treated string to
masonry nail, wire, or screw eye.
7 Exterior Landscape Maintenance
B. Tie open end around stem. Do not make tight.
Leave room for stem to grow in diameter so it does
not become girdled.
C. Prune so that branches protrude no more than
1218" from side of structure. Selectively prune
branches to maintain desired shape.
D. Check ties annually.
4.11 Vines
Vines usually have an indeterminate habit of growth.
Most need to be restrained or restricted.
A. Prune vines away from windows, doorways, and
other openings.
B. Restrict vigorous vines from clambering over other
plants (e.g., wisteria, trumpet vine, Boston ivy, sweet
autumn clematis). Some vines can be permitted
access to other plants (e.g., clematis x Jackmanii).
C. Prune to maintain integrity of design. Do not
permit vines to escape through the landscape.
Understand the vines growth habit.
4.12 Miscellaneous
The following items shall be done one year after installation,
if appropriate, at an additional cost to the owner.
A. It is the owners responsibility to remove stakes,
wire, and hose one year after planting unless
growing conditions warrant otherwise.
B. Remove excess soil from soil rings.
C. All dead or unhealthy plant material out of warranty
shall be replaced upon the approval of plant
selection and price by the owner.
5.0 Seasonal Color: Annuals and
Bulbs
5.1 Seasonal Color Installation
Landscape Specification Guidelines
The installation of perennials, annuals, and bulbs, unless
specified herein, shall be performed by the landscape
contractor at an additional cost to the owner.
Refer to the specification on Exterior Landscape
Installation, sections 7.0 Planting Procedures for Ground
Cover, Perennials, and Annuals and 8.0 Planting
Procedures for Bulbs
5.2 Seasonal Color Maintenance
A. Perennialization of bulbs
1. After flowering, cut off spent flower heads.
2. Allow leaves of daffodils and hyacinths to remain
for a minimum of six weeks after flowers have
faded. Cut off at base.
3. Allow leaves of other bulbs to yellow naturally
and then cut off at the base.
B. Flower Rotations
1. Bulbs: Remove the entire plant and bulb
after flowers have faded, or at the direction
of the owner. Install new bulbs if included in
contract. See section 8.3 Planting Chart in the
specification on Exterior Landscape Installation.
2. Annuals
a. Dead heading: Pinch and remove dead flowers
on annuals as necessary.
b. Fertilizing: Perform a soil test every three
years. If phosphorus is optimal then apply a
slow-release fertilizer with a 1-0-1 analysis,
such as a 20-0-20.
c. Removal: If fall plants are to be installed,
summer annuals shall be removed in early fall
when fall plants are available for installation. If
not, summer annuals shall be left in the ground
until the first killing frost and then removed,
unless otherwise directed by the owner.
C. Perennials
1. Following the first growing season:
a. Fertilize perennials with a slow-release
fertilizer or any 50% organic fertilizer; or
mulch perennials with compost 1" deep.
b. Cut all deciduous perennials flush to the ground
by March 1 (if this was not done the previous
fall) to allow new growth to develop freely.
c. Mulch the perennial bed once in early spring
at a 1/2"1" depth. If soil is bare in late fall, re-
mulch lightly after ground is frozen to protect
perennials.
8 Exterior Landscape Maintenance
 d. Inspect for insect or disease problems on
perennials. Monitor and control slugs on
Hostas and Ligularias. Powdery mildew on
Phlox, Monardas and Asters can be prevented
with properly timed fungicides or use of
disease resistant varieties.
e. Weed perennial bed as specified in 4.5
Weeding in this section.
f. Prune branching species to increase density.
Cut only the flowering stems after blooming.
DO NOT REMOVE THE FOLIAGE.
2. The following fall cut back deteriorating plant
parts unless instructed to retain for winter interest,
e.g. Sedum Autumn Joy, ornamental grasses.
3. Long-term care:
a. Perennials will be divided when the center
of the plant begins to die out or when plants
display less vigor or flowering. Plants will be
dug with a spading fork and divided by hand,
nursery spade, or a sharp knife. Strongest
divisions will be kept for replanting. Divisions
will be large enough to make a good display
for the following season.
Divide plants that overcrowd the space
provided. Divide according to the species.
Some need frequent dividing (e.g., Asters and
Yarrow every two years), others rarely, if ever
(e.g., Peonies, Hostas, Astilbe).

b. For detailed information regarding the care

of specific perennials, refer to All About
Perennials by Ortho; Perennials: How to Select,
Grow & Enjoy by Pamela Harper and Frederick
McGourty, H.P. Books Publisher; Herbaceous
Perennial Plants by Allan Armitage, Varsity
Press, Inc.; Total Plant Management of
Herbaceous Perennials, www.ipmnet.umd.edu.

Landscape Specification Guidelines 9 Exterior Landscape Maintenance

Landscape
Specification
Guidelines 6th edition

Interior Landscape Installation & Maintenance

1.0 General Conditions
1.1 Scope and Coordination
A. The landscape contractor shall recognize and
perform in accordance with all stated intents,
specifications, drawings, and stipulations contained
or referenced herein.
B. The landscape contractor shall be familiar with the
project premises and how the existing conditions
will affect his/her work during both the installation
and maintenance phases of this section.
C. Except as otherwise stated herein, the landscape
contractor shall furnish all plants, materials, tools,
equipment, and labor necessary to complete the
work described herein. Further, it shall be the
landscape contractors sole responsibility to make
all arrangements for all required procurements,
transportation, storage, and preparations.
D. All plants, materials, and other products to be
supplied by the landscape contractor under this
section shall be subject to inspection and approval
by the landscape architect prior to their installation.
Such inspection may be made at the landscape
contractors facilities or at such other location(s) as
may be designated herein.
E. All materials and hardware to be supplied by
the landscape contractor that is not specifically
described herein shall be of suitable construction/
composition and quality to achieve their intended
function within the interior landscape.
1.2 Foliage Plant Standards
A. The landscape contractor shall provide plants,
as specified, of a quality and size equal to or
surpassing Foliage No. 1 grade, as described in the
Interior Plant Specifications section of The Guide
to Specifications for Interior Landscaping, current
edition, published by the Professional Landcare
Network, hereinafter referred to as the PLANET
Guide.
B. All plants provided under this section shall have
been established in their present growing containers
for at least six months prior to installation.
C. No plant(s) provided under this section that require
staking in order to maintain an upright position
shall be accepted.
D. All plants shall be acclimated at the nursery or at
a designated storage area not less than two months
prior to installation if originally grown under
shade conditions. If grown under full sun, the
Landscape Specification Guidelines
acclimatization period shall not be less than six
months. During the acclimatization period, the light
levels made available to the plant shall be gradually
reduced to approximately 250-foot candles. The
acclimatization process shall include consideration
of temperatures, humidity, watering intervals, and
fertilization schedule.
1.3 Guarantee and Maintenance Period
A. The landscape contractor shall maintain and
guarantee all plants for a one-year period beginning
on the date of installation. Maintenance shall consist
of a regularly scheduled maintenance program
carried out by trained service technicians.
B. A log or other written record of service shall
be provided with each service visit. The service
technician shall enter the date and maintenance
tasks performed for each visit.
C. Service procedures shall be as follows:
1. Notify the owner of the service technicians
arrival and departure from the project premises.
2. Inspect soil moisture levels and replenish as
necessary.
3. Trim and clean all foliage, remove debris, and
add soil or topdressing, as required.
4. Maintain proper nutrient levels in the growing
medium.
5. As possible, rotate plants to evenly expose all sides
to an equal amount of light.
6. All measures, whether specifically referenced or
not, that may be required to ensure the health
and vitality of the plant material.
D. The implementation of control measures for pest
and disease infestations shall be in strict compliance
with all federal and local regulations. A Certified
Licensed Pesticide Applicator shall be familiar with
the label provided for the selected product prior to
application.
E. The owner agrees that plants will not be moved
without the landscape contractors consent and that
the landscape contractor will not be responsible for
damage to the plants caused by the owner.
F. Replacement:
1. The landscape contractor shall replace,
throughout the guarantee period, any plants that
die or, in the opinion of the landscape architect
or owners representative, are in an unhealthy
or unsightly condition. Replacements shall be
1 Interior Landscape Installation & Maintenance
 made promptly after direction from the landscape
architect or owners representative. The cost of
such replacements shall be borne by the landscape
contractor at no additional cost to the owner. It
is understood that routine replacements should
occur automatically.
2. Plants that have deteriorated within the
guarantee and maintenance period shall be
replaced with a plant of the same size and variety
unless the landscape contractor can show that
this is reasonably impossible. In such a case, a
substitute, as approved by the landscape architect
or owners representative and that represents
comparable value, will be allowed. There shall
be no additional costs for replacement of any
materials except for changes in size or value
of the replaced item(s). Written approval of
the change shall be secured from the owners
representative and the landscape architect before
the replacement is made.
1.4 Waiver of Landscape Contractors Plant
Replacement Guarantee
A. In the event of any of the below listed situations, the
owner shall release the landscape contractor from
his plant replacement guarantee, as specified, and
any resulting plant replacements shall be made at
additional cost to the owner.
1. The occurrence of significant changes in plant
location(s) without the landscape contractors
prior knowledge.
2. The occurrence of vandalism or theft.
3. Extended heat or power failures of sufficient
duration to damage plant health.
4. The absence of hot and cold running water at the
project premises.
5. The occurrence of temperatures outside the range
of 55F to 85F.
6. Lack of access to the project premises. Lack of
access to all plants for maintenance purposes
during regular service visit, unless negotiated
otherwise.
7. Watering or other well-meaning care by any
clients or owners employees.
8. Accidental or malicious damage to plants or
containers by employees, cleaning crews, or other
personnel.
9. Lowering of lighting levels below those that
were originally specified as a basis for plant
Landscape Specification Guidelines
specification, or below those existing at the time
of the initial quotation for the maintenance
contract. A measured level of 65 foot-candles at
desk height for 10 hours per day is considered an
absolute lower limit for most plants.
10. Introduction of any liquids, such as cleaning
chemicals, alcohol, or surgery fluids, into the
plants soil, or the use of toxic gases, such as strong
ammonia from floor cleaning and stripping.
2.0 Products
2.1 Plants and Planting
A. Sterilized, soilless growing medium shall contain
approximately 50% Canadian sphagnum peat,
35% composted pine bark, and 15% sand. Use of a
premixed, proprietary planting medium specifically
formulated for interior plants is acceptable, provided
that it is approved by the landscape architect or
owners representative. A list of ingredients and the
percentage of each by volume shall be submitted and
approved in writing by the landscape architect or
owners representative.
B. Pine bark: shredded and well decomposed.
C. Peat moss: shredded sphagnum peat with a fiber
length of 1/8" to 1/4" and a pH range of 3.1 to 5.0.
D. Inorganic soil additive: perlite (coarse texture),
vermiculite, or approved equal.
E. Planting medium
1. Basic considerations: When selecting a soil media
for interior plantings, various criteria should be
considered:
a. Permanency of the planting
b. Moisture retention needed
c. Light level of the planting
d. System of irrigation to be used
e. Size of plant material being installed
f. Compatibility of rootball soil type to planting
media
g. Physical support required to keep plants stable
2. Characteristics of Growing Media
a. Well drained, but not so coarse that water
retention and distribution is inadequate
b. Relatively low in nutrients avoid excess
soluble salts
c. Free from soil pests such as fungus disease
organisms, nematodes, insects, and weed seeds
2 Interior Landscape Installation & Maintenance
 d. Uniform from batch to batch
e. Favorable pH range (i.e., 6.06.5). All
planting media shall be amended with
dolomitic limestone to adjust pH.
f. Free from after-sterilizing toxicity (i.e., low in
ammonia, nitrates, salts, and other detrimental
substances).
3. Options
a. Media with sterilized soil (e.g., 2-1-1 mix:
2 peat moss, 1 topsoil, and 1 perlite or
vermiculite). Good with high light levels and
large plant material.
b. Soilless media: a light, airy, well-draining
media of neutral pH. Soilless mixes are used
in many situations (e.g., with sub-irrigation
systems, low-light level plantings, and smaller
plant material). Soilless media is commercially
available under many trade names. Most
soilless mixes have a nutrient charge added
to the mix along with a wetting agent. Ratio
of bark-peat moss-inorganic additive shall be
specified for the particular project.
c. Either soil mix shall have a final wetted pH of
6.06.5.
F. Gravel: Gravel for interior planters shall be 1/2" to
1" washed stone.
G. Drainage board: Shall be composed of expanded
polystyrene (EPS) beads averaging 3/8" diameter,
with not more than 10% being 1/8" diameter or
less. The EPS beads are then bound together with a
waterproof adhesive binder and molded into blocks,
usually 4 x 4 x 2". It shall have 2.0 PCF-nominal
density, and the coefficient of permeability shall be
1.24 cm/SEC (ASTM D-2434).
H. Filler board: Meant to be used above the drainage
board layers as a filler where full depth of soil is not
required. Filler board shall be EPS, a closed cell,
resilient, lightweight, foamed plastic having a density
between 1.0 and 3.0 PCF. The manufacturers of
the filler board and drainage board shall participate
in a certification program, as recommended by the
Society of the Plastics Industry.
I. Subsurface drainage matting: two-layer composite,
consisting of a polyester, non-woven filter fabric
heat-bonded to a compression-resistant nylon
matting of open, three-dimensional construction.
J. Filter fabric: nonwoven, heat-bonded geotextile fabric
made of 100% polypropylene. The fabric is used to
separate the soil from the drainage materials and shall
extend up the sides of the planter walls at least 6".
Landscape Specification Guidelines
K. Topdressing: shredded pinebark mulch, 1/2"
maximum size, or as specified by the landscape
architect or owner for specialized uses (e.g., pinebark
nuggets, sheet moss, decorative gravel).
L. Plant material
1. Plant list: The landscape contractor shall be
responsible for furnishing and installing all plant
material shown on the drawings. The landscape
contractor shall have investigated the sources
of supply and satisfied himself/herself that he/
she can supply all the plants specified on the
plant list in the size, variety, and quality noted
before submitting his/her bid. Failure to take
this precaution will not relieve the successful
bidder from the responsibility of furnishing
and installing all the plant material in strict
accordance with the contract requirements
and without additional expense to the owner.
Substitutions will not be permitted. If proof
is submitted that any plant specified is not
obtainable, a proposal will be considered for use
of the nearest equivalent size or variety with an
equitable adjustment of contract price. Such proof
shall be substantiated and submitted in writing to
the landscape architect or owners representative.
2. Canes, trunks, stems, and branches
a. Must be free of pests and pathogens which
could, by their presence, induce or contribute
to the decline of the plant.
b. Must be free of conspicuous scarring
evidence; scars, conspicuous or not, must be
substantially healed, providing no point of
entry for deleterious harmful pathogens or
boring insects. There must be no splitting of
canes or trunks at branching points.
c. Dead wood and branches must be removed.
d. All canes or trunks must be well-formed.
e. Plant height: Overall plant height shall be
measured from the base of the growing
container to mean foliage top.
f. Cane heights: With some cane varieties, size
is determined by the height of rooted canes.
Cane heights shall always be measured from
the base of the growing container. Overall
height of the plant shall be from the base of
growing container to the mean foliage top.
3. Foliage
a. Must be free of pests and pathogens which
could, by their presence, induce or contribute
to the decline of the plant.
3 Interior Landscape Installation & Maintenance
 b. Must be free of any chlorosis, yellowing,
or poor chlorophyll formation; turgid and
substantially erect; and substantially free of
blemishes resulting from mechanical, chemical,
pathological, or pest-induced damage.
c. Must be cleaned of all dust and waterborne
pesticide and fertilizer residue at the time of
project acceptance. Foliage shall be cleaned
throughout the maintenance and guarantee
period.
4. Root system and soil mass
a. The root system shall be well-developed and,
upon inspection, shall be found to be free of
pests and/or pathogens. Development shall be
adequate to:
1. Be well distributed throughout the container,
such that the roots visibly extend on all sides
to the inside face of the growing container.
2. Conversely, the root formation within
the container shall not have developed to
the point where it becomes excessive (i.e.,
pot bound) and prohibits water from
permeating to the fine water-absorbing root
hairs.
b. The growing medium shall be composed
of such constituents as may be necessary to
provide:
1. Thorough drainage and satisfactory aeration
of the root zone. This soil mass should be as
uniform as possible.
2. Adequate moisture and nutrient retention
as may be necessary to promote vigorous
but controlled plant growth.
3.0 Execution
3.1 Procurement and Inspection of Plants
A. In the event that the owner chooses to be involved
in a trip(s) to the source of plant material for the
purpose of locating, selecting, or approving plants,
it will be at the expense of the owner. The landscape
architect may accompany the landscape contractor
to his previously determined sources and inspect
plants and growing conditions. Specimen plants may
be tagged by the landscape architect prior to any
digging, root pruning, top pruning, or preparation
for shipment.
B. Digging and handling major plant material: All
material shall be inspected and approved by the
landscape architect or owners representative.
Landscape Specification Guidelines
C. Balled and burlapped (B&B) plants shall be dug
with firm, natural balls of earth of sufficient
diameter and depth to include the fibrous and
feeding roots. No plants will be accepted if the
ball is cracked or broken before or during planting
operations.
3.2 Plants and Planting
A. The landscape contractor shall coordinate all
delivery and installation activities and he/she
shall inform the owner at least 48 hours prior to
commencement of work at the project premises.
B. All transport of plants shall be via enclosed and
environmentally controlled vehicles by personnel
experienced in handling live plants.
C. Unless otherwise stated herein, it shall be the
landscape contractors responsibility to protect plants
from adverse environmental conditions during all
phases of delivery and installation. Further, the
landscape contractor shall be responsible, except as
otherwise stated herein, to protect all plants stored at
the project premises during installation from any and
all damage or deterioration of health or appearance.
D. During delivery and installation, the landscape
contractor shall perform in a professional manner,
coordinating his/her activities so as not to interfere
unduly with the work of other trades and leaving
his/her work area(s) clean of litter and debris at the
close of each workday.
E. The landscape contractor shall maintain a qualified
planting foreman at the project premises.
F. Upon completion of the installation, the landscape
contractor shall so notify the landscape architect or
owners representative and schedule an inspection of
the work.
G. The landscape contractor shall promptly correct any
deficiencies found in the installation as a result of
the inspection. Upon final approval by the landscape
architect or owners representative, the installation
phase of this agreement shall be declared complete.
3.3 Planting
A. For major installations, the landscape architect or
owners representative shall be notified at least four
(4) days in advance of the plants arriving on the job
site. Having arrived, the plants shall be handled and
protected so as to maintain their condition until
planted. The poor condition of a plant or group of
plants may cause rejection by the landscape architect
or owners representative. All rejected material shall
be removed promptly from the site.
4 Interior Landscape Installation & Maintenance
B. Planting tree pits
1. Backfill tree pits with 8" of washed stone1/2"
to 1" diameteror with drainage board.
2. Install 2" diameter black corrugated plastic pipe
with black cap for inspection and siphoning.
3. Install soil separator on top of the stone or
drainage board. Be sure to extend the soil
separator up the sides of the planting pit 4" to
lock in place.
4. Backfill with soil mix, as specified, to a depth
that allows the top of the root ball to sit 4" below
the top of the adjacent paving.
5. Install the tree in the pit. Remove burlap from
top of rootball on B&B trees prior to backfilling.
Backfill around the ball as appropriate.
6. Place 2" of shredded bark mulch over the top
surface of the tree pit, bringing the finished grade
of the bed to 2" below the top of the pavement.
C. Planting raised planters
1. Place drainage material to within 6" of the
bottom of the rootball of the plant material.
2. Install 2" diameter black corrugated plastic pipe,
vertically, with black cap for inspection and
siphoning.
Landscape Specification Guidelines
3. Install soil separator over the drainage material.
Be sure to extend the soil separator up the planter
walls 4" to lock in place.
4. Backfill and compact with approved planting
medium.
5. Set plants flush with the top of the bed, at 2"
below the top of the planter wall. Large trees, 10
tall or greater, shall be planted 10% above the
finished grade.
6. Install a 2" layer of pinebark, shredded hardwood
mulch or material approved by landscape
architect or owners representative.
D. Fixed planting beds: Generally such beds shall be
directly planted, removing nursery pots from plants.
Follow procedure outline in C. above for raised
planters.
E. Movable decorative planters (i.e., floor planters, file-
top, and hanging planters):
To achieve aesthetic and horticulturally sound
plantings, the landscape contractor shall employ
methods as indicated on the drawings. Both
double- potting and direct planting are
acceptable methods of planting. Plants are to be
placed plumb and secure within planters.
5 Interior Landscape Installation & Maintenance
F. Seasonal and other: For frequent rotational
plantings (fixed or movable planter), when foliage or
seasonal potted flowers are to be changed frequently,
triple- potting can both facilitate the removals
and installations and allow for an extreme variety of
watering requirements.

Landscape Specification Guidelines 6 Interior Landscape Installation & Maintenance

Landscape
Specification
Guidelines 6th edition

Irrigation
1.0 General Conditions
1.1 Scope of Work
A. The intent of this specification is to define
contractor/owner responsibilities and specify
minimum standards for materials and workmanship.
1. Any residential system over 24 zones shall be
considered commercial for the purposes of these
specifications.
B. Irrigation layout/design shall meet the following
parameters:
1. Head to head spacing to ensure 100% coverage.
2. Matched precipitation rates within a zone.
3. Pipe sized to stay at or below 5 feet per second.
4. Separation of zones by different types of plant
material (e.g., turf, trees and shrubs, annuals).
5. Rain sensor shall be included.
6. Commercial projects must be designed and
stamped by a Certified Irrigation Designer as
designated by the Irrigation Association.
C. Furnish all labor and materials, appliances,
tools, equipment, facilities, transportation, and
services necessary for and incidental to perform all
operations in connection with the installation of the
irrigation system.
D. All local, municipal, and state laws, rules, and
regulations governing or relating to any portion of
this work are hereby incorporated into and made a
part of these specifications.
E. Work noted N.I.C., existing, or to be supplied
and/or installed by others is not part of this section.
F. Due to the scale of drawings, it is not possible
to indicate all offsets, fittings, sleeves, and other
materials that might be required. The drawings are
generally diagrammatic and indicative of the work
to be installed. The work shall be installed in such
a manner as to avoid conflicts between irrigation
system, planting and architectural features. Work
called for on the drawings by notes or details
shall be furnished and installed whether or not
specifically called out in the written specifications.
G. If discrepancies exist between drawings and
specifications, and no specific interpretation is
issued prior to bidding, the decision regarding
any interpretation will rest with the owners
representative. The contractor is to act on
this decision as directed. In the event that the
installation deviates from the direction given, it shall
be corrected at the contractors expense.
Landscape Specification Guidelines
1.2 Standards
A. The contractor shall obtain and pay for all permits
and inspections required by outside agencies.
B. All materials shall meet minimum industry
standards.
C. The system shall be installed as per manufacturers
recommendations by qualified, trained personnel.
1.3 Quality Assurance
A. Commercial Projects
1. The company engaged in the project must have
three years of experience with projects of similar
size and scope.
2. The company must employ at least one full-time
individual who maintains a current Certified
Irrigation Contractor designation by the
Irrigation Association.
B. Residential Projects
1. The company engaged in the project must
employ an individual with one year of irrigation
installation experience.
1.4 Submittals
A. For commercial projects, prior to the start of
installation, the contractor shall submit for approval
to the owner or owners representative a materials
list indicating the name of the manufacturer, model
numbers, and performance data for the following:
1. Sprinkler heads
2. Valves and valve boxes
3. Controllers and appurtenances
4. Pumps
5. Backflow
6. Drip equipment
7. Wire and electrical connection waterproofing
method and materials
8. Grounding equipment
9. Pipe and fittings
10. Water harvesting and storage components (pre-
filters, post-filters, storage vessels and associated
control systems)
B. At completion of the installation, the contractor
shall submit a minimum of four (4) individually
bound copies or a PDF file of the irrigation system
Operation and Maintenance Instructions, including
1 Irrigation
 a materials list, As-Built drawing, suggested
operating schedule, seasonal shut-down procedures,
and the name and phone number of the installing
contractor.
1.5 Approvals
All approvals shall be in writing from the owner or
owners representative prior to installation.
1.6 Substitutions
It is the contractors responsibility to make every
reasonable effort to use the material specified by the
designer. The contractor may offer substitutions to the
owners representative for consideration.
1.7 Existing Utilities
A. Prior to excavation, utility companies shall be
notified in accordance with local codes and
ordinances.
B. The contractor shall immediately notify appropriate
utility of any inadvertent damage caused by the
contractors operation.
C. The contractor shall not be responsible for private
utilities unless accurate as-built drawings are
supplied prior to the commencement of work.
1.8 Concealed Contingencies
The contractor shall not be liable for additional
excavation expenses resulting from undisclosed
subsurface conditions, such as, but not limited to, rock,
water, clay pan, soils contaminated with toxic substances,
or other obstacles encountered in excavation work that
are not apparent at the time of estimating.
1.9 Water Supply
A. The location and size of the water supply shall be as
per the drawing and installed in accordance with all
applicable codes and ordinances.
B. An irrigation isolation valve shall be installed as the
first component of the system on the exterior of the
building. This valve shall be a bronze or PVC ball
valve.
C. All piping above ground shall be copper
(see section 2.3).
D. Copper piping shall terminate and transition to
PVC with a copper female adapter and a schedule 80
PVC nipple. Copper male threaded connections are
not acceptable.
Landscape Specification Guidelines
1.10 Primary Electrical Supply
A. Unless noted on the drawing, the primary electrical
source shall be a 120V AC, single-phase circuit.
B. Electrical circuits required for additional devices
shall be noted by the contractor in the drawings and
contract documents.
1.11 Product Handling
A. Materials used in the system shall be new and unused.
B. Store materials at a location directed by the owners
representative. Store materials in an orderly manner
and avoid interference with other construction
activities.
C. Protect all materials to prevent the intrusion of dirt
and moisture.
1.12 Workmanship
A. During delivery and installation, the contractor shall
perform in a workmanlike, professional manner,
coordinating installation activities so as not to
interfere unduly with the work of other trades on site.
B. During installation, all areas shall be kept neat and
clean. Precautions shall be taken to avoid damage to
existing plants, turf, and structures. The contractor
shall notify the owner in writing of potential
damage to all trees and other plant material that
may be destroyed or damaged beyond repair during
construction. Such notice shall relieve the contractor
of responsibility for said damage. Failure to notify the
owner of potential damage may make the contractor
liable for tree and plant replacements. Replacements
shall be included in the one-year warranty.
C. The contractor shall park all employee or company
vehicles only in areas designated by the owners
representative.
1.13 Inspection and Acceptance
A. Inspection: There should be a verification of
performance for work by contract documents,
to be conducted by the architect or owners
representative on site and in the presence of the
irrigation contractor, for the purpose of acceptance.
Inspection shall be made within two (2) weeks of
written notification from the irrigation contractor.
Failure of the owner to inspect the work shall
void the guarantee. During inspection for initial
acceptance, the irrigation contractor should have
an acceptance form to be signed by the owner or
owners representative.
B. Initial Acceptance: The approval of work inspected.
2 Irrigation
 Acceptance can be on partially completed work
under the contract, if approved by the landscape
architect or owners representative. If, for reasons
beyond the irrigation contractors control, work
has stopped, inspection shall be made on partially
completed work. The warranty period shall begin
after inspection and acceptance. Maintenance
after initial inspection and acceptance shall be
the responsibility of the owner, unless an optional
service contract has been specified.
1.14 Guarantee
A. The contractor shall guarantee all labor,
workmanship, materials, fixtures, and equipment
covered by the contract documents to be free of
defects for a period of one (1) year from the date
of substantial completion and acceptance of the
project. The contractor shall replace any part(s)
found to be defective within the period of the
guarantee at no cost to the owner, except repairs or
replacement necessitated by damage by others.
B. Backfilling of all excavation shall be guaranteed. If,
at any time during the one year guarantee period,
trenches should settle, the contractor shall repair any
settling at no cost to the owner.
1.15 Maintenance
During the warranty period, the installing contractor
must perform all maintenance of the system. Unless
called out in the contract, maintenance of the system
shall be addressed under a separate contract. Negligence
on the owners part to properly maintain the system or
service to the system by another contractor may be used
as grounds to void all warrantees.
A. Fall maintenance shall include (but not be limited
to) draining of the system by compressed air.
B. Spring maintenance shall include (but not be limited
to) the closing of all manual drain valves, inspection
and realignment of all heads, operational check/test
each zone for proper operation, and inspection and
adjustment of controller and run times. A written
report of work completed and/or necessary repairs
and recommended modifications shall be provided
after each service.
C. Periodic maintenance may be scheduled throughout
the season to verify the proper operation of the
system and to maintain the warranty within
the warranty period. Maintenance shall include
inspection and realignment of all heads, operational
check/test of each zone for proper operation, and
inspection and adjustment of controller and run
Landscape Specification Guidelines
times. A written report of work completed and/or
necessary repairs and recommended modifications
shall be provided after each service.
D. The frequency shall be as stipulated in the
maintenance contract.
1.16 Record Drawings
A. The owner shall provide an electronic copy of the
landscape plan in AutoCAD or PDF. In the absence
of a landscape plan, a site plan shall be provided.
B. The contractor shall, during the progress of work,
keep an accurate daily record of all changes and
corrections to contract drawings.
C. As Built drawings shall indicate point of
connection; control valve wire routing paths;
controller location; electric, isolation, drain, and
quick coupling valves; piping; and sleeves. For two-
wire systems, locations of switches, decoders, and
surge arrestors shall be noted.
D. Accurately locate all dimensions from a minimum
of two permanent reference points (buildings,
monuments, sidewalks, curbs or pavements). Do not
use these prints for any other purpose.
E. When record drawings have been approved by the
owners representative, the contractor shall provide
drawings as an electronic PDF. The quality and
presentation of the completed reproducible shall be
acceptable to the owners representative.
F. The irrigation legend must be changed to accurately
reflect the irrigation equipment installed, if such
equipment is not the same as originally specified.
2.0 Materials
2.1 General Conditions
The materials chosen for incorporation in the irrigation
system may have been recommended by a specific
manufacturer to enable the owner to establish the level
of quality and performance desired. Substitution of
equipment of another manufacturer may be allowed only
after submittal to and approval by, the owner or owners
representative. Refer to section 1.7.
2.2 Copper Pipe and Fittings
A. Pipe: Minimum Type L
B. Fittings: Wrought or cast copper, solder, flared, or
threaded joint type
C. Joints shall be soldered in accordance with
current NSF (National Sanitation Foundation)
requirements.
3 Irrigation
2.3 Brass Pipe and Fittings
A. Brass pipe shall be 85% red brass, American
National Standard Institute (ANSI), schedule 40
threaded pipe.
B. Fittings shall be medium brass, threaded 125 pound
class.
2.4 Plastic Pipe, Fittings, and Adhesives
A. PVC Pipe and Fittings: Manufactured from virgin
polyvinyl chloride compound in accordance with
ASTM D 2241 and ASTM D 1784.
1. Identify all pipe with the following indelible
markings:
a. Name of manufacturer
b. Nominal pipe size
c. Schedule or class
d. Pressure ratings psi
e. NSF seal of approval
f. Date of extrusion
2. Minimum class or schedule
a. 1/2", schedule 40.
b. 3/4" +, Cl. 200-SDR 21.
3. Sizing
a. Maximum velocity in pipe shall be 5 feet per
second.
4. Pipe type
a. 2" and smaller shall be bell ended, solvent weld.
b. 3" and larger shall be gasket joint.
5. Fittings:
a. 2" and smaller PVC pipestandard weight,
schedule 40, injection molded PVC. Comply
with ASTM D 1784 and D 2466.
b. 3" PVC pipePVC or ductile iron gasketed
fittings for all applications.
c. 4" and larger PVC pipeductile iron gasketed
fittings at all changes of direction and ends of
pipe lines. PVC plastic gasketed fitting for all
other applications.
6. Threaded nipples: ASTM D 2464, schedule 80
with molded thread(s), TOE or TBE.
7. Connections
a. Solvent weld: Joint cement and primer as
recommended by manufacturer of pipe and
fittings.
Landscape Specification Guidelines
b. Gasketed: Gasket material and lubricants as
recommended by manufacturer of pipe and
fittings.
c. Threaded connections: PVC male adapters
shall be used in plastic-t to-plastic connections.
PVC-to-metal connections shall be metal
female adapters and schedule 80 PVC nipples.
8. HDPE
a. Pipe: DR 13.5
b. Fittings: butt fusion, socket fusion, or electro
fusion
c. Mechanical fittings: Pack joint fitting = grip
joint fitting with set screw
9. Polyethylene pipe and fittings: Manufactured
from virgin polyethylene, in accordance with
ASTM D 2239 and PE 2306
a. Fittings: Manufactured in accordance with
ASTM D 2609, PVC type I
b. Clamps: Stainless steel screw or crimp clamps
2.5 Valves
A. Remote control valves shall be normally closed, 24-
volt electric with plastic or bronze body. Valve shall
be equipped with a bleeder valve to permit operation
in the field.
B. Isolation valves
1. 2" and smaller, shall be domestic bronze gate
valves with non-rising stem (bronze cross
handles or bronze wheel handles used below
grade) meeting MSS SP-80 or PVC ball valves
constructed from Type I PVC, ASTM D1784
with EDPM O rings and full bore flow.
2. Isolation valves 2 and larger, unless noted on
the drawings, shall be resilient wedge, epoxy
coated, 250 psi rated working pressure, cast iron
gate valves with non-rising stem and conforming
to AWWA C509.
C. Quick-coupling valves
1. Valves shall be hinged cover, brass body, 150 lb
class with female threads at the base. Valve design
shall permit operation with a special connection
device (key) designed for this purpose.
2. Swing joints shall match inlet size of quick
coupler and be a triple O ring, pre-fabricated
triple swing joint, having an integral metal
transition fitting and having the ability to be
anchored for stability.
4 Irrigation
D. Unless otherwise noted, manual drain valve shall be
a bronze or PVC ball valve.
E. Valve boxes shall be provided for all manual valves,
electric valves, air relief valves, decoders, two-wire
switch devices, drip flush valves, ground rods, and
wire splices.
2.6 Sprinkler Heads
A. Sprinkler heads shall be as shown and/or as required
to coincide with the needs of the landscaping. Do
not exceed the maximum or minimum spacing
indicated by manufacturer.
B. All heads within a zone operated by the same valve
shall have matched precipitation rate.
C. Sprinkler bodies may be brass or plastic material.
Connections to lateral lines shall be either flex-swing
pipe over barbed fittings or 3-ell swing joints.
D. Nozzles may be brass or plastic material.
2.7 Water Conservation Devices
A. Rain sensors shall be devices adjustable to react to
rainfall from 1/8" to 1" by temporarily shutting
down the automatic operation of the system.
B. Moisture sensors shall be adjustable and compatible
with the controller installed. The sensor, in
conjunction with the controller, shall be capable
of automatically stopping and restarting irrigation
watering based upon a set moisture level.
2.8 Wire
A. Control wire shall be UL/UF direct burial, sized
as indicated or as required by valve and controller
manufacturers recommendations.
B. Wire splice connectors shall be waterproof, made for
direct burial, UL listed and rated for at least 30 volts.
C. Wire and splices for two wire systems must be as
specified by the manufacturer.
2.9 Controller
A. The controller shall be as indicated, UL-approved
for indoor or outdoor installation as required, with
low voltage output (i.e., <30 Vac).
B. The controller shall be fully automatic and have the
following minimum features:
1. Capable of operating the number of remote
control valves indicated on drawings
2. Three programs
3. Rain delay
Landscape Specification Guidelines
4. Multiple schedules to include odd/even, calendar,
interval
5. An integral sensor terminal and circuit
C. The controller shall be grounded as per
manufacturers recommendations.
2.10 Sleeves
A. SDR 21, CL 200, bell ended, solvent weld.
B. Size of sleeve shall be a minimum of two pipe sizes
larger than the pipe.
2.11 Backflow Devices
Backflow prevention devices shall be installed on all
irrigation systems at the point of connection to the water
source. Device shall include unions unless otherwise
dictated by local codes. The device shall conform to
all local codes and be installed as per manufacturers
recommendations. All devices shall be approved by
UPC, ASSE & AWWA, C-506. Installation must be
performed by an individual or company licensed to do
such work by the local governing authority.
2.12 Drip Components
Each drip zone shall include an electric valve, pressure
regulator and filter.
A. Filter shall be in-line model constructed of
noncorrosive material. Screen or disc shall be
sufficient to eliminate debris and particulate matter
as required (120 mesh or 75600 microns). Size
based on manufacturers recommendations with an
operating pressure from 20140 psi.
B. Pressure regulators shall be in-line type constructed
of noncorrosive materials and capable of handling
designated flow at discharge pressure indicated on
drawings.
C. Emission devices shall be constructed of
noncorrosive materials capable of delivering
measured volumes of water to designated areas. An
emission device shall be classified as:
1. Single emitter
2. Multi-outlet distribution manifold
3. Polyethylene tubing manufactured with in-line
pressure emitters
4. Micro-spinner or spray
5. Pressure-compensating, self-flushing and having
an integral check valve
D. Drip staples shall be minimum 11 gauge with
U-shaped top. Square-top staples shall not be used.
5 Irrigation
E. Fittings shall be insert or compression type and shall
not require clamping below 45 psi.
2.13 Pumps
A. Provide pump with capacity, total dynamic head,
and electrical characteristics, as noted on drawing.
B. Pump enclosure, if applicable, as noted on drawing.
C. Pump fittings as per drawing details and as
recommended by pump manufacturer.
D. Pump start relay, flow switch, pressure transducer,
pressure switch, or other control devices, as
recommended by pump manufacturer.
3.0 Execution
3.1 Site Reviews
A. Before any work commences, a conference shall be
held with the owners representative and contractor
to discuss general requirements of the work and
coordinate the installation process.
B. The contractor shall examine surfaces for conditions
that could adversely affect execution, permanence,
and quality of work. The contractor shall also verify
that grading has been completed and that the work
of this section can properly proceed.
1. Notify the owners representative in writing,
describing unacceptable conditions.
2. Do not proceed with work until unacceptable site
conditions are corrected.
3. Locate existing utilities.
C. The contractor shall notify the owners representative
in writing for the following reviews, allowing 48
hours for compliance by the owners representative.
1. Submittal review.
2. Pressure supply line installation and testing.
3. Final review at substantial completion.
D. The contractor shall provide radio communication,
remote control, and/or personnel to maintain
communication from the review area to automatic
controllers.
E. The contractor shall provide up to date as-built
drawings and acceptance forms for authorized
signature.
3.2 Utility Services
The contractor shall make connections to the provided
power and water sources at locations indicated on
Landscape Specification Guidelines
drawing(s) and make any minor changes in location
as may be necessary due to actual site conditions. As
necessary, authorized, licensed trade professionals shall
be used to conform to local codes.
3.3 System Layout
A. All piping and equipment is shown
diagrammatically on drawing(s).
B. Lay out sprinkler heads and make any minor
adjustments required due to differences between
actual site conditions and the drawings. Minor
adjustments shall be maintained within the original
design intent.
C. Lay out each system using staking method, as
approved by owners representative.
3.4 Pipe Installation
A. Pipe assembly (PVC)
1. Pipe shall be sized so that the water velocity in
pipe shall not exceed five (5) feet per second.
2. Routing of all irrigation lines as indicated on
the drawings is diagrammatic. Install lines (and
various assemblies) to conform to details provided
on drawing(s).
3. Pipe shall be kept free of dirt, rock, shavings, and
other debris. Pipe ends shall be cut square and
true with either a saw or pipe-cutting tool. When
a saw is used, shavings must be removed from
pipe ends.
4. Use primer and solvent to join pipe and fittings
in a manner recommended by the solvent
manufacturer regarding pipe size, air temperature
and humidity. Allow pipe connections to cure
as per solvent manufacturers recommendations
before pressurizing pipe. Wipe all excess glue
from pipe after joint is made.
5. Service tees and service elbows installed in piping
shall be oriented so FIPT outlet is on side of pipe.
6. Gasketed connections shall be installed per
manufacturers recommendations.
7. Thrust blocks or joint restraints shall be provided
for gasket pipes.
Thrust blocks or joint restraints shall be provided
whenever PVC pipe:
a. Changes directions.
b. Stops (as at a capped end).
c. Joins a valve where thrust may be expected.
6 Irrigation
 Thrust blocks shall be made of concrete
and are to be installed between the fittings
and undisturbed soil of the adjacent trench
wall in accordance with current ASAE
recommendations. Pipe and fittings shall
be protected from concrete by wrapping in
polyethylene film or fabric cloth.
8. Threaded fittings shall be assembled as follows:
a. Using Teflon tape applied to male threads
only. No more than two wraps.
b. Using metal female adapters with schedule 80
PVC nipples as transitions.
c. Do not use schedule 40 female adapters except
for swing pipe connections.
B. Copper pipe shall be installed as required by local
plumbing codes. Underground copper lines shall be
type K soft copper tubing. Depth of bury shall
conform to this specification. Aboveground copper
shall be type L.
C. Polyethylene pipe may be used only on residential
lateral lines that are not under constant pressure.
1. Connections to insert fittings shall be installed
over barbs. Pipe shall extend beyond the last
barb on the fitting. Install two clamps per joint
directly over barbs on all connections.
2. Internal double O ring connection fittings may
be used that have an integral lock mechanism
and a minimum 400-psi burst rating.
3. Saddles used for service tees must be all plastic
and have a locking mechanism to hold in place
during on/off cycles and freeze/thaw cycles.
4. All mainlines shall be pressure tested.
See section 3.19.
3.5 Trenching
A. Excavate trenches to required depths. Follow
approved layout for each system.
Maintain bottom of trenches flat to permit all piping
to be supported on an even grade for entire length of
run, with recesses as required for pipe bells.
B. The minimum depth of soil cover shall conform
to local codes, or shall be as shown or listed in
the drawings, details, or specifications. Generally
accepted practice is as follows:
Landscape Specification Guidelines
Pressure Lines Non-Pressure Lines
In Under In Under
Landscaping Vehicular Landscaping Vehicular
Paving Paving
Residential 12 18 8 12
Commercial 18 24 12 18
C. Sleeves under walks shall be at a 12" depth.
Sleeves under drives and parking lots shall be at
an approximate 18" depth. Sleeves under roadways
should be at an approximate 36" depth, or as
mandated by governing authorities.
D. Pipe plowing may be permitted by the owners
representative in favorable soil conditions. When
plowing is permissible, depth of pipe shall be the
same as for trenching.
3.6 Backfill
A. The first 6" of backfill material shall be free of rock
or foreign matter 2" in diameter or larger and hand
tamped. The remainder of backfill shall be laid-up in
maximum 6" lifts and tamped to a dry density equal
to adjacent, undisturbed soil until the finish grade is
reached.
B. When more than one pipe is installed in the same
trench, separate pipes with a minimum 2" of soil.
C. Disturbed grade shall be restored to be free of
dips, depressions, humps, or other irregularities.
Compaction by truck or other vehicle is not
acceptable.
3.7 Existing Pavements
A. Piping under existing pavements may be installed
by jacking, boring, or hydraulic driving, except
as otherwise specified or directed. For minimum
depths, install pipe at a depth equal to 12" per inch
of diameter of bore below finished grade.
B. Secure owners permission prior to cutting or
breaking existing pavements. Refer to section 3.5 for
minimum depths.
C. At locations where cutting is approved, make all
cuts clean using power saws. Make cuts at approved
locations only.
D. Replace and restore all disturbed surfaces to match
adjacent undisturbed conditions, including grades
and landscaping.
3.8 Automatic Valves and Valve Boxes
A. Automatic valves shall be installed plumb within
valve access box with all handles, bolts, connections,
and electrical splices accessible through the valve
box opening.
7 Irrigation
B. Clearance between the highest part of the valve and
the bottom of the valve box lid shall be 2" minimum
and 18" maximum.
C. Clearance between the valve body and the sides of
the valve box shall be a minimum of 3". Clearance
between the valve bodies shall be a minimum of 2".
Valves shall not be stacked within a valve box.
D. Valves or valve boxes shall not be installed within
12" of paving or structures.
E. The valve box shall be supported so that it does not
rest directly on any irrigation piping.
3.9 Control Wiring
A. Control wiring shall be installed as follows:
1. When in common trench with mainline, wiring
shall be laid beside or at the same invert as the
mainline.
2. Use minimum number of splices, and make all
splices in valve or splice boxes. Splice connectors
shall be UL approved for direct bury.
3. Provide 24" expansion coils at all valves and at
300 intervals between valves and directional
changes. Wire shall at no time be installed taut.
4. Tape, or cinch with cable cinches, wires at
maximum of 25 intervals.
5. Aboveground wire is to be installed in conduit
and/or in accordance with electrical codes.
6. Common, or neutral, wire shall be WHITE
on single or multi-conductor wire. If single
conductor wire is used, valve wires and spare
wires shall be of a different color consistent
throughout the system.
7. Valve wiring shall be the same color from
controller to valve.
8. Two wire control systems shall use wire approved
by controller manufacturer.
9. Grounding wire shall be single-strand, solid,
bare copper, at least two wire gauges larger than
largest control wire used in the system.
3.10 Sprinkler Heads
A. Sprinkler heads shall be set perpendicular and flush
to grade or at elevations noted on the drawings.
B. Pop-up heads shall be set 4" from paved surfaces.
Rigid risers shall not be permitted adjacent to paved
surface or other traffic areas.
C. All heads shall be tested to verify proper coverage.
See section 3.20.
Landscape Specification Guidelines
D. Connections to piping:
1. Flex pipe may be used for heads with flows of 6
gallons or less. Pipe length shall be a minimum of
1 foot and a maximum of 4 feet.
2. For flows over 6 gallons per minute and on all
sports fields, pre-fabricated triple O ring swing
joints shall be used. Swing joint size shall match
head inlet. Lay length shall be such as to allow a
3045 degree angle from pipe to lay nipple.
3.11 Quick-Coupling Valves
A. Quick-coupling valves: Install downstream from
backflow preventer on a swing joint assembly. When
installed as a blowout connection, install as close to
the point of connection as possible.
B. Install quick coupler valve in a 10" round valve box
at a depth that will allow quick coupler key to turn
freely when inserted.
C. A swing joint manufactured for use with quick
couplers shall be used to connect valve to piping. A
swing joint shall, as an integral brass male threaded
nipple matching the inlet size of the valve, have
the ability to be stabilized and have the proper lay
length to allow for a 3045 degree angle from the
pipe to lay riser.
3.12 Drain Valves
Manual: Install at low points on main and laterals when
specified. Provide valve box for access and 2 ft3 gravel
sump with soil separator.
3.13 Drip Irrigation
A. Six-inch (6") soil staples shall be placed every 3 on
tubing and at every elbow, tee, and cross if tubing is
installed on soil below mulch. Staples not required if
tubing is buried.
B. Tubing shall be installed below mulch layer in plant
beds or buried up to a 4" depth. Tubing in turf shall
be installed at a uniform depth of 4".
C. Each zone shall have a supply and exhaust header
sized so total flow does not exceed 5 feet per second.
D. In-line emitter tubing dripper interval and row
spacing shall be as recommended by manufacturer,
taking into account plant type, soil type, slope, and
emitter flow rate.
E. In-line emitter tubing shall be installed as a looped
grid system.
3.14 Sleeves
8 Irrigation
A. Sleeves are to be installed beneath all paved surfaces
as indicated on the drawing. Installation is to be
coordinated with project general contractor.
B. If sleeves are to be installed by others, an accurate
as-built drawing is to be provided to the irrigation
contractor prior to the commencement of work. The
end of the sleeves shall be indicated with a visible
marker.
C. Wiring shall be installed in an individual sleeve,
separate from sleeves designated for piping. A
wiring sleeve may be installed within a larger sleeve
containing other irrigation pipe.
D. The size of a sleeve shall be a minimum of two pipe
sizes larger than the pipe enclosed.
3.15 Controller
A. Controller shall be located as generally noted on the
plans in an accessible location. Controller should
be level and properly anchored to the wall, or in the
case of a pedestal, version to a concrete pad.
B. Zones shall be ordered as directed on the plan or in
consecutive geographic order.
C. Controller shall be grounded per manufacturers
recommendations.
D. Wiring inside controller shall be neat with external
jacket of wire (multi-strand and two-wire) removed.
E. Control wire shall be installed inside conduit from
below grade to controller cabinet.
F. Zone charts as described in Section 3.22 shall be left
at controller location.
3.16 Sensor Devices
A. A rain sensor shall be installed in an area exposed to
direct rainfall but out of sprinkler coverage.
B. Sensor wires shall not be spliced and shall terminate
inside controller at sensor terminals.
C. All devices shall be installed per manufacturers
recommendations.
3.17 Decoders (Two-Wire Only)
A. Decoders shall be from the same manufacturer as
the controller.
B. Decoders shall be located in valve boxes for service
access. Decoders shall be mounted to sides of valve
boxes.
C. Connections to two-wire path shall be made with
UL-approved, direct bury splice kits rated for
submersion.
Landscape Specification Guidelines
3.18 Surge Arrestors (Two-Wire Only)
A. Arrestors shall be located in valve boxes.
B. Arrestors shall be grounded to rods/plates per
manufacturers recommendation following ASIC
standards.
C. Arrestors shall be installed at distances and locations
on two-wire path as recommended by manufacturer.
3.19 System Flushing
A. All mainlines shall be flushed prior to testing.
B. After all pipe and flexible risers have been installed,
and prior to the installation of control valves and
sprinkler heads, thoroughly flush all lines with a full
head of water.
3.20 Pressure Tests
A. If required by owner, the contractor shall provide all
equipment to test the system, including a force pump.
B. All mainlines under constant pressure shall be
filled with water at designated pressure for at least
24 hours and proven tight by visual inspection.
The system shall then be tested under hydrostatic
pressure of 150 psi for a period of two hours, unless
otherwise approved. Leaks shall be repaired and the
system shall again be flushed and retested.
3.21 Adjustment
A. Install sprinkler bodies and nozzles. Adjust radius and
arc for optimum performance. Make any necessary
adjustments in head locations to achieve 100%
coverage of landscaped areas designated to be watered.
B. Adjust flow controls and pressure-reducing valves
to attain the required pressure for optimum
performance at the sprinkler head.
3.22 Coverage Test
A. After sprinkler system is completed, test the system
to ensure that all lawn and planting areas are
watered completely and uniformly.
B. Make any necessary adjustments as required by the
owners representative to provide proper coverage.
3.23 Operating and Maintenance Tools
A. The following items shall be delivered to the
owner when work is completed and prior to final
acceptance of work.
1. Two keys for each automatic controller.
2. Two sets of any specialty adjustment or
disassembly tools required for each type of
sprinkler head supplied.
9 Irrigation
B. The following items shall be delivered to the owner
if applicable to the system.
1. 30" valve keys for operation of manual drain valves
2. Two keys for opening lockable valve boxes
3. One 72" steel tee wrench for operating gate valves
with square nut
4. One 72" steel tee wrench for operating bar handle
stop and waste valve
5. One (1) quick-coupler key per three (3) quick
couplers with matching swivel hose Ls
C. Provide owner instruction in operation of system.
D. Provide zone charts to owner that include:
1. Zone geographic location
2. Head type
3. Type of landscape covered
4. Required run time

3.24 Cleanup
Upon completion of all work, the contractor shall restore
all ground surfaces disturbed during the irrigation
installation to their original condition to the satisfaction
of the owners representative. Remove all excess irrigation
material, waste, debris, and equipment from the site.

Landscape Specification Guidelines 10 Irrigation

Landscape
Specification
Guidelines 6th edition

Non Tidal Wetland Planting

1.0 General Conditions
1.1 Scope of Work
A. The landscape contractor shall provide all materials,
labor, and equipment required to complete all
wetland planting work as shown on the plans and
specifications.
B. Plant quantities, size, spacing, and condition shall be
stated on the Wetland Planting Plan. The plant list
submitted with the bid will automatically become
part of the contract documents.
C. The landscape contractor shall bid according to the
plant list. It is the wetland designers responsibility
to be sure that the plant count is correct, and that
each plant grouping is clearly labeled on the plan
with the total number of plants per grouping shown.
D. If applicable, the owner shall provide to the
landscape contractor a copy of all wetland permits
and an approved wetland mitigation plan or an
approved letter together with the mitigation plan.
1.2 Standards
A. All plant material should be indigenous to the
eastern region of the United States and grown
within the same USDA Hardiness Zone as the
wetlands site.
B. Container-grown, bare root, and seedling tree and
shrub plant material shall conform to the current
issue of the American Standard for Nursery Stock,
published by the American Nursery and Landscape
Association.
C. Collected material may be used only when
approved by the wetland designer, owner, or owners
representative.
D. Nomenclature will be accordance with the most
recent edition of Reed, P.B. Jr., National List of Plant
Species that Occur in Wetlands: Northeast (Region 1).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Biol. Re. 88 (26.1).
E. It is the wetland designers responsibility to specify
the need for wet-cultured plant material. If wet-
cultured plant material is specified by the wetland
designer, the material shall be grown in a saturated
soil condition for a minimum of three months
during the growing season. Otherwise, wetland
plant material is not required.
1.3 Wetland Plant Availability
Wetland plant species are not always readily available in
quantity. It is the landscape contractors responsibility to
verify the availability of specified plant material for the
Landscape Specification Guidelines
appropriate planting season and construction schedule.
Often if large quantities of one wetland plant species are
required, the material will have to be contract-grown. A
list of potential plant suppliers may be provided by the
wetland designer or listed on the Wetland Planting Plan
for the landscape contractors use.
If plant materials are to be collected from the wild, any
requisite permits must be obtained from appropriate
government agencies regulating such collection.
Collection may not be acceptable in some areas
due to the potential damage to the natural wetland
environment. If circumstances exist where collection is
appropriate, digging should be done by hand in such a
way as to minimize visual and physical impact to the
site, and be in a staggered fashion to avoid mutilation
of large areas of wetland. See Section 2.2 for details on
handling and storage of collected plant material.
1.4 Approvals
All approvals shall be in writing.
1.5 Substitutions: Pre-Bid
It is the landscape contractors responsibility to make
every reasonable effort to find the material specified
by the wetland designer. The landscape contractor is
responsible for qualifying his/her proposal to document
any plant suitability or availability problems. It is the
landscape contractors responsibility to provide a list of
proposed plant substitutions in the bid response for the
wetland designers approval. The contractor shall submit
a base bid as per plan, plus price clarifications for all
recommended substitutions.
1.6 Substitutions: Post-Bid
If a substitute is selected, it must be approved by the
owners representative prior to award of contract.
It is the intent to eliminate post-bid plant substitutions.
However, in the event that the contract material has
become unavailable, the owners representative must
approve an appropriate substitution.
1.7 Utilities
A. It is the landscape contractors responsibility
to notify utility companies and/or the general
contractor in advance of construction to locate
utilities (www.missutility.net for MD, DC, and DE
or http://va811.com for VA).
B. If there is a conflict with the utilities and the
planting, the wetland designer shall be responsible
for relocating plants prior to the planting process.
1 Non Tidal Wetland Planting
1.8 Concealed Contingencies
The landscape contractor shall not be liable for delays in
planting, relocating plants, or damage to plants resulting
from undisclosed, subsurface conditions such as, but not
limited to, rock, clay pan, or soils contaminated with toxic
substances or other obstacles encountered in excavation
work that are not apparent at the time of estimating.
1.9 Unsuitable Conditions
If plants are specified to be planted in conditions
that would be detrimental to growth and/or plant
survivability as determined by the landscape contractor,
the landscape contractor shall notify the wetland
designer or owners representative. If the wetland
designer concurs with the landscape contractors
assessment, any associated costs due to the relocation of
the plants or other site modifications will be at additional
cost to the owner.
1.10 Soil Testing
Unless otherwise noted in the plans or specifications, the
wetland designer prior to plant selection should conduct
a soil test, and if soil amendments are required, type and
quantity shall be identified in the bid package. The soil
test shall be performed for the soil that will be exposed
following excavation, or for whatever soil will be used as
the growing medium.
1.11 Workmanship
A. During delivery and installation, the landscape
contractor shall perform in a professional manner
and leave the work areas clean of litter and debris at
the close of each workday.
B. During planting, all areas shall be kept neat
and clean, and precautions shall be taken to
avoid damage to existing plants, trees, erosion
and control devices, and structures (e.g., water-
control structures, headwalls, aprons). If a limit of
disturbance boundary is delineated in the field, this
line must be adhered to diligently.
C. Upon completion of planting operations, the
landscape contractor shall remove all debris and
waste material resulting from planting from the
project area, at his/her expense, and restore any areas
damaged by his/her equipment and workers.
1.12 Water Supply
The owner shall supply water on site at no cost. If the
landscape contractor has to supply the water or watering
equipment to the site, it shall be at an additional cost to
the owner.
Landscape Specification Guidelines
1.13 Planting Seasons
The recommendations below are only general guidelines.
There are many other factors that play a role in
determining whether a plant will survive. Planting may
need to be delayed to accommodate soil conditioning
procedures or the removal of invasive species at the
planting site. Wetland permits often contain planting
windows.
A. A Planting shall not occur if the ground is frozen.
B. Tubers, sprigs, bulbs, and rhizomes must be
transplanted before new growth emerges. Therefore,
they are best planted in the fall after dormancy, or
in the winter before dormancy breaks.
C. Most of the sedges and grasses are best planted
immediately after dormancy breaks in the spring.
D. Woody and herbaceous peat-potted/container
nursery stock may be planted at any time of the
year, including plugs. All woody material shall be
hardened off or fully dormant when planted.
E. It is recommended that woody plant species
be planted in the fall or early winter, after the
onset of dormancy. However, if winter flooding
is anticipated, species selection and water level
management are crucial to seedling survival.
F. Growing bare root and field-collected plugs shall be
planted during the early growing season.
G. Bare root trees and shrubs are to be installed while
dormant when weather allows.
1.14 Inspection and Acceptance
A. Inspection: An onsite inspection of the work
identified in the contract documents is to be
conducted by the wetland designer and owner
or owners representative in the presence of the
landscape contractor for the purpose of acceptance.
Inspection shall be made within two weeks of
written notification from the landscape contractor.
Failure of the owner to inspect the work shall
void the landscape contractors guarantee. During
inspection for initial acceptance, the landscape
contractor shall have an acceptance form to be
signed by the owner or the owners representative.
B. Initial Acceptance: There should be an approval of
the work inspected. Acceptance can be on partially
completed work under the contract, if approved
by the wetland designer or owner. If, for reasons
beyond the landscape contractors control, work
has stopped, inspection shall be made on partially
completed work. Warranty shall begin after
landscape inspection and acceptance. Maintenance
2 Non Tidal Wetland Planting
 after initial inspection and acceptance shall be
the responsibility of the owner, unless an optional
maintenance contract has been specified.
1. The landscape contractor shall periodically
inspect the site during the warranty period
and notify the owner in writing if proper
maintenance is not being performed.
C. Final Inspection and Acceptance: The landscape
contractor shall conduct a final inspection with the
owner or owners representative at the end of the
warranty period.
1.15 Warranty
A. The term and extent of the warranty for wetland
plant material usually differs from that of upland
balled and burlapped plant material, since site
conditions are not as predictable. A warranty
period shall be agreed upon between the owner and
landscape contractor for each individual wetland
planting project, and made a part of the contract
documents.
B. The warranty shall commence on the date of initial
acceptance by the owner or owners representative.
C. All plants listed in the warranty shall be in
satisfactory health at the end of the warranty period.
D. Warranted plant material that is 25% dead or more
shall be considered dead and must be replaced at
no charge. A tree shall be considered dead when the
main leader has died back, or if 25% or more of the
crown is dead.
1.16 Replacements and Conditions
A. Plant replacements shall be made during the next
appropriate planting season unless the landscape
contractor agrees to an earlier date.
B. The landscape contractor shall be responsible for a
one-time replacement only.
C. Replacement plants shall be of the same size and
species as the original, and fertilizer and backfill
mixture the same as originally used, unless specified
otherwise by the wetland designer. If replacement
plant material is not identical to the original
material at the request of the wetland designer or
owner, the difference in cost will be borne by the
owner.
D. The landscape contractor will not be responsible for
plant material that has been damaged by vandalism,
fire, removal, relocation, animal predation, or other
activities beyond the landscape contractors control.
Landscape Specification Guidelines
E. Collected and transplanted materials are not
guaranteed, unless agreed to otherwise in contract
documents.
F. The landscape contractor will not be responsible
for plant losses due to abnormal weather conditions
such as floods, excessive wind damage, drought,
severe freezing, or abnormal rains.
1.17 Maintenance
If the owner or wetland designer desires maintenance,
the details should be outlined in separate Specifications
and made a part of the contract documents.
2.0 Plant Materials
2.1 Scope of Work
The landscape contractor shall be responsible for
supplying and installing all plant material represented
on the Wetland Plant Schedule as submitted with
the contract. The landscape contractor shall have
investigated the sources of supply and satisfied himself/
herself that he/she can supply all the plants specified in
the Plant Schedule in the size, variety, quality, quantity
and condition stated or as specified in the contract.
Failure to take this precaution will not relieve the
successful bidder from the responsibility for furnishing
and installing all the plant material in strict accordance
with the contract requirements and without additional
expense to the owner.
2.2 Standards
All material shall be nursery-grown unless otherwise
specified.
A. Bare root seedlings and older plants (woody)
1. Bare root trees and shrubs shall be dug with
adequate, well-developed fibrous roots, pruned to
a length of approximately 8" to ease planting, if
the pruning does not result in more than 25% of
the root system being removed.
2. Seedlings shall have a minimum top length of 18".
3. The diameter of the root-collar shall be at least 3/8".
4. Plants shall have an abundance of well-developed
terminal buds on the leaders and branches.
5. The stems and branches of all plants shall be
turgid and the cambium healthy.
6. Plants that are in leaf or that show signs of leafing
out shall not be acceptable.
B. Growing bare root plants (herbaceous)
3 Non Tidal Wetland Planting
 1. Plants shall show new roots that are clean and
white in coloration.
2. Plants shall appear healthy with no foliage spots,
discolorations, wilting, or other evidence of the
presence of disease or insect damage.
C. Container-grown stock (woody and herbaceous)
1. Plants shall be in accordance with the current
issue of American Standard for Nursery Stock,
published by the American Nursery and
Landscape Association.
2. The root system of container-grown plants
shall be well-developed and well-distributed
throughout the container, such that the roots
visibly extend to the inside face of the growing
container.
3. If in leaf, the plants shall appear healthy with no
leaf spots, leaf damage, leaf discoloration, leaf
wilting or evidence of insects on the plant.
D. Peat-potted nursery stock (herbaceous)
1. Peat-potted nursery stock shall be contained in
13/4" to 21/4" pots.
2. Each pot shall contain at least four stems having
a minimum of 6" of active growth.
3. Roots shall be sufficiently well-developed through
the peat-pot surfaces so that plants are firmly
contained in the pot.
4. If growing, the plants shall appear healthy with
no leaf spots, leaf damage, leaf discoloration, leaf
wilting, or evidence of insects on the plant.
E. Plugs (herbaceous, woody seedling, or rooted cutting)
1. The width and depth of plugs shall be at least 4"
for grasses, rushes, and sedges.
2. Plugs shall have a solid soil/root mass with the
soil in place. Roots shall appear clean and white
in coloration.
3. If growing, the plants shall appear healthy with
no leaf spots, leaf damage, leaf discoloration, leaf
wilting, or evidence of insects on the plant.
4. If dormant, new healthy shoots (herbaceous) shall
be apparent, or stems (woody) shall be supple and
exhibit a healthy cambium.
5. Plugs (herbaceous) containing shoots that are
soft or mushy or otherwise appear rotten and
plugs (woody) containing brittle stems or having
unhealthy cambium shall not be accepted.
Landscape Specification Guidelines
F. Un-rooted cutting
1. Hardwood cuttings (whips) shall be 3055 cm
long and between 8 and 13 mm in diameter.
2. The cuttings must be alive, fresh, and with bark
intact.
3. Cuttings should have at least two bud scars near
the top to facilitate development of branches.
4. The larger or thicker butt ends should be cleanly
cut at a 45 degree angle for easy insertion into the
soil, and the top should be cut square or blunt.
G. Dormant propagule (herbaceous): These may be
bulbs, tubers, or rhizomes.
1. Propagule shall be a single stem (culm) of grasses
or sedges and associated roots, basal shoots, and
any short rhizome sections left intact. Old or
new top growth should be clipped to a length of
6 to 12".
2. Bulbs and tubers shall be hard.
3. Rhizomes shall be resilient.
H. Collected plant material
1. Excavated material shall meet the above
requirements for the appropriate condition, at
a minimum. Plants should be transported and
replanted within 24 hours. The plants must be
kept moist and protected from the wind during
transport.
2.3 Inspection
A. Plants may be subject to inspection and approval
by the owner or owners representative at the place
of the growth for conformity to specification
requirements as to quality, size and variety. It is the
landscape contractors responsibility to know his/her
sources. Costs of inspection visits shall be borne by
each individual party.
B. Plants damaged in handling or the owner may
reject transportation or improper storage or owners
representative on-site.
C. Plants with excessive soil above the root flair may
be rejected by the owner or owners representative
on-site.
D. Any plant material inspected at the place of growth,
accepted and sealed by the owners representative
that has not been damaged during transportation or
handling or has not been improperly stored, cannot
be rejected at the site.
4 Non Tidal Wetland Planting
2.4 Plant Transport, Handling, and Storage
A. Plants shall be transported in a covered vehicle, and
if the weather is very hot, protected from the heat.
B. Plant material shall not be exposed to high winds.
C. Large quantities of plant material shall be shipped
by express packing source, picked up by the
landscape contractor, or delivered by the supplier.
D. Large quantities of plant material shall be shipped
as several partial shipments in quantities that match
planting rates to reduce onsite storage requirements
and limit plant mortality.
E. All plants shall be stored in a cool, shaded
environment and watered routinely so that the soil
and roots are kept moist at all times until planting.
F. Preferably, bare root seedlings shall be planted
immediately. Otherwise, bare root seedlings shall be
stored, still wrapped, in a cool, dark place, ideally a
cold- storage unit set at 34 to 39 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, an enclosed structure will suffice for a few
days if the roots are not allowed to dry out or freeze.
G. Cuttings shall be fresh and must be kept moist.
Cuttings should not be stored more than one day
before planting; to increase the rate of survival, they
should be planted the same day.
H. The root system of emergent species shall be kept in
water or in contact with a saturated mulch material.
I. If plugs are not shipped in a growing container, and
will not be planted immediately, root masses shall be
protected by covering them with straw, compost, or
other suitable material.
J. Floating-leaved and submerged aquatics must be
kept continuously wet and are best transported in
water. They shall not be stored more than a day or
two. The wetland designer shall specify if frequent
water changes are necessary.
3.0 Products
3.1 Quality Assurance
Manufacturers certified analysis shall accompany
packaged standard products.
3.2 Organic Matter
A. Leaf mold thoroughly shredded, well-composted
leaf material, free of trash.
B. Pine bark potting-grade pine bark screened
through a 3/4" screen and containing less than 10%
sap wood fibers. Any pine bark containing more
Landscape Specification Guidelines
than 10% sapwood must be composted through the
first heat stage.
C. Peat Moss Type 1 sphagnum peat moss; finely
divided with a pH of 3.1 to 5.0.
3.3 Topsoil
The practice of over-excavation and then backfilling
with topsoil for wetland creation projects are usually not
necessary. Most substrates will support the establishment
of vegetation. Exceptions to this would be gravel or
bedrock and dense clays, as well as soils that contain
toxic materials or high or low pH readings. A medium
texture soil, with 20% to 35% clay or organic matter is
considered an ideal soil medium.
If wetland soils are to be used for topsoilingmucking
then the wetland designer shall provide separate
specifications for the procedure of stripping, storing, or
stockpiling; maintaining; and spreading of the wetland
soil. If this method is specified, the host soil should be
tested before stripping to evaluate the species in the seed
bank, in order to check for the presence of invasives.
3.4 Fertilizer
Perform a soil test to determine nutrient requirements.
Apply fertilizer based on soil test results and
recommendations in accordance with current Department
of Agriculture regulations or applicable jurisdictions.
3.5 Backfill Mixture
A. The planting of herbaceous plant material does not
normally require soil amendments.
B. Backfill mixture for trees and shrubs shall be
equal parts of existing soil and organic material,
plus fertilizer. Assuming that the planting hole is
approximately twice the size of the plant container,
the following equation may be used to estimate the
amount of compost required:
(# of plants)(Ctr. size in gal.)(0.005) = # of cubic
yards of compost
C. If any other additives are found to be necessary at
the time of planting, it shall be with the approval
of the landscape contractor, wetland designer, and
owner or owners representative at an additional
negotiated cost.
3.6 Stakes
Stakes shall be 2"x 2" hardwood or acceptable
equivalent. See section, 5.7, Tree Support Schedule in the
Exterior Landscape Installation specification for proper
stake length.
5 Non Tidal Wetland Planting
3.7 Guying Material
A. Wire: Wire shall be 12 or 14 gauge galvanized steel
or acceptable equal, depending on size of tree. See
section 5.7, Tree Support Schedule of the Exterior
Landscape Installation specification.
B. Non-wire tie: Flat, woven, smooth, elastic tie material
(e.g., ArborTie)
3.8 Hose
Hose shall be corded rubber, uniform in color, and
either 1/2" or 3/4", depending on the size of the tree.
Other methods such as straps or plastic chain locks
may be used where acceptable. See section 5.7, Tree
Support Schedule of the Exterior Landscape Installation
specification.
4.0 Soil Preparation
4.1 General Conditions
If the planting area is covered with a temporary cover
crop of invasives, this growth must be eliminated at the
expense of the grading contractor or owner. Work shall
proceed only after rough grading has been completed
and the sub grade is within the specified grading
tolerances in the contract documents or plan.
4.2 Topsoil Installation
If topsoil installation is necessary, the wetland designer
shall provide separate specifications.
4.3 Tilling
After the planting area has been brought to grade, the
substrate shall be deconsolidated by disking, ripping,
plowing, or tilling to a depth of 4" to 6". If deeper
deconsolidation is required by the wetland designer (e.g.,
for woody areas), it shall be specified on the plans or in
the contract documents.
4.4 Acceptance
Acceptance for soil preparation shall be given by
the wetland designer upon satisfactory completion
of each section or area as indicated on the drawings
or as otherwise specified in the field. Installation by
the landscape contractor prior to said acceptance by
the wetland designer indicates acceptance of soil by
contractor.
5.0 Final Grading
5.1 General Conditions
The landscape contractor shall proceed only after
Landscape Specification Guidelines
the topsoil or subsoil has been prepared uniformly in
the designated areas to within the specified grading
tolerances in the contract documents or plan. Any
undulations or irregularities in the surface resulting
from fertilizing, tilling or other causes shall remain to
provide a beneficial micro- topography throughout the
site. Flooded, washed out or areas otherwise damaged
shall be reconstructed and all grades re-established
by the landscape contractor in accordance with the
drawings and/or as specified by the construction
supervisor in the field.
5.2 Cleanup
Prior to planting and/or seeding, the surface shall be
cleared of all trash, debris and stones larger than 11/2"
in diameter or length, and of all roots, brush, wire,
grade stakes, and other objects that would interfere with
planting or seeding operations.
5.3 Acceptance
The onsite construction supervisor, upon completion
of each planting section, shall give acceptance for final
grading or area as indicated on the plan or as otherwise
specified. Final grade shall be within the specified
grading tolerances in the contract documents or plan.
5.4 Maintaining the Final Grade
The grading contractor shall be responsible for
maintaining the final grade in the accepted areas that are
to be planted or seeded until the effective date to begin
planting or seeding operations. The effective planting or
seeding date shall be specified in a written notice from
the grading contractor or owner.
6.0 Planting Procedures
6.1 Planting Procedures for Container-Grown
Material
A. Remove the plant either by cutting or inverting the
container.
B. Use a knife or sharp blade to make four to five 1"
cuts the length of the root ball; loosen the roots
from the outside of the rootball.
C. A pit shall be dug large enough for the proper
setting of the rootball (1 wider than the root ball)
and deep enough to allow 1" to 2" of the rootball to
set above existing grade. Plants from flat-bottomed
containers shall not be planted in V- shaped pits,
such as produced by a dibble bar or pointed spade.
D. Set the plant straight and in the center of the pit.
6 Non Tidal Wetland Planting
E. Use a backfill mixture and fertilizer as specified in
Section 3.5 and 3.4, respectively.
F. Backfill the sides of the pit with soil mixture and
tamp firmly as the pit is being filled.
G. Make sure the plant remains erect during the
backfilling procedure. Trees shall not have more
than a 10% lean following backfilling.
H. Leftover soil from the planting pit excavation shall
be raked around the plant, being careful not to alter
the existing grade significantly. A saucer shall not be
formed around the plant.
I. Water the plant thoroughly until the soil is
saturated, even if it is raining.
J. Remove all tags, labels, strings, etc. from the plant.
6.2 Planting Procedures for Bare Root Material
A. The pit shall be only broad enough to accommodate
the roots fully extended and only deep enough so
that the uppermost roots will be just below the
original grade.
B. Set the plant in the pit so that all roots, when fully
extended, will not touch the walls of the planting pit
and the uppermost roots are just below the original
grade. Seedlings should be planted erect.
C. Spread out the roots properly and work backfill mix
among them. Prune off broken roots in a natural
position. Water thoroughly while backfilling.
D. The plant shall be heeled into the ground, firmly
packing the soil around the roots.
E. Complete the planting process as outlined above in
section 6.1 E through J.
6.3 Planting Procedures for Unrooted Cuttings
A. Tamp the cutting into the soil in an upright
position, with buds up, and no more than half of the
total length of the cutting above ground.
B. Soil shall be firmly packed around the cutting.
C. Do not split the cutting during tamping.
D. An iron bar can be used to make the hole; tamping
is best accomplished with a dead-blow hammer (i.e.,
a hammer with a hollow head filled with shot).
6.4 Planting Procedures for Propagules
A. Whole plants shall be installed with the root down.
B. Plant to a depth that allows the root collar,
evidenced by a dark line or a line dividing two color
zones, to be flush or slightly above existing grade.
Landscape Specification Guidelines
C. Either hand planting or a tree planting bar or tile
spade may be used to make a slit in the substrate,
insert the propagule, and firmly pack the soil around
the propagule.
6.5 Planting Procedures for Peat-Potted Plant
A. Using a trowel or similar digging equipment, dig a
hole large enough to accommodate the potted plant,
while allowing space to backfill around it.
B. Crush, crumble, slice, or otherwise attempt to
disjoin the peat pot before planting in order to speed
up decomposition of the peat pot.
C. Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the soil
ball is even or slightly higher than the surrounding
grade.
D. Complete the planting process as outlined above in
section 6.1 E through J.
7.0 Seeding Procedures
7.1 Products
A. For purposes of stabilizing and establishing side
slopes or areas where standing water or moving
water are not to occur, the following may be
applicable:
1. Mulching materials
a. Straw shall be bright in color, free of rot and
mildew, small- grained, free of all noxious
weeds.
b. Cellulose fiber: Cellin-K, recovered cardboard,
is the preferred type for hydro-seeding because
of ease of incorporation into slurry. Cellin,
recovered newspaper.
2. Stabilizing materials
a. Chemical tacking
b. Twine: binder twine used for small areas.
c. Netting: nylon netting used with metal staples
or wooden pegs.
d. Crimping: mechanical, tractor-drawn
implement for stabilizing mulch.
e. Cellulose fiber: as detailed above.
7.2 Standards
A. Collected seed should only be used when approved
by the owners representative and wetland designer.
B. The supplier of the seeds shall supply the
germination test results (within the last three
7 Non Tidal Wetland Planting
 months) and the percent purity of the seeds upon
delivery to the site. Specifications should indicate
seeding rates using pure viable seed. All seed
must be cleaned, processed, analyzed for purity,
stored, and germination tested before being used.
Every seed variety contains different germination
rates and requirements, and it is the wetland
designers responsibility to specify the germination
requirements of the seed variety specified.
7.3 Seed Availability
Large quantities of various native seed species may not
be available commercially unless they are collected from
the wild. If specifications require the collection of seed
from native (local) plant communities, caution should
be taken not to exhaust the seed supply of that native
plant community. Authorization from the appropriate
agencies and property owners should be granted prior to
collecting native seeds.
7.4 Related Work
1.10 Soil Testing
3.3 Topsoil
4.0 Soil Preparation
5.0 Final Grading
7.5 Planting Season
Herbaceous seeds will have the best germination rate
if planted in the fall or very early spring. Based on the
seed requirements for germination, the seed may need
to be planted in the late fall for stratification to occur.
The seed may be manually stratified and planted in the
beginning of the growing season if the wetland designer
feels it is appropriate. The wetland designer shall specify
the appropriate planting season for each individual seed
species.
7.6 Seeding Procedures
A. The following are various seed applications
that may be applied when sowing seed in the
wetland mitigation areas. The wetland designer
shall determine the method of seed application
appropriate for the site.
B. It is important to evaluate the terms of suitability
of the seeded wetland species to the site conditions.
Before specifying the seed, the designer should
consider the capability of performing a successful
seeding and the suitability of the species for the site.
1. Aerial Seeding: Generally useful when applying
seed to a very large area.
2. Broadcast Seeding: May be applied by hand or
using equipment from the ground or boat.
Landscape Specification Guidelines
3. Drill Seeding: For fine seeds, firm conditions are
needed to attain the correct seeding depth. Plant
the seed at the depth four times the diameter of
the seed or based on seed requirements. Mulching
or stabilizing is not necessary for this procedure.
4. Hydro-seeding: Often a slurry mix and useful
when seeding steep slopes. Consideration should be
given when applying within wetland areas, which
may receive frequent water flow or experience
ponding, as the water flow may wash the seed away
or the seed and slurry may float away.
5. Wet Seeding: Seeds are soaked until they sink
and then are broadcast. This process is only
suitable for seeds that absorb water and can
tolerate standing water to germinate and survive.
7.7 General Seeding Application
A. When seeding a cover crop for wooded or scrub
shrub sites, if the planting of the woody species
occurs first, care should be taken not to disturb
the root mass of the tree or shrub. Otherwise, time
should be given, if practical, for the cover crop to
germinate and begin growth.
B. Prior to sowing, the finished grade shall be of a
friable, non-compacted nature to ensure good soil
to seed contact. The area may be deconsolidated
through disking, roto-tilling, or ripping to a depth
of at least 4" to 6".
C. Planting rows should traverse the narrow axis of the
wetland mitigation area rather than the longer axis
of the wetland mitigation area.
D. For smaller seeds (greater than 500,000 seeds per
pound), dilute and mix with sand or cat litter to
provide an even seeding distribution. Press the seed
into contact with the final grade and cover with a
thin film of silt or mud 1/8" thick.
E. Wet-stored seeds should be mixed with clay-based
cat litter, dry sand, or other active dry agents to
provide de-clumping of the seeds and suitable flow
of the seed during distribution.
F. Larger seeds (less than 500,000 seeds per pound)
should be subsurface sown to various depths
depending on the size of the seed, unless the
wetlands designer allows hydro-seeding. Larger
seeds should not be pre-dried.
G. Apply 8- to 9-month release, 18-6-12, or comparable
fertilizer at a rate of 300 pounds per acre.
H. Seeding applications shall occur using one of
the methods specified above, ensuring that even
coverage has been achieved.
8 Non Tidal Wetland Planting
I. If site conditions allow, seeding may be
accomplished with a tractor and cultipacker.
The cultipacker should be set to just scarify the
sediments in order to avoid the placement of the
seeds more than 1/8" deep. Traverse the site three
times with the tractor using different patterns to
ensure soil to seed contact.
J. Mitigation areas with water control structures
should be maintained in a moist condition with less
than 1" of standing water until seed germination is
complete and the seedlings are 2" to 3" tall. Based
on seed requirements, standing water deeper than 1"
may be acceptable during the germination process.
K. Return the designed hydrology to the site that is
appropriate for the seeding species.

Landscape Specification Guidelines 9 Non Tidal Wetland Planting

Landscape
Specification
Guidelines 6th edition

Seeding & Sodding

1.0 General Conditions
1.1 Scope of Work
A. The landscape contractor shall furnish all labor,
material, and equipment required to complete the
work described herein in strict accordance with the
drawings and/or terms of the contract. All previously
established grades shall be in conformance with the
drawings and/or other specifications.
B. The landscape contractor shall be familiar with the
project premises and how the existing conditions
will affect his/her work.
1.2 Submittals
When requested by the owner or owners representative,
samples of all materials shall be submitted to the owners
designated representative for approval.
1.3 Soil Testing
A soil test shall be made to determine soil texture, pH,
magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. Additional
tests for soluble salts and organic matter should also be
made. Soil tests shall be conducted by a state laboratory
or recognized commercial laboratory. The landscape
contractor shall perform one (1) soil test using a
representative sample of on-site soils. If existing soil
has been undisturbed and is suitable as determined by
soil test, no additional amendments are required. If the
owner does not accept the soil test results as submitted
by the landscape contractor, the owner is accepting
full responsibility and thereby voids the landscape
contractors guarantee. Adjustments should be made
based on soil test results.
Acceptable Soil Test Results
pH range Bluegrass 6.0- 7.0, Fescues 5.5-7.0
Organic matter >1.5 %
Magnesium - Mg 35 pounds per acre
Phosphorus - P205 100 pounds per acre
Potassium - K20 85 pounds per acre
Soluble salts not to exceed 900 ppm
Refer to the Soils specification, section 1.7 Soil Testing,
to determine how to raise and lower pH.
1.4 Workmanship
A. During sodding/seeding, all areas shall be kept neat
and clean and precautions shall be taken to avoid
damage to existing plants, turf and structures.
B. Upon completion, all debris and waste material
resulting from sodding/seeding operations shall be
removed from the project and the area cleaned up.
Landscape Specification Guidelines
C. Any damaged areas caused by the landscape
contractor shall be restored to their original condition.
2.0 Products
2.1 Quality Assurance
Manufacturers certified analysis shall accompany
packaged standard products.
2.2 Organic Matter
A. Sedge peat: Decomposed peat containing no
identifiable fibers.
B. Leaf compost: Screened and free of trash.
C. Composted sewage sludge: Approved, screened,
polymer-dewatered sewage sludge with a pH of 6.2
to 7.2.
D. MSW (municipal solid waste) compost with pH of
6.2 to 7.2 that is screened and contains less than 1%
man-made materials.
2.3 Topsoil
A. Topsoil shall meet acceptable soil test levels as
specified in the Soils specification. A certificate of
soil test analysis must be submitted to the landscape
architect for approval before any topsoil is delivered
to the project.
B. Topsoil installed on grade shall attempt to match
existing soil texture, except for situations where clay
subsoil exists. Where clay subsoil exists, use loam or
silt loam topsoils.
C. Topsoil shall be free of stones, lumps, plants, roots,
and other debris over 11/2". Topsoil must also
be free of plants or plant parts of Bermuda grass,
Quack grass, Johnson grass, Mugwort, Nutsedge,
poison ivy, Canada thistle, or others as specified.
D. Topsoil shall not contain toxic substances harmful
to plant growth (e.g., pesticide residues).
2.4 Fertilizer
All fertilizers shall be uniform in composition, free
flowing, and suitable for application with approved
equipment. Fertilizers shall be delivered to the site
fully labeled according to applicable state fertilizer laws
and shall bear the name, trade name, or trademark
and warranty of the producer. Applications shall be
determined by soil test recommendations.
2.5 Lime
Lime material shall be ground or pulverized limestone
1 Seeding & Sodding
that contains at least 50% total oxides (i.e., calcium
oxide plus magnesium oxide). Limestone shall be ground
to a fineness such that at least 50% will pass through
a 100-mesh sieve and 98 to 100% will pass through a
20-mesh sieve. Granular or pelletized lime may be used,
but it must follow the same specifications as above prior
to being granulated or pelletized. Applications shall be
determined by soil test recommendations.
3.0 Soil Preparation
3.1 Subgrade Soil Preparation
A. General conditions: Work shall proceed only after
rough grading has been completed and the subgrade
is within 2/10 of 1 (i.e., 2.4") from final subgrade.
If the graded area develops volunteer weed growth,
the growth must be eliminated at the expense of the
general contractor or the owner.
B. Grades: Grades that have been previously established
in conformance with the drawings and/or other
applicable specifications shall be maintained in a
true and even grade.
C. Liming: Limestone shall be spread based on soil
test recommendations. Lime shall be distributed
uniformly over designated areas and worked into
the soil in conjunction with an expanded tillage
operation, as described below.
D. Tilling (Scarifying): After the areas have been
brought to grade, the subgrade shall be loosened by
disking or scarifying to a depth of 2" to 4". This is
especially critical when topsoil is to be added.
3.2 Final Grade Soil Preparation With Compost
This specification applies only when compost is used to
amend existing subsoil to make it suitable for sod or for
sowing seed. The use of compost shall be noted in the
contract agreement.
A. General conditions: The areas to which these
specifications apply shall be clearly indicated on the
drawings or as otherwise specified. The landscape
contractor shall furnish equipment, labor, and
materials necessary for preparing the specified areas.
Work shall proceed only after the subgrade is within
1" of final grade.
B. Grades: Grades in the specified area shall conform to
the drawings and/or other applicable specifications
and shall be maintained true and even.
C. Applying compost: The compost shall be uniformly
applied at a level not to exceed 4 cubic yards per 1000
square feet, 1" thick layer. This level of application
Landscape Specification Guidelines
will provide adequate nutrients to supply the needs of
the plants through the first growing seasons.
D. Tilling: As soon as the compost has been applied, it
shall be incorporated into the top 4" to 6" of soil by
either roto-tilling or cross disking.
3.3 Final Grade Preparation With Topsoil
A. General conditions: The areas to which these
specifications apply shall be clearly indicated on the
drawings or as otherwise specified. The landscape
contractor shall furnish equipment, labor, and
materials necessary for preparing the specified areas.
Work shall proceed upon acceptance of the subgrade
by the landscape architect or the owner.
B. Grades: Grades in the specified area shall conform to
the drawings and/or other applicable specifications
and shall be maintained true and even.
C. Materials: Topsoil shall be as stated above in section
2.3 Topsoil. Topsoil on the existing site may be used
but must meet standards.
D. Topsoil installation: Topsoil shall be uniformly
distributed on the designated areas to meet final
grades. Spreading shall be performed in such a
manner that sodding or seeding can proceed with a
minimum of additional soil preparation and tillage.
Any irregularities in the surface resulting from
topsoiling or other operations shall be corrected
in order to prevent the formation of depressions or
water pockets. Topsoil shall not be placed while in
a frozen or muddy condition, when the subgrade is
excessively wet, or in a condition that may otherwise
be detrimental to proper grading or proposed
sodding or seeding.
E. Fertilizer: Fertilizer application rates shall be
determined by topsoil test recommendations.
F. Liming: Liming shall be based on topsoil test
recommendations.
G. Tilling: If 3" or less of topsoil is added to the site, it
must be incorporated into the subgrade by tilling.
All amendments must be incorporated to at least a
3" depth.
3.4 Finish Grade
A. General conditions: The landscape contractor shall
proceed only after the topsoil or subsoil has been
prepared uniformly in the designated areas to within
1/4 of 1". Any undulations or irregularities in the
surface resulting from fertilizing, liming, tilling,
or other causes shall be leveled prior to sodding or
seeding.
2 Seeding & Sodding
B. Prior to sodding or seeding, the surface shall be
cleared of all trash, debris, and stones larger than
11/2" in diameter or length, and of all roots, brush,
wire, grade stakes and other objects that would
interfere with sodding or seeding.
4.0 Sod: Products and Procedures
4.1 Scope of Work
The landscape contractor shall furnish all labor, material,
and equipment required to complete the work described
herein in strict accordance with the drawings and/or
terms of the contract. All previously established grades
shall be in conformance with the drawings and/or other
specifications.
4.2 Products
A. Classes of MD/VA turfgrass sod
1. State certified sod (labeled)
Certified turfgrass sod is a superior product
grown from an approved mixture of certified
seed. The mixture is made up of individual
varieties that have been evaluated for at least five
years at up to eight different locations throughout
Maryland and Virginia and are readily available
in certified form. The mixture is evaluated,
mixed, tagged and sealed under the supervision
of the Maryland or Virginia Department of
Agriculture. The mixture is planted in fields that
have been inspected by the Maryland or Virginia
Department of Agriculture and declared free of
all noxious weeds prior to any plowing or tillage
operations by the Department of Agriculture.
The fields are periodically inspected throughout
the year to ensure: genetic purity; uniformity in
density, color and texture; pleasing appearance;
free from all noxious weeds and other crop and
weed contaminants; proper mowing height;
satisfactory root development; relatively disease,
insect, and nematode-free; and numerous
other requirements for certification. Once the
fields are brought to the desired conditions, the
Department of Agriculture issues certification
labels that must be permanently attached to
each bill of lading or delivery ticket. One label
is required by law on each and every load of sod,
regardless of size. The purchaser should require a
certified label upon delivery.
2. State-approved sod (labeled)
Approved turfgrass sod follows the exact same
procedure as above, except that it may have one
Landscape Specification Guidelines
controllable broadleaf weed per 1,000 square feet,
the color may be slightly off, or the insect and
disease levels may be slightly higher than those
allowed for certified sod. The sod must meet
published state standards and bear an official
Maryland or Virginia Approved Sod label on
the delivery receipt. The purchaser should require
such labels when sod is delivered.
3. Other sod
Turfgrass sod that meets and exceeds the
standards of state certified and state approved
sod and is approved by the owner or owners
representative.
B. Specifications for sod materials
1. Class and composition: Class of turfgrass
sod shall be creeping bentgrass, Kentucky
bluegrass, turf-type tall fescue, Bermuda grass, or
Zoysiagrass.
2. Thickness of cut: Sod shall be machine cut at a
uniform soil thickness of 1/2", plus or minus 1/4",
at the time of cutting. Measurement for thickness
shall exclude top growth and thatch.
3. Pad size: Individual pieces of sod shall be cut
to the suppliers standard width and length.
Maximum allowable deviation from standard
widths and lengths shall be 5%. Broken pads and
torn or uneven ends will not be acceptable.
4. Strength of sod sections: Under ideal conditions,
standard size sections of sod shall be strong
enough to support their own weight and retain
their size and shape when suspended vertically
from a firm grasp on the upper 10% of the section.
NOTE: Younger tall fescue will not be strong
enough to pass this test but is still okay to use.
5. Sod viability: Sod shall not be harvested or
transplanted under drought conditions.
6. Time limitations: Under optimal conditions, sod
shall be harvested, delivered and installed within
a period of 36 hours. Because sod is a perishable
commodity, however, if high temperatures and
low moisture extremes occur, its viability declines
and installation should occur within 24 hours
from harvest. Sod not transplanted within this
period shall be inspected and approved or rejected
by the owner, owners representative, or general
contractor prior to installation.
4.3 Installation Procedures for Sod
A. Site approval: The landscape contractor shall inspect
3 Seeding & Sodding
 the site to approve final grading and preparation
prior to installing the sod.
B. Moistening the soil: During periods of high
temperature, lightly irrigate the soil immediately
prior to laying the sod.
C. Starter strip: The first row of sod shall be laid in a
straight line, with subsequent rows placed parallel
to and tightly against each other. Lateral joints shall
be staggered to promote more uniform growth and
strength. Care shall be exercised to ensure that the
sod is not stretched or overlapped and that all joints
are butted tightly in order to prevent voids, which
would cause air-drying of the roots.
D. Sloping terrain: On sloping terrain where erosion
may be a problem, sod should be installed
perpendicular to the slope when possible, with
staggered joints and secured by sod staples driven to
ground level. If staples remain above ground level
during sod establishment, either remove or drive to
ground level once sod is rooted.
E. Watering and rolling: The landscape contractor
shall lightly water sod during installation to prevent
excessive drying. As sodding is completed in any
one section, the entire area shall be rolled. It shall
then be thoroughly irrigated so that the underside
of the new sod pad and soil immediately below the
sod are thoroughly wet. The general contractor shall
be responsible for having adequate water available at
the site prior to and during sod installation, unless
otherwise stated.
4.4 Acceptance
Acceptance of the installed sod shall be made by the
general contractor, landscape architect, or owner within
24 hours of completion of an area or section. After
acceptance, the owner is responsible for follow-up
maintenance.
4.5 Maintenance
A. Upon acceptance, maintenance becomes the
responsibility of the owner unless otherwise specified
in the contract.
B. Watering
1. First week: Sod shall be kept moist at all times.
In the absence of adequate rainfall, watering shall
be performed daily or as often as necessary and
in sufficient quantities to maintain moist soil to a
depth of at least 2".
2. Second and subsequent weeks: Water the sod as
required maintaining adequate moisture in the
Landscape Specification Guidelines
upper 4" of soil to promote deep root growth.
Once sod is well rooted, less frequent, deep
watering should be maintained to encourage
deep root growth. The total should equal the
equivalent of at least 1" of water per week. This
can be accomplished through a combination of
rainfall and irrigation.
C. Mowing
1. The first mowing shall be as soon as top growth
warrants it. No more than 1/3 of the grass
leaf shall be removed by the initial cutting or
subsequent cuttings.
2. Grass height shall be maintained at 2" to 3" for
Kentucky bluegrass and 21/2" to 31/2" for tall
fescue.
4.6 Disclaimer
The landscape contractor shall not be held liable for
damages incurred to sod caused by deicing compounds,
fertilizer, pesticides, other unauthorized chemical
applications, vandalism, and/or acts of God.
4.7 Guarantee
The landscape contractor shall guarantee that all
installed sod shall be Maryland/Virginia certified or
approved sod, or sod that exceeds the standards for state
certified and state approved sod, as approved by the
owner or owners representative. All sod shall be uniform
in color and reasonably free of visible imperfections at
acceptance. The landscape contractor shall guarantee the
establishment of the sod, only if adequate watering by
the contractor has been approved by the owner.
5.0 Seeding: Products and
Procedures
5.1 Scope of Work
The landscape contractor shall furnish all labor, material,
and equipment required to complete the work described
herein in strict accordance with the drawings and/or
terms of the contract. All previously established grades
shall be in conformance with the drawings and/or other
specifications.
5.2 Related Work
1.3 Soil Testing
3.0 Soil Preparation
5.3 Products
4 Seeding & Sodding
A. Mulching materials fiber may be mixed with water. The mixture
shall contain a maximum of 50 pounds of
1. Straw shall be free of rot, mildew, and noxious
cellulose fiber per 100 gallons of water, or refer to
weed seeds and shall be a small grain, such as
manufacturers recommended rates.
wheat, barley, or oats.
3. Wood fiber hydraulic mulch products shall
2. Wood cellulose fiber mulch shall consist of
consist of specially prepared wood that has
specially prepared cellulose processed into a
been processed to a uniform fibrous state. The
uniform fibrous physical state. The fiber mulch,
wood fibers of wood fiber hydraulic mulch
including dye, shall contain no germination or
products shall have a length of approximately
growth-inhibiting factors. The mulch material
0.5" and a diameter of approximately 0.0625".
shall be manufactured and processed in such a
It shall contain no materials or chemicals in
manner that the cellulose fiber mulch will remain
concentrations that inhibit the germination or
in uniform suspension in water under agitation
growth of grasses, forbs, meadow flowers, or
and will blend with seed, fertilizer, and other
other seedlings when they are applied according
additives to form a homogeneous slurry. The
to the manufacturers label directions. It shall be
mulch shall cover and hold grass seed in contact
capable of remaining in suspension with water
with the soil without inhibiting the growth of the
under agitation so that such products shall readily
grass seedlings.
blend with seed, fertilizer, and limestone to form
3. Wood fiber hydraulic mulch products shall a uniform slurry.
consist of specially prepared wood that has been
4. Liquid mulch binders should be applied more
processed to a uniform fibrous state, and shall
heavily at the edges, where wind catches the
be packaged for sale as a hydraulic mulch for use
mulch.
with hydraulic seeding equipment. The wood
fibers of wood fiber hydraulic mulch products 5. Lightweight plastic netting should be staked
shall have a length of approximately 0.5" and a over the mulch according to manufacturers
diameter of approximately 0.0625". The wood recommendations. It is recommended that stakes
fibers shall be dyed green, or the wood fiber be driven to ground level or removed once seed is
hydraulic mulch product shall be mixed with established.
a dye in a separate operation that will provide
C. Seed mix. Prior to specifying the composition of the
appropriate color to aid visual inspection of the
certified seed mix or blend and application rates,
material when it is spread. Wood fiber hydraulic
contact the University of Maryland Extension or
mulch products shall have a pH range of pH 4.0
refer to www.ipmnet.umd.edu.
to 8.5, and an ash content that shall not exceed
7% of the product by weight. It shall contain
5.4 Installation Procedures for Seed
no materials or chemicals in concentrations that
inhibit the germination or growth of grasses, One of the two following methods shall be used for
forbs, meadow flowers, or other seedlings when seeding after final soil preparation has been completed.
they are applied according to the manufacturers The regular seeding seasons are March 1 to May 15
label directions. It shall be capable of remaining and August 15 to October 15. Establishment is not
in suspension with water under agitation, so guaranteed when the seeding is done out of season. No
that such products shall readily blend with seed, seeding shall be done on frozen ground or when the
fertilizer, and limestone to form a uniform slurry. temperature is 32 F or lower. Optimum seeding time is
late August to mid October.
4. Erosion control blankets shall be woven and may
contain lightweight plastic netting on one or both A. Dry application
sides.
Seed installation
B. Stabilizing materials a. Cultipacker seeder: This method applies seed
just below soil surface and covers the seed in
1. A mulch-anchoring tool is a tractor-drawn
a single operation. Seed should be applied
implement designed to punch and anchor mulch
within the top 1/4" of the soil in two different
into the soil surface a minimum of 2".
directions for best results.
2. Cellulose fiber may be used for anchoring straw.
b. Drop-type/broadcast spreader: Apply
The fiber binding shall be applied at a net dry
seed within the top 1/4" of the soil in two
weight of 750 pounds per acre. The cellulose

Landscape Specification Guidelines 5 Seeding & Sodding

 directions for best results. To improve soil/seed
contact, use a landscape rake to make one pass
over the seed bed.
1. Mulching: Apply mulching material to retain
moisture and minimize erosion. Rate for straw:
1/2" to 1" thick layer or 60 to 80 bales per acre.
Rate for cellulose fiber: 1,500 pounds per acre.
2. Stabilizing: Stabilize the mulch by using a mulch
anchoring tool, cellulose fiber, liquid mulch
binders, or mulch netting.
B. Hydro-seeding: Two methods can be used. The first
method gives the best results.
1. Water, seed, and fertilizer method: The mixture
shall be sprayed on the previously prepared
seedbed in the form of an aqueous mixture. All
mixtures shall be constantly agitated from the
time they are mixed until they are finally applied
to the seedbed.
If the fertilizer is mixed into the slurry, no more
than 30 minutes should lapse before it is applied to
prevent the fertilizer from burning the seed. Care
shall be exercised to ensure uniform coverage.
Straw shall be applied by hand or with a straw
blower and stabilized. The same rates and
procedures shall be followed as detailed for dry
application above.
B. Watering: During the first two to three weeks, the
seed shall be kept moist at all times to allow for
germination. In the absence of adequate rainfall,
light, frequent watering shall be performed to keep
the seedbed moist.
5.8 Guarantee
The landscape contractor shall guarantee germination for
seed installed during the regular season, provided that
watering is performed by the owner.
5.9 Disclaimer
The landscape contractor shall not be held liable for
damages incurred to seed caused by deicing compounds,
fertilizer, pesticides, other unauthorized chemical
applications, vandalism and/or acts of God. Any need
for overseeding or regrading attributed to this shall be an
addition to the contract.
6.0 Crown Vetch
Please refer to the Maryland Seeding Association
Guideline Specifications for information about
procedures for using Crown Vetch at www.
marylandseeding.org.

2. Seed, fertilizer, water, and cellulose fiber method:

The application procedure for this method is the
same as for the first method above. The rate of
cellulose fiber is 50 pounds per 100 gallons of
water. Follow manufacturers recommended rates.

5.5 Cleanup
Excess and waste material shall be removed daily.
All pavements shall be left broom cleaned, and all
damaged areas in existing turf shall be restored to their
original condition. Responsibilities should be based on
contractual agreements.

5.6 Acceptance
Acceptance of the seed installation shall be made by the
general contractor, landscape architect, or owner upon
completion of an area or section. After acceptance, the
owner is responsible for follow-up maintenance.

5.7 Maintenance
A. Upon acceptance, maintenance becomes the
responsibility of the owner, unless otherwise
specified in the contract.

Landscape Specification Guidelines 6 Seeding & Sodding

Landscape
Specification
Guidelines 6th edition

Soils
1.0 General Conditions
1.1 Site Analysis
A. Prior to developing recommendations for soil
modifications, an analysis of existing soil conditions
shall be made. All information shall be recorded
on a scale drawing of the site. The soil section of
the specification guidelines is dependent on the
site analysis being completed prior to determining
recommendations for soil modifications. It is
the responsibility of the landscape contractor to
perform the analysis, unless the owner provides
soil modifications in the bid package. If the owner
refers to the specification guidelines and makes
specific soil modification recommendations, the
landscape contractor can assume that the owner has
undertaken this analysis prior to preparing the bid
documents. It is necessary to comply with all local
codes regarding disturbance and sediment control
requirements.
B. The analysis shall include the following:
1. Analysis of historical land use to determine
previous development activity and soil
disturbance at the site. The historical land
use analysis shall include consideration of
construction activity at the site that will occur
between the time of the analysis and the time of
the installation of new plantings.
2. Analysis of existing vegetative cover and
topography that may indicate variability in soil
conditions.
3. Sampling of existing soils, as follows:
a. Identify areas with different soil conditions
based on historical, topographic, and
vegetative analysis.
b. For each area, take a minimum of one
composite soil sample (1 cup) that consists of
five (5) core samples. Each core sample shall be
taken at a depth of 68" after first removing
the upper duff layer, if any. The five (5) core
samples are to be mixed and air- dried prior to
submittal to the testing laboratory.
c. Soil testing shall be as per section 1.7 Soil
Testing.
d. If the soil in the top 68" of soil indicates a
pH level two or more units above or below the
optimum pH level desired, additional testing
of subsoil pH is recommended.
e. A second sample at a depth of 18-24 inches is
advisable to test for subsurface soil conditions
Landscape Specification Guidelines
and is to be mixed and air-dried prior to
submittal to the testing laboratory. Do NOT
mix upper layer and lower layer soil samples;
they need to be tested separately.
4. Compaction analysis
a. Based on historical, vegetative, and
topographic analysis, determine areas of the
sites that may have been compacted. For any
area of the site where compaction potential
has been identified, perform multiple soil
penetrometer tests to determine degree and
extent of compaction.
b. Conduct a penetration resistance test as
follows:
Penetration reading must be taken when soil
moisture is at field capacity (several days after
free drainage). Using a cone penetrometer),
apply slow, even pressure so that the
penetrometer advances in the soil at a rate of
4 seconds per 6". Record pressure readings at
04" depth (surface soil) and at 1014" depth
(subsoil).
Pressure in psi shall be as follows:
<110 psi surface soil (all textures);
<260 psi subsurface soil loamy sand, sandy
loam, sandy clay loam, sandy clay, loam, silt
loam, silty clay loam, and silty clay;
<225 psi subsurface soil clay loam
c. A bulk density test shall be performed if the
results of the penetrometer are outside the
acceptable range. The contractor is to notify
owner if this is needed.
5. Drainage analysis:
a. Determine areas that are suspected to be
poorly drained based on the site analysis and
the topography.
b. Soils that exhibit the following characteristics
shall be considered poorly drained:
Standing water
Anaerobic soils (may have objectionable odor)
Gray soils (hydric)
Presence of wetland species
C. Definitions of soils and planting mixes are as follows:
1. Existing soils are soils that are present on the site
at the time of estimating.
1 Soils
 2. Imported soils are soils that are brought onto the
site during the course of the job. Onsite stockpiles
of soil that may have been present at the time of
estimating shall also be considered imported soils.
3. Planting soils are the prepared and often amended
soils, whether they are existing, imported, or a
blend of both existing and imported soils, that
will be at the surface of the soil profile when
planting begins. The goal of this specification is
to help create excellent planting soils that more
effectively support healthy plant growth.
4. Planting mixes are blends of soils; sand/soil/
compost; and soil-less media used to grow plants.
A typical use of planting mixes is to fill planters
located above structure.
5. Subsoil is soil that, in an undisturbed soil
profile, would be the B horizon. In many cases,
developers have removed the A or C horizon from
the site, so the surface soil is actually a subsoil.
D. Based on the above analysis and definitions,
prepare a composite drawing identifying the soil
characteristics based on the following categories.
1. Minimum soil modification required to create
planting soils, as follows:
a. Nutrient and pH adjustments less than 0.5
pH units, in either direction on the pH scale,
to existing soils. The range is based on the pH
tolerance of the plants being placed in that
location.
b. Addition of organic amendments to the
existing soils.
c. Tilling of existing soils.
2. Significant modification(s) required to create
planting soils, as follows: (in addition to the
requirements of paragraph D.1)
a. Subsoiling to reduce compaction below
planting soils.
b. Installing subsurface drainage.
c. Regrading to improve surface drainage.
d. Significant pH adjustment to existing soil or
subsoil of more than 0.5 pH units.
e. Adding imported soils or planting mixes.
3. Significant modifications beyond the scope of
these specifications.
The following conditions require consultation with
a soil specialist to determine appropriate action:
a. Soils containing quantities of man-made
inerts, such as drywall material (Gypsum),
Landscape Specification Guidelines
considered harmful to plant growth.
b. Soils suspected of containing harmful
chemical contaminants.
c. Soils suspected of containing naturally
occurring compounds harmful to plant
growth that are not easily mediated.
d. Subsoil conditions that require modifications
beyond basic drainage and subsoiling.
e. Soils not classified as a type of loam (e.g., clay,
clay/silt, sand, sandy clay) using the USDA
soils classification.
1.2 Scope of Work
A. The landscape contractor shall provide all materials,
labor, and equipment to complete all soil and/
or drainage work as shown on the plans and
specifications.
B. All soils and drainage work within the critical root
zone of any tree to remain shall be undertaken
in such a manner so as to comply with the tree
preservation requirements specified in the Tree
Preservation Section.
1.3 Submittals
When requested by the owner, samples of all soil,
planting mix, and drainage materials shall be submitted
to the owner or owners designated representative
for approval. For soil, planting mix, and organic
amendments, submit 1-pound samples and the required
soil testing results. For other materials, submit the
manufacturers product literature.
1.4 Approvals
All approvals shall be in writing.
1.5 Utilities and Underground Features
A. The landscape contractor shall notify utility
companies and/or the general contractor in advance
of construction to locate the utilities. Please contact
Miss Utility at www.missutility.net for Maryland,
D.C., Virginia, and Delaware.
B. Private underground features, such as irrigation
systems, septic systems, drain systems, invisible pet
fencing, landscape lighting, underground natural
gas, and security systems, shall be located by the
owner or general contractor.
C. If there is a conflict with the utilities and the
proposed soil work, the owner shall be responsible
for changing the design requirements. Any costs
incurred for changing soil design requirements shall
be borne by the owner.
2 Soils
1.6 Concealed Contingencies are optimally available. However, some species, like
The correction of undisclosed subsurface conditions, ericaceous plants (e.g., Rhododendron, Azaleas,
such as rocks, roots, stumps, poor drainage, water, Pieris), require low pH soils, whereas others (e.g.,
clay pan, soils contaminated with toxic substances, or Cercis sp.) may require higher pH soils. Avoid placing
other obstacles encountered in excavation work that are plants with different pH soil requirements together.
not apparent at the time of estimating or indicated on
the soil analysis, may result in additional costs to the Suggested Ranges
owner. Upon discovery of undisclosed conditions, the Nutrient Parts per Million Concentration
landscape contractor shall notify the owner of any items Depending on CEC*
to be corrected and the associated costs, if any, before Calcium 400 to 4,000
corrective measures are taken. Notification, change Magnesium 60 to 450
orders, and approval shall be in writing. Potassium 91 to 250
Phosphorus 30 to 50
1.7 Soil Testing
If the following nutrients are analyzed
A. Soil tests shall be made of existing soils, imported
(suggested for sandy soils)
soils, and planting mixes to determine soil texture,
Iron 5 to 20
pH, total calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, Manganese 5 to 20
potassium, soluble salts and percent organic matter. Copper 0.3 to 1
Each sample to be submitted for testing shall be Boron 0.5 to 1
extracted from a composite sample representing a Zinc 1 to 3
minimum five (5) core samples for each soil area. **SS 0.2 to 1/5 mmhos/cm
Soil tests shall be conducted by a state agricultural pH 6.0 to 7.5
soil testing laboratory or by a commercial
*Ca, K ,and Mg optimal ranges depend on the ability of a soil to hold cations
agricultural soil testing laboratory.
(Cation Exchange Capacity). Nutrient levels shall be as recommended by the
B. All soil testing costs shall be borne by the landscape soils lab for the types of plants and soil conditions.
contractor. If the owner has already tested the **Soluble salts or electrical conductivity (EC) depend on the type of test being
existing soil prior to the preparation of bid performed. The recommendation is for a 1:1 soil/water extract. The EC units
documents, the soil test results shall be provided of mmhos/cm, dS/m, and mS/cm are interchangeable.
to the landscape contractor so that they may be
D. These additional tests are required when the
included in the composite soil analysis plan.
following conditions exist:
C. Each soil test shall examine the following chemical
Condition Test Required Acceptable Results
and physical attributes. Any soil that falls within
the indicated range of results shall be considered sandy soils boron 0.52.0 ppm
provisionally acceptable. Soil that falls outside of any hardwood forest manganese 1540 ppm
of the indicated ranges may be amended, retested, soils or history of
and resubmitted for approval by the owner. Once continuous mulching
with hardwood bark
a soil is considered provisionally acceptable, its
seaside and bay side sodium *
pH level should be examined for suitability with
imported soils, mechanical analysis, Requirements
the plants that are to be grown on the site. Special planting mixes including particle vary dependent
attention should be paid to the pH tolerances of size analysis of sand on application and
fraction may require the
plants that require acidic soil for healthy growth. recommendation of
a soils expert.
The following nutrient recommendations are for
turf but may include a variety of landscape plants. * Soils relatively high in sodium (Na) and low in other base cations (calcium,
Recommended nutrient ranges vary widely, and potassium and magnesium) are considered sodic soils. Proportionally high Na
can lead to plant toxicities or nutrient deficiencies. Sodic soils usually have
depending on soil characteristics and laboratory high pH above 8.5. Sodium can start to be a problem if its % Base Saturation
nutrient extraction methods, test results can is greater than 5%, especially in clay soils. Electrical Conductivity should be
also vary greatly. Nutrient availability is soil pH below 4 dS/m (mmho/cm) or you may have saline soils (a mixture of many
nutrients). Corrective actions to remove Na from soil include application of
dependent. Some nutrients, like iron, zinc and, calcium, usually by calcium sulfate (gypsum). Gypsum should not be used if
manganese, are minimally available in high pH soils soil EC is above 4 dS/m (mmho/cm).
and are very available in acidic soils.
E. In the event that pH is higher than the limits of the
Plant requirements for pH vary. Most plants do well plants specified, the plant type shall be changed to a
in a pH between 6.0 and 6.8, where most nutrients plant that is adaptable to the pH of the soil.

Landscape Specification Guidelines 3 Soils

F. In the event that the owner rejects the
recommendations of the soil test and requires the
landscape contractor to proceed with planting
in soils that otherwise require amendments, the
landscape contractor may void the guarantee for
plantings or lawns. In the event that the contractor
voids the guarantee, the owner shall be notified in
writing of such action prior to the installation of
any plantings or lawns. No consideration of changes
to the conditions of the guarantee will be allowed
without written notification prior to planting.
1.8 Workmanship
A. During the delivery and installation of soils and
drainage, the landscape contractor shall perform in a
professional manner, coordinating his/her activities
so as not to interfere unduly with the work of other
trades and leaving his/her work area(s) neat and clean
of litter and debris at the close of each workday.
B. Upon completion, all debris and waste material
resulting from soil and drainage operations shall be
removed from the project and the area cleaned up.
C. Any damaged areas caused by the landscape
contractor shall be restored to their original condition.
2.0 Products
2.1 Organic Amendments
A. The following is a list of types of organic
amendments that may be used as soil amendments.
1. Sedge peat decomposed peat containing no
identifiable fibers.
2. Yard debris mature compost (e.g., Leafgro)
leaves, grass clippings, and prunings screened
through a 3/4" screen and containing less than
1% man-made inerts.
Compost: Organic blended material, properly
composted at temperatures sufficient to break
down all woody fibers, seeds, and leaf structures;
free of toxic and nonorganic matter. Source
material shall be yard waste trimmings blended
with other organic material designed to produce
compost high in fungal material.
Compost shall be commercially prepared
compost and meet U.S. Compost Council STA/
TMECC criteria, or as modified in this section
for stable, mature compost intended for landscape
backfill mix component.
http://compostingcouncil.org/admin/wp-content/
plugins/wp-pdfupload/pdf/191/LandscapeArch_
Specs.pdf
Landscape Specification Guidelines
Compost shall comply with the following
parameters:
a. pH 5.58.0
b. Salt concentration (electrical conductivity)
maximum 5 dS/m (mmhos/cm).
c. Moisture content %, wet weight basis 30
60%.
d. Particle size % passing a selected mesh size,
dry weight basis 98% pass through 3/4" screen
or smaller.
e. Solvita maturity test 6 or higher.
f. Physical contaminants (inerts) %, dry weight
basis <1.
g. Chemical contaminants mg/kg (ppm) meet or
exceed U.S. EPA Class A standard, 40 CFR
503.13, Tables 1 and 3 levels.
h. Biological contaminants select pathogens fecal
coliform, bacteria, or salmonella, meet or
exceed U.S. EPA Class A standard, 40 CFR
503.32(a) levels.
3. Animal manure mature compost made from
poultry, swine, cattle, or equine manures
composted with bedding, wood waste, or yard
debris.
4. Pine Bark potting grade pine bark screened
through a 3/4" screen and containing less than
10% sapwood fibers. Any pine bark containing
more than 10% sapwood must be composted
through the first heat stage.
5. Pine Fines a product derived from the
processing and composting of pine bark mulch
containing a minimum of 75% sawdust size and
dust- sized particles.
2.2 Imported Soils
A. Imported soil shall meet acceptable soil test levels as
specified in section 1.7, Soil Testing. A certificate of
soil test analysis, soil source location, and list of crops
grown in the soil over the past three years must be
submitted to the owner for approval before any soil is
delivered to the project. Submit a 1-pound sample of
soil source of each soil to accompany soil test.
B. Imported soils shall be loams of textural
classification specified for each application. Unless
otherwise indicated, imported soil installed
on grade shall be suitable for the plants to be
grown. In extreme clay or sandy subsoil, follow
recommendations of a soil specialist.
4 Soils
C. Imported soil shall not contain toxic substances
harmful to plant growth. The total volume of stones,
green plant parts, fibrous root mats, man-made inert
material and wood or woody roots in the soil shall
not exceed 5%. Soil shall not contain sharp glass
or metal objects. Imported soil shall also be free
of Bermuda Grass, Quack Grass, Johnson Grass,
Mugwort, Nutsedge, Poison Ivy, Canada Thistle,
and other invasive weeds.
D. Imported soil shall not be harvested, transported,
and/or graded when soil moisture exceeds field
capacity or when the material is frozen.
E. Protect imported soil stockpiles from erosion,
saturation, or weed growth using plastic sheeting or
tarps.
2.3 Planting Mixes
A. The recommendations of mix requirements is
application specific and beyond the scope of this
specification guideline. Consult a soil specialist for
planting mix specifications.
B. To minimize volume reduction over time, only the
following organic sources shall be permitted: milled
pine bark, pine fines, mature yard debris compost
(e.g., Leafgro) or manure compost.
C. Planting mixes shall be blended mechanically using
a commercial mixer or shredder. Ingredients shall be
uniformly incorporated to obtain a consistent blend.
D. Protect plant mix stockpiles after mixing by using
plastic sheeting or tarps.
E. Prior to mixing any planting mix, prepare sample
mix ratios and submit to the owner for approval
along with test results. If the sample does not meet
the mix criteria, resubmit alternative mix ratio
samples with test results.
2.4 Fertilizers
All fertilizers shall be uniform in composition, free
flowing, and suitable for application with approved
equipment. Fertilizers shall be delivered to the site fully
labeled according to applicable state fertilizer laws and
shall bear the name, trade name, or trademark and
warranty of the producer. Application rates shall be
determined by soil test recommendations.
2.5 Lime
Lime material shall be ground or pulverized limestone
that contains at least 50% total oxides. The use of either
dolomitic lime (lime with magnesium) or calcitic lime
(lime without magnesium) shall be determined by soil
Landscape Specification Guidelines
test recommendations. Limestone shall be ground to
such fineness that at least 50% will pass through a 100-
mesh sieve and 98100% will pass through a 20-mesh
sieve. Granular or pelletized lime may be used but it
must follow the same specifications as above prior to
being granulated or pelletized.
2.6 Acidifying Amendment
Acidifying amendments shall be flowers of sulfur,
pelletized sulfur, granular sulfur, or iron sulfate. The
application rates of these materials will be determined by
soil test recommendations.
2.7 Subsurface Drain Lines
Subsurface drain lines shall be perforated, corrugated
polyethylene plastic drainpipe with manufacturers
standard connectors such as tees, elbows, caps.
2.8 Gravel
Gravel shall be pea gravel or AASHTO #57 crushed stone.
2.9 Filter Fabric
Non-woven, continuous filament polyester fabric with
a weight of 4.0 oz. per square yard, minimum grab
strength of 100 lb., and a water flow rate of 100 gpm per
minute.
2.10 Coarse Sand
Coarse concrete sand, ASTM C-33 Fine Aggregate.
3.0 Soil Preparation
3.1 Minimum Modifications to Create Planting Soils
A. General conditions
1. Identify utilities and underground utilities (see
section 1.5). All areas on either side of the utility
marking, where the distance is dictated by the
local jurisdiction, shall be amended by hand.
2. Prior to amending soils, the general contractor
or owner shall clear the surface of all trash,
debris and stones larger than 11/2" in diameter
or length, and of all roots, brush, weeds, grass,
wire, grade stakes and other objects that would
interfere with soil preparation. Installation of
all utilities and irrigation mainlines shall be
completed prior to beginning soil work.
3. The soil shall not be tilled or amended when
the soils moisture level is above field capacity or
when the soil is frozen.
5 Soils
 4. Grades after amendment, tilling, and fine
grading in the specified area shall conform to the
drawings and/or other applicable specifications
and shall be maintained true and even.
5. Rototilling shall not be performed within the
critical root zone of existing trees.
3.2 Modifications to Existing Soils
A. General conditions
1. Amendments shall be applied uniformly based
on the following recommendations and soil test
results. Thoroughly incorporate the amendments
into the upper 6" of soil. After adding
amendments, retest planting soil to confirm that
the soil has responded to meet the design criteria.
Submit the test results to the owner for approval.
a. Soils with optimum nutrient concentration
but with excessively high pH levels shall
be amended with pine bark or pine fines
and acidifying amendments to lower pH to
desired level. Soils with adequate levels of
nutrients and organic matter shall be amended
with lime or acidifying agents (if necessary)
depending on the pH requirements of plants.
The contractor may also suggest changing the
plant(s) to those that meet the existing pH
conditions.
b. Soils with an acceptable pH but low levels
of potassium or low organic matter shall be
amended with yard debris compost or animal
manure compost.
c. Soils with an acceptable pH and with adequate
amounts of organic matter but low in nutrients
shall be amended with fertilizers based on the
soil test results.
d. To reduce the bulk density of clay loam soils,
in the upper 6" of soil, amend with pine
fines or compost. For example, on a typical
landscape clay loam soil, place a 2" layer of
compost and till to a 6" depth.
e. To reduce bulk density deeper than 6", subsoil
using a back hoe bucket or ripping bar to the
depth of the compaction or to a minimum of
30" depth. Then add compost to the surface and
till the soil using a rototiller to a depth of 6".
3.3 Significant Modifications to Create Planting Soils
A. General conditions
1. Identify utilities and underground utilities (see
section 1.5). All areas on either side of the utility
Landscape Specification Guidelines
marking, where the distance is dictated by the
local jurisdiction, shall be amended by hand.
2. Prior to amending soils, the general contractor
or owner shall clear the surface of all trash,
debris, and stones larger than 11/2" in diameter
or length, and of all roots, brush, weeds, grass,
wire, grade stakes, and other objects that would
interfere with soil preparation. Installation of
all utilities and irrigation mainlines shall be
completed prior to beginning soil work.
3. The soil shall not be tilled, re-graded, amended,
or otherwise worked when the soils moisture
level is above field capacity or when the soil is
frozen.
4. Grades after amendment, tilling, and fine
grading in the specified area shall conform to the
drawings and/or other applicable specifications
and shall be maintained true and even.
5. Work to add soil shall proceed only after rough
grading of the subsoil has been completed
and the subgrade is within 1" to 2" from final
subgrade, as indicated on the drawings. If the
rough-graded area develops volunteer weed
growth, the growth must be eliminated prior to
spreading the imported soil at the expense of the
general contractor or owner.
6. Rototilling shall not be performed within the
critical root zone of existing trees.
3.4 Subsoiling to Reduce Compaction
A. Subsoiling shall be done using a trencher (e.g.,
Ditchwitch), backhoe, mini- excavator, or rotary
spader. Do not use a vibratory plow. Subsoiling may
be performed when soil is neither wet nor dry. If a
shovel cannot be forced into the soil, it is too dry. If
the surface is sticky or muddy, it is too wet.
B. The subsoiler shall penetrate the soil to a depth of
24" at a maximum 24" interval with two passes
in each area at 90 degrees to each other. In sloped
areas, the first pass of subsoiling equipment shall
be across the slope. The second pass of subsoiling
equipment shall be up and down the slope.
C. If the soil being subsoiled is a loam, silt loam, or clay
loam, spread a 4" to 6" layer of pine fines, pine bark,
or mature compost.
D. Use a backhoe rear bucket or similar equipment
with a tined bucket to break up the compacted soil
and incorporate the compost. Work backwards
away from excavated soils so that treated soil is
not trafficked by the equipment. Insert the bucket
6 Soils
 through the compost layer and into the subsoil to a
depth of 24" and raise a bucket of soil at least 24"
above the soil surface. Tip the bucket and allow soil
to fall. Repeat this procedure until no clumps of
compacted soil larger than 12" in diameter remain.
The tines of the bucket can be used to break apart
larger clumps if necessary. 50% of the soil shall
be in clumps 6" or smaller. No clumps shall be
greater than 18" in diameter. The subsoiling is not
intended to homogenize the compost and soil, but
rather loosen the soil to a 24"depth and create veins
of compost down to that depth as well. To ensure
that subsoiling reached the appropriate depth, a
push tube soil sampler shall be used to verify that
compost is present at 24" depth.
3.5 Installing Subsurface Drainage
A. All subsurface drainage work should be completed
as indicated on the drawing or as described in the
contract. The plan shall identify the location of all
drain lines, the desired slope of the drain lines and
the depth they will be set, the materials and details
to be used, and any required connections. The
recommendations of the plan should be provided by
the landscape contractor, preferably with the advice
of a soils expert, or from drawings provided by the
owner or owners representative.
1. Absent a plan developed prior to bidding, the
following minimum standards shall apply to any
area where subsurface drain lines are requested by
the owner or required by field conditions.
a. Provide one drain line at the lowest portion of
each turf or planting soil area that is aligned
parallel to any walk, property line or structure
that defines the edge of the planting soil bed.
b. Provide additional lines at a minimum of 20
feet on center throughout the turf or planting
soil area. The alignment of the lines shall be
such that they flow at a minimum slope of 1%
when set approximately parallel to the final
grade contours.
c. All lines shall be terminated in a location that
allows the water to flow onto the surface or be
connected to a storm drain where available.
B. Provide horizontal field engineering at all times
when drain lines are being installed to ensure that
the slope on all perforated drain lines is positive
toward itsintended outfall and also remains at the
correct depth as shown on the drawings.
C. Excavate a trench a minimum of 8" wide to a depth
required to provide positive drainage from the high
Landscape Specification Guidelines
points of the system to the outfall or connection
point to a storm sewer. Eliminate dips or rises that
will trap water. The invert of the pipe shall be a
minimum of 4" below the depth of the top of the
subgrade soil.
D. Install the drain lines using one of the following two
options.
1. Sand filter option (preferred): Install the drain
lines in a bed of coarse sand. Provide a minimum
of 2" of coarse sand on the bottom and sides
of the drain line and a minimum of 4" on top
and sides of the pipe. Place the pipe with the
perforations facing toward the bottom of the
trench. In the case where pipe is used that has
perforations on all sides of the pipe, place a 10"
wide strip of 4 ml plastic over the top and sides of
the pipes before adding sand to the sides and top
of the trench.
2. Gravel/filter cloth option: Install the drainage
gravel to the depths and profiles shown on the
drawings. Provide a minimum of 2" of gravel
on the bottom and sides of the drain line and
a minimum of 4" on top of the pipe. Wrap the
gravel in filter fabric according to the drainage
details. Provide a minimum of 8 of overlap
where the filter cloth comes together. Phase
the construction to keep the gravel from being
contaminated with soil.
E. All connections and splices shall use the pipe
manufacturers standard fittings. All joints shall be
secure.
F. When the top of the sand or filter cloth is below
depth of the planting soil or bed preparation,
backfill the trench with coarse sand or gravel to the
elevation of the top of the subgrade soil.
3.6 Adding Soils or Planting Mixes
A. Add imported soil or planting mix when required on
the drawings. The limits and depths of the soil to be
added shall be as indicated on the drawings. Depths
shall be as measured from the top of the subsoil to
the fine graded soil level for mulched and seeded
lawn areas and to the bottom of the sod for sodded
lawn areas. All soil depths are to be as measured
after initial compaction and 12 months settlement.
B. All subsoil modification, installation of drain
lines, planter drainage and rough grading shall be
completed prior to adding soils. All subgrades shall
be inspected by the owner or owners representative
and approved prior to adding soils.
C. Till the subgrade to a minimum depth of 6" or
7 Soils
 scarify to a depth of 4 inches using the teeth of a
back hoe just prior to adding the first lift of soil
or planting mix. This is in addition to any other
required subsoiling. Leave the subgrade rough to
receive imported soils and break soil interface lines.
Tilling may be accomplished with a rototiller, the
teeth of a backhoe bucket, an agricultural plow, or
other suitable equipment.
D. Add imported soil or planting mix in lifts not to
exceed 12" in depth.
1. Compact each soil lift using a plate vibrator or
light roller to a density between 100 and 250 psi
reading with a penetrometer.
2. Soil that has been compacted should drain water
at the rate of 1" per hour. Soils that drain less
than 1" per hour are considered over-compacted
and must be tilled and rolled again.
3.7 Significant pH Adjustment of Planting Soils and/
or Subsoils
A. If the pH of the subsoil is more than 0.5 pH units
above or below the desired range, amend with
the recommended amount of lime or acidifying
amendment and incorporate into the upper 4" to 6"
of the subsoil prior to establishing the sub- grade.
If the subsoil is more than 2 pH units above the
desired range, till a 2" layer of pine fines into the top
6" of the sub-grade soil.
B. If the pH of the existing soils is more than 2 pH
units above or below the desired range, amend with
the recommended amount of lime or acidifying
amendment and incorporate into the upper 4" to
6" of the existing soil prior to fine grading. If the
existing soil has a pH that is more than 2 units
above the desired range, incorporate a 2" layer of
pine fines in addition to the acidifying amendment.
3.8 Grading
A. All grading to improve surface drainage shall
be done according to an agreed- upon plan. The
plan shall identify the location, slope, and details
of any areas that are to be graded or swales to
be created. The recommendations of the plan
should be provided by the landscape contractor or
from drawings provided by the owner or owners
representative.
B. Provide horizontal field engineering to ensure
appropriate slopes of the swales and final grades.
C. Avoid unnecessary compaction of the soil during
grading.
Landscape Specification Guidelines
3.9 Soil Compaction Testing
A. Following grading or soil installation, test the soil
compaction with the penetrometer.
B. Prior to testing the soil with the penetrometer,
check the soil moisture. Penetrometer readings are
impacted by soil moisture, and excessively wet or
dry soils will read significantly lower or higher than
soils at optimum moisture.
C. The penetrometer readings shall be within 100250
psi to the full depth of the installed soil or to a
depth of the amended or tilled soil, whichever is
greater, when moisture levels are consistent with soil
moisture during time of installation.
D. Any areas that fail to meet the above criteria shall,
if requested by the owner, be reworked to attain the
required compaction.
E. Make the penetrometer available to the owner for
use in observing the soil compaction. The owner
may at any time check the compaction in the soil.
3.10 Cleanup
A. Immediately following each days work, clean all
dirt, excess soil, debris, and trash from the job site.
Store additional soils in stockpiles protected from
erosion and contamination by other contractors with
tarps.
B. At the end of the installation of all soils, leave the
site in a clean and clear condition. Dispose of all
dirt, excess soil, debris, and trash in a legal manner
off site.
3.11 Protection
A. Maintain grades and protect soil from erosion,
compaction and contamination until planting/
seeding/sodding operations begin.
B. Restore any erosion washes, break compaction by
tilling, and remove and replace any contaminated
soils.
3.12 Restoring Settled Grades
Soil that settles below the design grade as a result of work
completed by the landscape contractor shall be re-graded
12 months after completion by removing the mulch or
sod and adding additional soil. Soil that settles as a result
of work performed by other trades (examples include,
but are not limited to, backfilling of utilities, walls, and
foundations and the lack of compaction thereof) shall
not be the responsibility of the landscape contractor.
8 Soils
Landscape
Specification
Guidelines 6th edition

Tree Preservation
1.0 General Conditions
The Maryland Forest Conservation Act was passed by
the General Assembly in 1991 and was subsequently
amended to conserve the states forest resources during
development activities. The Act requires identification
of existing forest stands, protection of the most desirable
forest stands, and establishment of areas where new
forest can be planted.
The Forest Conservation Act establishes standards for
local authorities to enforce during the development
process and is a means to protect not only forests and
trees in developing areas, but also any sensitive areas
identified during the local planning or comprehensive
land use plan adoption process.
1.1 Basic Planning Requirements
The Maryland Forest Conservation Act of 1991 requires
that prior to the approval of any public or private
subdivision, project plan, grading plan permit, or
sediment control permit on a unit of land 40,000 square
feet or greater, applicants shall submit a Forest Stand
Delineation (FSD) and a Forest Conservation Plan (FCP).
These plans shall be approved by the local authority under
a locally adopted forest conservation program, or the
Department of Natural Resources where no local program
is in effect, before other approvals are given.
1.2 Forest Stand Delineation
The FSD is an inventory of existing site conditions and
forest and shall be used during the preliminary review
process to determine the most suitable and practical
areas for forest conservation during development. Only
qualified professionals approved by the Department
of Natural Resources, Forest Service, or, for local
applications, an adopted and approved local forest
conservation program, may prepare a an FSD Plan.
1.3 Forest Conservation Plan
The FCP details the amount of the forest that will be
retained, reforested, or afforested; the locations where this
will occur; proposed protection measures taken during
development, such as location of devices and limits of
disturbance; construction scheduling, maintenance, and
monitoring procedures; long-term protection measures;
and other measures that may be required. The plan can
be divided into five principal topics:
1. Determining Priority Forest and Priority Areas
2. Retained Forest and Tree Protection
3. Forest and Tree Planting
4. Maintenance and Monitoring
5. Enforcement
Landscape Specification Guidelines
An FCP must be prepared by a Maryland Licensed
Forester, Maryland Licensed Landscape Architect, or
other qualified professional. A stamp or certification by
the preparer shall appear on the submission.
2.0 Definitions
A. Caliper: The diameter of a tree trunk less than 12"
measured at 4" to 12" above the ground. From 1" to
4" it is measured 6" above the ground, and from 4"
to 12" it is measured 12" from the ground.
B. Champion Tree: The largest of its species, as
determined by the Maryland Department of
Natural Resources.
C. Critical Root Zone: A circular region measured
outward from a tree trunk representing the area of
the roots that must be maintained or protected for
the trees survival. Usually it is 1 ft of radial distance
for every inch of tree diameter (DBH) measured at
4.5 ft above the ground, with a minimum radius of
8 ft. For specimen trees, the critical root zone shall
be 1.5 ft for every inch of tree diameter.
D. Diameter Breast Height: The height at which a
tree is measured that is over 12" in diameter. This
measurement is taken 4.5 ft above the ground.
E. Landscaping Plan: A plan, drawn to scale, showing
dimensions and details for re-vegetating an area
2,500 ft2 or greater in size and at least 35 ft wide,
including maintenance and protection measures.
F. Reforestation or Reforested: The creation of a
biological community dominated by trees and
other woody plants containing at least 100 live trees
per acre, with at least 50% of those trees having
the potential of attaining a 2" or greater diameter
measured at 4.5 ft above the ground, within seven
years. Reforestation includes landscaping of areas
under an approved landscaping plan that establishes
a forest at least 35 ft wide and covering 2,500 ft2 of
area. Afforestation is the establishment of a forest
in an area on which forest cover has been absent for
a long period of time, or the planting of open areas
that are not presently in forest cover.
G. Seedlings: An un-branched woody plant, less than
24" in height and having a diameter of less than
1/2" caliper measured at 2" above the root collar.
H. Selective Clearing: The careful and planned removal
of trees and plants using specific standards and
protective measures under certain conditions, as
established in an approved FCP.
I. Specimen Tree: Trees having a diameter of 30" or
more measured at 4.5 ft above the ground, or trees
1 Tree Preservation
 having 75% or more of the diameter of the current
State Champion of that species. Also includes
Champion trees.
J. Temporary Tree Protection Devices: Structural
measures, such as fencing or berms, installed prior to
construction for the purpose of preventing access to
forest retention areas or afforested or reforested areas
during construction.
K. Tree: A large, branched, woody plant having one or
several self-supporting stems or trunks that reach a
height of at least 20 ft at maturity.
L. Tree Line: The boundaries of existing forests, as
determined by the most recent aerial photography
and field verification.
M. Understory Trees: Trees with crowns entirely below
the general level of the canopy, receiving little or no
sunlight from above or the sides.
N. Whip: An un-branched woody plant greater than
24" in height and having a diameter of less than 1"
caliper measured at 6" above the root collar.
3.0 Forest and Tree Protection
The final FCP map shall locate and describe any
protection mechanisms to be installed to protect
retention areas during and after construction. These
mechanisms shall be field-located and approved by
inspection prior to the start of construction.
Any clearing, grading, or construction within 50 ft
of the retention area will require protection devices,
including, but not limited to, fencing or adapted
sediment and erosion control devices and signs, as
indicated in the approved FCP. All protection devices
shall remain in place until construction completion, final
inspection, and issuance of an occupancy permit, unless
waived by the approving authority.
3.1 Critical Root Zones
The Critical Root Zone of a tree is the zone in which
most of the roots live. Ninety-five percent of the roots
of most trees will be found in the upper 12" to 18" of
the soil. Most of the roots that supply the nutrients
and water to the tree are found just below the soil
surface. The total amount of a trees roots is generally
proportional to the volume of the trees canopy.
Therefore, if the roots only penetrate a thin layer of soil,
then the roots must spread far from the tree, beyond
the extension of the canopy. When delineating forest
retention lines in the field, consider not only the visible
portion of the treethe trunk and canopybut also the
belowground portion as well.
Landscape Specification Guidelines
3.2 Forest or Tree Protection Procedures
Forest or tree protection procedures can be summarized
in the following steps.
A. Field-locate the proposed retention boundary as
shown on the preliminary FCP.
B. Field-locate the proposed limit of disturbance. If
this does not agree with the preliminary approved
retention area, revise the FCP map and calculations
to show adjusted retention areas, if needed.
C. Evaluate tree conditions and critical root zones.
D. Field-adjust and stake the retention boundary.
In general, if more than 30 percent of the critical
root zone is to be disturbed, the tree should not be
included in the retention area. Some soil disturbance
may be mitigated by selective stress reduction
pruning or other methods.
E. Obtain final FCP approval, if not obtained earlier.
Notify approving authority for inspection approval
or installed devices.
F. Proceed with construction, subject to final
approvals.
Notify approving authority following completion of
construction for final inspection.
4.0 Construction Techniques
The FCP not only locates the forest retention boundary,
but also includes details and specifications for forest
protection. As a construction document, it directs
construction contractors and others in the correct design,
installation, timing, and placement of specific protection
devices and protection measures. Strict adherence to the
FCP details and specifications will be enforced. If plans
have not been prepared, the owner is responsible for
contacting a qualified professional to prepare an FCP.
All plans shall include identification of the individual
trees to receive tree care as per these guidelines. If
any deviation from the approved plan details and
specifications occurs, the contractor shall notify the
qualified professional to determine what action should
be taken.
Prior to any site disturbance, it shall be the responsibility
of the contractor to install tree preservation measures in
accordance with plans and specifications prepared by a
qualified professional. It is the contractors responsibility
to safeguard the trees designated to be preserved.
Throughout planning and construction, applicants
should monitor the effect of the proposed activities on
the forest or tree retention area.
2 Tree Preservation
4.1 Concerns
Following is a list of concerns that should be monitored:
1. Soil and root compaction
2. Root injury
3. Limb or trunk injury
4. Too much water
5. Too little water
6. Disease
The following must not occur within the tree protection
area:
1. Stockpiling of soils
2. Operating or storing construction equipment
3. Burning in close proximity to protected areas
4. Re-grading causing runoff, flooding, or change of
elevation
5. Parking vehicles and storing supplies
6. Spilling of toxic materials
7. Spraying of herbicides in close proximity to
protected areas
4.2 Fines
Fines for noncompliance with the FCP and penalties
for any trees lost or damaged due to negligence will
be assessed according to the local governing agencys
regulations or the existing contract or agreement with
the owner.
4.3 Forest and Tree Planting
The Forest Conservation Act also requires that the FCP
include an afforestation or reforestation plan when
appropriate. After techniques for retaining forest on a
site have been exhausted, afforestation and reforestation
may be required on the site or, if demonstrated as
necessary, off the site. A final alternative may be a fee-
in-lieu paid to the Forest Conservation Fund of the
approving authority if an applicant demonstrated that
the requirements for reforestation or afforestation on site
or off site cannot be reasonably accomplished.
Specifications for the afforestation or reforestation will
be on the FCP. The following scope of work and details
will pertain mainly to tree preservation.
5.0 Scope of Work
5.1 Tree Preservation Activities
For pricing purposes, all required tree preservation
activities shall be outlined on the FCP or made as an
Landscape Specification Guidelines
attachment on the proposal to the contractor from the
owner or owners representative. Items listed in these
specifications are examples of what should be done for
proper tree preservation. All of these items may not
be necessary; therefore, a list of activities to be priced
and performed must be on the FCP or included as an
attachment to the pricing document.
5.2 Industry Standards
All work performed shall meet or exceed industry
standards approved by the International Society of
Arboriculture (ISA), American National Standards
Institute (ANSI), or the Tree Care Industry Association
(TCIA).
5.3 Professional Arborist
The developer shall retain a professional arborist to
ensure the proper implementation of the FCP. A
professional arborist is defined as an arborist who
has demonstrated his/her proficiency by obtaining
a certification through the International Society of
Arboriculture.
6.0 Implementation
6.1 Tree Inventory
1. Tagging the tree with a numeric tree tag
2. Location identified on design plan
3. Identify the species
4. Size, diameter, crown size and critical root zone
5. Condition rating
6. Additional information on any tree or groups of
tree or plants
7. Identify defects such as decay, structural
deficiencies, etc.
8. Recommendations for preservation
9. Recommendations for mitigation activities once
development plans are finalized
6.2 Demarking Limits of Disturbance
The limits of clearing and grading shall be accurately
flagged prior to any construction activity on site.
6.3 Clearing Operations
Trees to be removed shall be felled in such a manner as
to preserve the trees that are to remain. Trees directly
adjacent to the limits of clearing and grading, but within
the limits of clearing and grading, shall be felled by
hand, with a chain saw. If stumps must be removed,
root prune around the back side (tree preservation side of
3 Tree Preservation
stump) before removal. Trees within the tree preservation
areas, which are individually identified by the project
arborist to be removed, shall be felled by hand, with
a chain saw, and the stumps shall remain in place. If
necessary, to ensure that the removal of these trees does
not damage the trees designated to be preserved, some
trees may need to be climbed and cut down in sections.
6.4 Root Pruning
Root pruning shall be performed whenever grades will
be altered within the root zone of a tree to be preserved
and shall be conducted at the limits of disturbance.
Root pruning shall be performed using an air spade,
vibratory plow, or trencher. If a trencher is used, the
roots shall be clean-cut using the appropriate tool (i.e.,
hand saw, loppers, or hand pruners), and the trench shall
be backfilled immediately to prevent root dehydration.
Where cuts are to occur, root pruning shall be to a depth
of 24 inches or to the depth of the excavation, whichever
is less. Root pruning the trench may be used for the
installation of a silt fence, if one is to be installed at the
limits of disturbance. Root pruning shall be overseen by
a certified arborist or their designated individual.
6.5 Tree Preservation Fencing
Fencing shall be installed at the limits of clearing and
grading wherever clearing and grading is to occur
within critical root zones of trees designated to be
preserved. Fencing shall be installed prior to demolition
or construction to prevent land-disturbing activities
within the tree preservation area. Signs prohibiting
entrance should be installed every 30 feet along fencing.
Signs should read, TREE PRESERVATION AREA
KEEP OUT. The type of fencing required needs to be
specified: 2"x4" welded wire on T posts with orange
flagging ribbon for safety or 6 chain link fence attached
to ground driven posts.
6.6 Wood Chips or Mulch
Chips or mulch that is produced as a result of clearing
operations on site may be used for this purpose. No
engine-driven machinery may be used within the tree
preservation area to place chips or mulch unless proper
precautions are taken to protect critical root zones. Chips
or mulch shall not be placed at a depth of more than six
inches within the preservation areas.
6.7 Vertical Mulching
Trees designated to receive vertical mulching treatment
shall be treated as soon after clearing and grading as
weather permits. Vertical mulching should not be
performed when soil is wet. Areas to be treated, hole
Landscape Specification Guidelines
size and spacing, and backfill material (if any) shall be
determined by the project arborist.
6.8 Fertilizer Application
Fertilizer application shall be performed in accordance
with ANSI A300, Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody
Plant Maintenance Standard Practices (Fertilization).
Trees designated for preservation as indicated in the
Tree Preservation Activities Schedule shall receive
fertilization. Specifications and the schedule should
be developed by a person familiar with soils and plant
nutrient requirements for that specific geographic area.
Fertilizer should be a slow-release formulation.
6.9 Tree Pruning
Pruning shall conform to ANSI A300, Tree, Shrub
and Other Woody Plant Maintenance Standard Practices
(Pruning). Pruning prescriptions should be developed
by a person familiar with tree species for the specific
geographic area. Trees shall be pruned as indicated in
the Tree Preservation Activities Schedule. Maintenance
pruning shall consist of crown cleaning to remove all
dead, damaged, and weak branches. The removal of
selected conflicting branches shall be included. Under
no circumstances shall the interior of trees be stripped.
Interior branches shall be selectively pruned to reduced
conflict or where branches are damaged. Hazard reduction
pruning shall consist of the removal of any dead branches
and the correction of any other problems related to safety.
Items not correctable by pruning shall be brought to the
owners and project arborists attention in writing.
6.10 Cabling and Bracing
Support systems are used to provide supplemental
support to leaders, individual limbs, and/or the
whole plant. Objectives for support systems shall be
defined prior to installation. All prescriptions and
recommendations should be provided by a person
familiar with tree growth habits, weights, and wood
strength. The implementation shall be in accordance to
the ANSI A300 Standards Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody
Plant Maintenance Standard Practices (Support Systems).
6.11 Lightning Protection
Lightning protection systems are used to safeguard trees
from damage due to lightning. Much expense and effort
is provided to preserve trees, and select specimen trees
should be considered for protection against lightning.
These systems should be installed in accordance
with ANSI A300 Tree, Shrub and Other Woody Plant
Maintenance Standard Practices (Lightning Protection
Installation for Trees).
4 Tree Preservation
6.12 Insect and Disease Control
A pest management program should be developed to
protect plants that may have been weakened due to
land-disturbing activities. These plants may be more
susceptible to disease and insects. Many trees have had
roots removed, grades changed, and drainage patterns
altered. These trees should be monitored for changes in
condition, and proper prescriptions should be developed.

6.13 Watering
Supplemental watering may be necessary during drought
conditions or when adequate water is not available. Trees
that have roots and rooting areas damaged, changed,
or removed must have a schedule for proper watering.
Trenching for irrigation within the critical root zone
shall be avoided to prevent further damage.

6.14 Monitoring/Follow-up Inspections

The amount of monitoring on site by an approved
arborist during construction or the number of follow-up
visits required after construction shall be detailed in the
pricing document.

7.0 Construction Details

Please see the diagrams on the following pages. All of the
details may not apply to your condition, so see your FCP
for use of these details.

The drawings on the following pages are reprinted

with permission of the Maryland Department of
Natural Resources Forest Service from the State Forest
Conservation Technical Manual, 3rd edition, 1997.
To purchase a copy of this manual, call the Maryland
Division of State Documents at (410) 974-2486.

Landscape Specification Guidelines 5 Tree Preservation

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