8-143 Section 816. Turf Establishment
816.01 Description
This work consists of conducting soil tests, preparing the soil, and placing sod or seed and mulch to permanently stabilize disturbed areas as shown on the plans .
A.Definitions The following terms apply to this section. Broadleaf Weed . Any dicotyledonous weedy plant . Broadleaf weeds include, but are not limited to, dandelion, clovers, thistles, and ragweed. Compost . Mature, stabilized, humus -like material derived from the aerobic decomposition of yard clippings, leaves, and brush with a diameter less than 4 inches. Dormant Seeding . Seeding placed in late November and December when plant growth ends for the season. Seeds are placed on unfrozen ground and mulched to lie dormant over the winter and germinate the following spring. Friable . Easily crumbled or pulverized soil. Friable Condition . Soil in a friable condition is a crumble d, pulverized, worked -up, loosened, or cultivated soil that is free of lumps and clods detrimental to seeding and sodding operations. Humus . Brown or black material formed by the decomposition of vegetable or animal matter ; the organic portion of soil, ess ential to fertility. Hydromulching . Spraying mulch combined with water and mulch- anchoring material onto a prepared seed bed. Hydroseeding . Spraying seed and fertilizer combined with water onto a prepared seed bed. Muck. Organic matter consisting of decomposed plant material accumulated under conditions of excessive moisture. If organic remains are not identifiable as plant form, the material is considered muck. Mulch . Material placed over seeding to improve germination by conserving moisture, moderat ing the soil temperature, and protecting the seed and soil from water and wind erosion. Mulch Anchor . Glue-type material sprayed over mulch to hold it in place. MDOT Standard Specifications for Construction Section 816 8-144 Peat . Organic matter consisting of partially decayed plant material accumulated under conditions of excessive moisture . If organic remains are identifiable as plant form, the material is considered peat. Soil Test . Analysis report of soil nutrient content particle size, pH levels , and organic matter. Soil Tracking . Horizontal grooves on exposed slop es 1: 3 or greater parallel to the contour of the land using tracked construction equipment. Target Weed s. Weeds the Engineer identifies for removal by spraying or other methods. Target weeds include any plant not included in the specified seed mix. Turf Re inforcement Mat . Three-dimensional matrix of synthetic or a composite of synthetic and natural materials that is used to permanently control erosion.
816.02 Materials
Provide materials in accordance with the following sections : Compost ................................................................................................ 917 Topsoil ................................................................................................... 917 Fertilizer ................................................................................................ 917 Seed ..................................................................................................... 917 Sod ....................................................................................................... 917 Mulch .................................................................................................... 917 Mulch Anchoring ................................................................................... 917 Mulch Blankets ...................................................................................... 917 Turf Reinforcement Mat ........................................................................ 917 Weed Control ........................................................................................ 917 Water ..................................................................................................... 911
816.03 Construction
Establish turf in accordance with this section, the MDOT Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Manual , and as directed by the Engineer .
A.Topsoiling . Before placing topsoil, prepare the foundation. Provide, place, and spread humus bearing topsoil, compost, or both. Use topsoil from within the project limits or fr om off -site sources meeting the requirements in subsection 917.06. Obtain the Engineer’s approval for topsoil placement prior to seeding.
1.Preparation of Earth Bed . Seven to 10 days before preparing earth bed, including areas previously mulched or rye seeded for temporary MDOT Standard Specifications for Construction Section 816 8-145 erosion control, kill existing vegetation by spraying with the non-selective herbicide containing glyphosate. Construct the earth bed to the required grade and trim.
2.Placing Topsoil . Place topsoil meeting the requirements in subsection 917.06. Cover areas requiring seeding or sodding with topsoil, compost, or both, except for slopes constructed of topsoil, muck, or peat. Spread topsoil, compost, or both on the prepared areas at least 3 inches deep. Pulverize large clods and lumps . Rake out rocks with a diameter greater than 2 inches , roots, litter, and deleterious material . Dispose of raked-out material in accordance with subsections 205.03.A.3 and 205.03.P. Incorporate topsoil and comp ost into the upper 3 inches of the prepared earth bed. Do not work topsoil or compost if wet . Perform soil tracking prior to seeding on slopes steeper than 1:3. Leave horizontal soil impressions from equipment across the face of the slope, as required by E ngineer and noted in the MDOT Standard Plan R-96 series for soil erosion control measures.
3.Excavated Topsoil or Salvaged Topsoil . The Engineer will direct stockpiling excavated or salvaged topsoil within the right -of-way. Maintain the stockpile in a weed-free condition during the entire project duration.
B.Chemical Fertilizer Nutrient . Provide and place fertilizer as indicated below . In areas requiring sod, uniformly apply granular fertilizer before laying the sod. In areas to be broadcast or drill seeded, uniformly apply granular fertilizer to the prepared seed bed. Apply the required class of fertilizer to the required locations at the following application rates:
1.For Class A fertilizer, evenly apply 176 pounds of chemical fertilizer nutrient per acre on a prepared seed bed.
2.For Class B fertilizer, evenly apply 120 pounds of chemical fertilizer nutrient per acre on a prepared seed bed.
3.For Class C fertilizer, evenly apply 80 pounds of chemical fertilizer nutrient per acre on established turf. MDOT Standard Specifications for Construction Section 816 8-146 If using the hydroseeding method, constantly agitate the seed-fertilizer mixture . Do not disk or harrow after placement . Apply fertilizer mixed with seed within 1 hour of mixing. Remove excess fertilizer from impervious surface s adjacent to prepared seed and sod beds by sweeping back into beds . Do not use water to flush excess fertilizer into storm drains or surface water . Do not use fertilizer within 15 feet of waters of the state or on frozen or saturated soil.
C.Seeding . For each species , provide seed varieties selected from the Qualified Products List . Do not broadcast or hydroseed in conditions that would prevent seed placement as required. Apply turf and specialty seed mixtures in accordance with the mix ratios and seed rates in Table 816-1 and Table 816- 2. Table 816- 1: General Roadside Seed Mix Selection Guide Turf Seed Mixture Soil Type General Location Seed Rate Salt Tolerance TDS turf dry s andy Dry sandy to sandy loam Rural or urban 220 lb/acre Low to medium THV turf heavy s oil Heavy Rural 220 lb/acre Medium to high TUF turf urban freeway All types Urban freeways, blvds., service roads, city streets 220 lb/acre Medium to high TGM turf m edium to heavy s oil Medium to heavy All 220 lb/acre Low THM turf loamy to heavy Loamy to heavy Residential and business turf 220 lb/acre Low to medium Table 816- 2: Temporary Seeding Mixtures Seed Mixture Soil Type General Location Seed Rate CR cereal r ye, <6 mos All All 70 lb/acre TSM 6/24 temporary seeding, 6–24 months All All 100 lb/acre TSM 24+ temporary seeding, >24 months All All 200 lb/acre
1.Permanent Seeding
a.Sowing. When the seed bed has been properly graded, weeds have been eliminated, and the seed bed has been raked, harrowed, and tracked and is in a friable condition, sow seed with or following the application of fertilizer . Sow seed before applying MDOT Standard Specifications for Construction Section 816 8-147 mulch . Sow or resow the seed mixt ure, providing uniform coverage at the rate specified in Table 816- 1 or Table 816-2. Sow using mechanical drills, hydroseeders, or by broadcasting. In areas with 1:4 slopes or flatter, use mechanical drills. The Department will allow hydroseeding on slopes steeper than 1:4 as approved by the Engineer . Empty the hydroseeder tank within 1 hour of introducing the seed and/or fertilizer to the tank . Dispose of tank contents that remain in the tank mixed with hydroseeder for longer than 1 hour. Broadcast in areas requiring resowing or in areas not accessible to a drill or hydroseeder. The Engineer will visually inspect areas sown for uniformity of application. Resow areas that do not have an average of two seeds per square inch at no additional cost to the Department.
b.Setting the Seed . Lightly compact or rake areas sown by broadcast method to incorporate the seed into the top ½ inch of the topsoil . Immediately after setting the seed, mulch in accordance with subsections 816.03.E and 816.03.F.
2.Temporary Seeding . Obtain the Engineer’s approval for temporary seeding. Place temporary seed only for erosion control or temporary soil stabilization . Do not temporarily seed slopes 1:3 or steeper after placing topsoil; permanently seed these slopes . Sow temporary seed in accordance with subsection 816.03.C.1. Before project completion, replace temporary seeding with permanent seeding as shown on the plans or directed by the Engineer.
3.Dormant Seeding . The Engineer will allow dormant seeding in limited areas . Obtain the Engineer’s approval prior to dormant seeding. Dormant seed in accordance with subsection 816.03.C.1.
4.Seasonal Limitations
a.Permanent Seeding . Permanently seed the following locations during the specified periods: Southern Lower Peninsula. South of the north boundary of Township 20 North; April 15 through October 10. Northern Lower P eninsula. North of the north boundary of Township 20 North; May 1 through October 1. Upper Peninsula. May 1 through September 20. MDOT Standard Specifications for Construction Section 816 8-148 b. Dormant Seeding . Dormant seed the following locations during the specified periods: Southern Lower Peninsula. South of the nor th boundary of Township 20 North; after November 15 but not on frozen ground. Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Peninsula. North of the north boundary of Township 20 North; after November 1 but not on frozen ground.
c.Temporary Seeding . Temporary seed in ac cordance with the seasonal limitations specified in subsection 816.03.C.4.a.
5.Inspection . The Engineer will inspect the seeded turf to ensure that the end result is well established, growing, and vigorous and contains the species required by the seeding mix ture. The Engineer will approve slopes as the Contractor completes permanent restoration on cut slopes, embankment slopes, or portions of slopes . The Engineer will consider each cut or embankment slope on each side of the roadway separately for approval. Complete weed control in accordance with subsection 816.03. I.
D.Sodding . Prepare the topsoil surface, provide and place the sod, and dispose of surplus material . Grade areas required for sodding to Class A slopes in accordance with subsection 205.03.N. Immediately before laying sod, harrow the topsoil, at least 3 inches deep using a disk, spring tooth drag, spike tooth drag, or other equipment designed to condition the soil . Obtain the Engineer’s approval for harrowing equipment . Harrow horizontally across the face of slopes. Dampen the earth bed before laying the sod. Water the sod immediately after placement, in accordance with subsection 816.03. H. The Engineer will reject sod that has dried out. Protect sod until placement . Lay sod within 24 hours after cutting. Do not handle sod with pitch forks or dump from vehicles . Do not place frozen sod or place sod on frozen soil . Unless otherwise approved by the Engineer, do not place sod in June, July, or August. Place sod as shown on th e MDOT Standard Plan R -96 series . Stagger the transverse joints of the sod strips and lay parallel to the flow of water on slopes and in ditches . Place strips with tight joints . Lay sod starting at the base of the slope and work up the slope. Turn edges of sodded areas into the ground and cover with a layer of earth or shoulder material . Compact this material to allow the surface water to flow over the edge of MDOT Standard Specifications for Construction Section 816 8-149 the sod. Butt the edges of sod firmly against, and level with, paved surfaces. Work from ladders o r treaded planks if necessary to prevent the displacement of sod during sodding operations . Compact sod by tamping immediately after placement . Tamp to a smooth, even surface free of bumps and depressions . Finish the sodded surface to a lawn-like appearanc e. On slopes steeper than 1:3, use wooden pegs to secure the sod. Space pegs no greater than 2 feet apart and drive flush with the sod surface.
E.Mulching. Provide, spread, and anchor mulch material . Place mulch within 1 calendar day after seeding. Do not mulch during winds that prevent placement and anchoring of the mulch. Place mulch to allow sunlight to penetrate and air to circulate but thick enough to shade the ground, conserve soil moisture, and prevent or reduce water and wind erosion. Spread mulch over the surface to a uniform thickness with an application rate of 2 tons per acre . If the Engineer allows dormant seeding, spread the mulch with an application rate of 3 tons per acre . After seed germinates and turf is established, apply herbicide in accordance with subsection 816.03. I. Maintain the mulched areas and repair areas damaged by erosion, traffic, fire, or other causes before partial or final acceptance. Replace displaced mulc h. Repair or replace damaged mulch areas at no additional cost to the Department, unless otherwise provided by subsection 107.11 or section 208. Replace and anchor mulch that blows away or becomes displaced for reasons attributable to the Contractor, as di rected by the Engineer and at no additional cost to the Department.
F.Mulch Anchoring . Provide a mulch-anchoring material selected from the Qualified Products List . Spray mulch anchoring immediately after placing mulch . Do not spray if wind prevents the required placement of adhesive. Protect traffic, signs, structures, and other objects from the tackifier material . Immediately remove overspray. Mix and apply latex base, recycled newsprint, wood fiber, guar gum, and other mulch-tackifier material according to manufacturer’s recommendations or as follows: MDOT Standard Specifications for Construction Section 816 8-150 1. Latex-Base. Mix 15 gallons of adhesive, or the manufacturer’s recommended adhesive volume, whichever is greater, with at least 250 pounds of recycled newsprint and 375 gallons of water.
2.Recycled Newsprint . Mix 750 pounds of recycled newsprint with 1,500 gallons of water.
3.Wood Fiber . Mix 750 pounds of wood fiber with 1, 500 gallons of water.
4.Guar Gum . Mix 50 pounds of dry adhesive and at least 250 pounds of recycled newsprint with 1, 300 gallons of water.
5.Other Ta ckifiers. Mix 1 50 pounds of dry adhesive, or the manufacturer's recommended adhesive volume, whichever is greater, with at least 250 pounds of recycled newsprint and 1, 300 gallons of water.
G.Mulch Blankets. Provide, install, and anchor mulch blankets . Provide mulch blankets selected from the Qualified Products List . Place mulch blankets within 1 calendar day after seeding . Secure with net anchors . Place and anchor blankets in accordance with the minimum requirements specified in this subsectio n or the manufacturer ’s specifications, whichever is greater. Overlap blanket edges by 2 inches and shingle lap blanket ends with a 6-inch overlap. Place net anchors along joint edges and blanket centerlines no greater than 2 feet apart . In waterways, shin gle lap blankets with an overlap of 12 inches on the downslope edge. Place blankets on backslopes perpendicular to the roadbed. On foreslopes, lay the first strip adjacent to the road, parallel to the road. Lay the remainder of the strips on foreslopes par allel or perpendicular to the road. If installing blankets from the top of the slope, do not allow them to free fall down the slope.
1.High Velocity Blankets. Use high-velocity blankets on slopes of 1:2 or steeper and on ditch bottoms, including 12 inches up the front and backslopes. The Contractor may substitute high-velocity blankets for mulch blankets at no additional cost to the Department.
2.Mulch Blankets. Use mulch blankets on slopes of less than 1:2 next to shoulders and behind curbs . Place mulch blankets with the netting on top and mulch fibers contacting the soil. The Contractor may use mulch blankets only on ditch bottoms with ditch gradients no greater than 1.5% . MDOT Standard Specifications for Construction Section 816 8-151 3. Turf Reinforcement Mat (TRM). Use TRMs for long-term erosion protection and to permanently reinforce vegetation on slopes, ditches , and shorelines. Provide the manufacturer’s published installation guidelines to the Engineer prior to installation. Install the TRM per the manufacturer’s guideli nes. Operation of equipment on the slope will not be allowed after placement of the TRM.
H.Water . Provide and apply water in accordance with section 911 to sodded and seeded areas at the required rates . The Engineer may adjust watering based on the season and weather conditions.
1.Sod
a.Water the earth bed with at least 3½ gallons per square yard before laying the sod;
b.Apply at least 5 gallons per square yard after placing the sod;
c.Apply an additional 5 gallons per square yard within 24 hours after placing the sod; and
d.Apply 3½ gallons per square yard of sod, five times at 3 - to 5-day intervals.
2.Seed
a.Water seeded areas at 3½ gallons per square yard or as needed; and
b.Continue watering regularly after germination begins in order to prevent seeds and seedlings from drying out.
I.Weed Control . Provide mowing and/or apply herbicides as directed by the Engineer . Submit the name, label, Material S afety Data Sheets, and application rate of the herbicide to the Engineer and obtain the Engineer’s approval before applying. To apply herbicides, use a commercial herbicide applicator, licensed in the State of Michigan, and certified by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in the required category . Use application procedures and materials in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations. Use equipment that is adequate in size to properly apply the herbicide in a timely manner and that meets federal, state, and local r equirements. Spray target weeds in the newly seeded turf after the new turf grass is established and will withstand herbicide application. MDOT Standard Specifications for Construction Section 816 8-152 Target weeds must be eliminated within 14 to 21 days after spraying. Apply additional weed control if the first appli cation does not eliminate all target weeds at no additional cost to the Department . Control target weeds until final acceptance. Preserve and protect property adjacent to the roadway or work area from injury . Repair damage arising from acts or omissions in the performance of the work at no additional cost to the Department.
J.Mowing. Maintain turf at 6 inches or less during construction and until final acceptance. Mowing to be paid for as Weed Control .
K.Acceptance. Turf will be accepted when there is sufficient growth across 90% of the restored area to establish the turf bed and prevent soil erosion.
816.04 Measurement and Payment
Pay Item Pay Unit Compost Surface, Furn, LM ............................................................. Cubic Yard Compost Surface, Furn, __ inch .................................................... Square Yard Topsoil Surface, Salv, LM ................................................................ Cubic Yard Topsoil Surface, Salv, __ inch ........................................................ Square Yard Topsoil Surface, Furn, LM ................................................................ Cubic Yard Topsoil Surface, Furn, __ inch ....................................................... Square Yard Fertilizer, Chemical Nutrient, Cl __ ......................................................... Pound Seeding, Mixture __ ................................................................................ Pound Sodding ......................................................................................... Square Yard Mulch ............................................................................................. Square Yard Mulch Anchoring ............................................................................ Square Yard Mulch Blanket ................................................................................ Square Yard Mulch Blanket, High Velocity ......................................................... Square Yard Turf Reinforcement Mat ................................................................. Square Yard Water, Sodding/Seeding ............................................................................. Unit Weed Control ............................................................................................. Acre
A.Compost . The Engineer will measure Compost Surface, Furn LM at the source before hauling to the project. The Engineer will measure Compost Surface, Furn, __ inch in place.
B.Topsoil . The Engineer will measure Topsoil Surface, Salv, LM at the source before placement at the final location. The Engineer will measure Topsoil Surface, Salv, __ inch in place. The Engineer will measure Topsoil Surface, Furn, LM at the source before hauling to the project. MDOT Standard Specifications for Construction Section 816 8-153 The Engineer will measure Topsoil Sur face, Furn, __ inch in place.
C.Fertilizer, Chemical Nutrient . The Engineer will measure Fertilizer, Chemical Nutrient, Cl __ of the type required by the weight of nutrient in the fertilizer . The Engineer will determine the weight of chemical fertilizer nutrient for payment using the following formula: 𝑇𝑇=𝑊𝑊× ∑𝑁𝑁 Formula 816-1 Where: T = Weight of chemical fertilizer nutrients applied; W = Total fertilizer weight applied ; and N = Percentages of nutrients contained in the fertilizer used.
D.Sod. The Engineer will measure Sodding in place.
E.Mulching Material . The Engineer will measure the following types of Mulch Blanket in place:
1.Excelsior mulch blankets ;
2.Straw mulch blankets ;
3.High-velocity excelsior mulch blanket ; and
4.High-velocity straw mulch blanket. For straw mulch, provide the Engineer with tickets, in triplicate, at the time of delivery, showing the number of bales and weight of each load. Weigh the mulch on scales in accordance with subsections 104.01.F and
109.01 B.6.
The unit price for Mulch includes providing and spreading straw mulch at the rate shown on the plans . If the Engineer allows dormant seeding, the Department will pay for mulching it at 1.5 times the unit price for Mulch . The unit price for Mulch Blanket, High Velocity includes the cost of providing, placing, and anchoring the blankets. The unit price for Mulch Blanket includes the cost of providing, placing, and anchoring the blankets . If the Contractor substitutes Mulch Blanket, High Velocity for Mulch Blanket , the Department will pay for the substitution at the unit price for Mulch Blanket . The Engineer will measure Mulch Anchori ng in place. The unit price for Mulch Anchoring includes the cost of providing and spraying the tackifier.
F.Turf Reinforcement Mat . The Engineer will measure Turf Reinforcement Mat in place. It includes the cost of providing, placing, MDOT Standard Specifications for Construction Section 816 8-154 and anchoring mats . Overlapping of material will not be included in t he measurement.
G.Water, Sodding , and Seeding . The Engineer will measure water for sodding/seeding in units; each unit is equal to 1000 gallons.
H.Weed Control . The Engineer will measure and pay for Weed Control in place 14 to 21 days after application.
I.Seedin g, Mixture . The Engineer will measure Seeding , Mixture of the type required, in pounds of seed applied.
Source: Michigan Standard Specifications for Construction, 2020 Edition. Pages 704–715 of 1,146.