Amen d the soil with fertilizers, soil conditioners, soil amendments and mulch or combinations to the specified condition, as per seed and sod nutrient requirements, and as recommended by a contractor -supplied soil analysis.
A.Lawn B ed Preparation. Till the lawn areas to at least 4 inches deep by means that will loosen the soil and bring it to a condition suitable for seeding, sodding, and fine grading. Before and during this operation, make the surface free of for Highway Construction Page 578 of 71 5 vegetative growth. Remove weeds, stones larger than 1 inch, hard clods, roots, sticks, debris, and other matter encountered during tilling that is detrimental to good seed bed preparation, or that is toxic to grass. Provide soil amendment for sodding that consists of organic soil, coarse sand (100 percent passing the No. 10 sieve and 100 percent retained on the No. 4 sieve), decomposed sawdust, flexible flax fibers, sphagnum peat moss, compost, and other biological additives or combinations. Uniformly spread and incorporate soil amendments, conditioners, and fertilizer applications into the upper 4 inches of lawn bed. Ensure the volume percentage of the top 4 inches of the lawn bed after mixing consists of ap proximately 65 percent native topsoil , 25 percent coarse sand , and 10 percent organic soil conditioner. After fertilizers, soil conditioners and soil amendments are incorporated, work the areas as necessary to provide a smooth, firm but friable lawn bed at the required finish grades . After cultivation, carefully fine grade and roll the area to the required finish grade and provide a fine textured, smooth and firm surface, without any foot pr ints, undulations or irregularities. Provide good drainage by smoothing irregularities on the surface that form pockets where water will sit or accumulate. Finish grading lawn seeding area adjacent to walks, driveways, and pavements to approximately 1 inch below the adjacent walk, driveway, and pavement finish grades . Finish grading the sod bed to 1¼ to 1½ inches below the adjacent walk, driveway, and pavement finish grades .
B.Turf Seed & Sod Application. Apply turf seed uniformly to lawn areas by one of the following methods:
1.With an approved double roller landscape seeder.
2.In a slurry with a hydroseeder (for slopes s teeper than 3H:1V).
3.Hand broadcast and raked or covered with a drag. Plant seed 1/8 inch deep or less, ensure the ground surface is true to grade, and without ruts, foot prints, or other irregularities. Do not apply slurry mixture during windy conditions (winds in excess of 15 mph), when the ground is excessively wet (standing or pooled water on surface) or frozen, or if rainy conditions are anticipated within 24 hours of application. In the event of unanticipated rainy conditions, re- apply the mixture to all uncured areas. Ensure hydroseeded mixture has at least 48 hours before a rain event for soil binder to cure. The Engineer may reduce curing time. Apply the slurry mixture within 30 minutes of adding the seed to the slurry mixture. Mix and apply the slurry mixture products in accordance with the manufacturer's written instructions. Submit a copy of the manufacturer's written instructions to the Engineer at least 10 calendar days before beginning application. Do not install the sod if the soil has pooled or puddled water accumulation on the surface, or when the ground is excessively wet, frozen, or otherwise un- tillable. Cut individual sod pieces to a uniform size with square corners at a uniform depth of 1 to 1¼ inches. Lay the first row of sod in a straight line and subsequent rows placed parallel to and tightly against each other. Stagger lateral joints. Ensure butt joints between strips are tight without any gaps. Exercise care to ensure that the sod is not stretched or overlapped. After placing the sod, roll the lawn with a sod roller in a diagonal direction then water sod and allow water to soak into the root system. Ensure sod is moist but do not allow water to puddle or pool on the surface. Ensure the finished sod surface is smooth and uniform. for Highway Construction Page 579 of 71 5 C. Establishment Period. The soil may need more than 1 fertilizer and soil conditioner application during the establishment period. Contact the Engineer for final acceptance and to determine whether additional fertilizers and/or soil conditioners are needed.
1.Seeded Areas. The seeded lawn establishment period begins at completion of initial grass sowing. The establishment period ends when each lawn area has been mowed at least 5 times, a nd presents a healthy and well cared for appearance with a uniform color, texture, and condi tion without weeds. Seeded area establishment consists of:
a.Protecting the planted area from trespass and other damage hazards.
b.Promoting seed germination and grass growth.
d.Removing clippings, weeds, litter, and debris.
e.Reshaping, reconditioning, and reseeding areas that become eroded, washed out, flooded, or which for any reason fail to show healthy specified grass growth. Water lawn areas in accordance with good horticultural practices for the prevailing or existing conditions. Provide water for the establishment period unless a Department -owned or Department - controlled water supply system is available. Mow t he first time when the grass has attained a height of approximately 3 inches, and when the ground is sufficiently firm to prevent rutting. Mow the grass to a height of 2 inches, subject to the approved modification relative to the kind of grass and the season. Provide subsequent mowing when the grass attains a height of 3 inches. Cont ain grass clippings in a bag or grass catcher, or remove clippings from mowed areas within 2 hours after mowing for the first 2 mowings. Do not allow clippings to smother or retard grass growth. Provide individual or blanket treatment weeding and noxious vegetation removal in accordance with accepted lawn care practices. The Department will conduct an evaluation at the end of the establishment period and identify any areas that have not met the requirements. Reseed the areas identified by the Department as not meeting the contract at no additional cost. Supply the same grass seed type in accordance with the original work requirements, including the establishment period.
2.Sodded Areas. The establishment period ends 2 weeks after l awn completion and acceptance or when the Engineer accepts the completed work, whichever comes first, and when sodded areas present a healthy and well cared for appearance with a uniform color, texture, and condition without weeds.
D.Extension of Establishment Period. Bring areas not acceptable at the end of the normal establishment period to the specified condition before final acceptance. The Engineer may extend the establishment period. for Highway Construction Page 580 of 715 651.04 Method of Measurement. The Engineer will measure acceptably completed work as follows:
1.Seeded lawn by the acre to the nearest 0.01 acre constructed and established.
2.Sodded lawn by the square foot of lawn constructed and established. Fertilizer, so il conditioner, soil amendment, and mulch will be by force account as specified in 109.03.C.5.