2571Plant Installation and Establishment

2571.1DESCRIPTION

This Work consists of providing, installing, and establishing trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, and turf of the species, variety, grade, size or age, and root category specified for the locations shown on the Plans, including planting or transplanting plants provided by the Department. Perform this Work in accordance with the Inspection and Contract Administration Manual for MnDOT Landscape Projects (ICAMMLP), current edition at the time of letting.

2571.2MATERIALS

Provide plants of the species shown on the Plans in the variety, grade, and size or age indicated.

A.1 Investigations and Supply of Planting Stock and Materials By submitting a proposal and accepting Award of the Contract in accordance with 1205, “Examination of Proposal Package and Site of Work,” the Contractor assures commitments from suppliers, and delivery of the plant stock and Materials required to complete the Contract. A.2 Plant Stock and Materials Documentation Provide the following plant stock and Materials documentation:

Work, provide the Engineer with a Department-preliminary Certificate of Compliance for Plant Stock, Landscape Materials, and Equipment (copy of form provided in the current edition of ICAMMLP)

the Engineer with the following:

with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), a current nursery certificate or license from a state or provincial Department of Agriculture for each plant stock supplier, or both

state nursery vendors subject to state and federal quarantines, is free of currently regulated pests, including Emerald Ash Borers, and Gypsy Moths. To determine if Minnesota vendors are subject to quarantines, call the MDA Supervisor of Nursery Inspection and Export Certification at (651) 201-6388

authorized representative

with the following:

Materials delivered to the Project

reflect deviations from the previous Certificate of Compliance documentation

invoices or billing statements for plant stock and Materials used on the Project The Engineer will consider Work performed with plant stock, Materials, or Equipment that was misrepresented in the documentation, as unauthorized Work. A.3 Substitutions The Engineer may allow substitutions in accordance with 1605, “Substitute Materials.” Upon receipt of written documentation that plants shown on the Plans are not available in quantities to fulfill the Contract requirements, the Engineer, in consultation with the Project designer, may authorize specific substitute plants or may extend the C ontract Time to ensure availability of the plants shown on the Plans. Provide substitutions equal to or better than the initially specified Materials.

2571.3CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

A General A.1 Landscape Specialist Provide a Landscape Specialist, certified by the Department, to perform or supervise plant installation and establishment Work. Provide documentation of the Certified Landscape Specialist prior to beginning plant installation and establishment Work. Landscape Specialists may obtain certification by completing the 1-day Department Landscape Project Inspection and Administration Training Class and passing a test administered by the Department’s Environmental Planning and Design Units. Full certification is valid for 3 years. Landscape Specialists may obtain provisional certification for 1 year by passing a test after completing the Department’s online training class. A.2 Notices by Contractor Notify the Engineer at least 3 Calendar Days before planned deliveries of initial and replacement planting stock to the Project to allow for inspection scheduling. Notify the Engineer at least 24 hours before beginning or changing distinct operations. Include the following in the notice:

Provide notifications in writing, using confirmable e-mail or facsimile transmissions. A.3 Unauthorized Work The Engineer will consider Work performed as follows to be unauthorized Work:

A.4 Required Equipment Provide Equipment meeting the requirements of 1805, “Methods and Equipment,” and with the following available on the Project at all times:

soil to at least 18 inches deep

moisture conditions

B Preconstruction Work Preconstruction Work includes:

Special Provisions, and 1712, “Protection and Restoration of Property,” 2031, “Field Office and Laboratory,” 2557, “Fencing,” and 2572, “Protection and Restoration of Vegetation” C Staking Planting Holes and Beds Stake the exact locations and layouts for the landscape designer and Engineer’s approval. To remedy unanticipated, localized, or seasonal conditions that may hinder plant establishment, the Contractor may request the Engineer’s approval to:

D Preparing Planting Holes and Planting Beds To prevent site compaction and damage, do not Work in planting holes and bed areas if the soil moisture is greater than field capacity. D.1 Utilities Before cultivating soil or excavating holes on the Project, meet the requirements of 1507, “Utility Property and Service.” The Contractor may request the Engineer’s approval to relocate plantings to avoid unanticipated conflicts with utilities. D.2 Weed Control and Soil Cultivation Apply herbicide to actively growing vegetation beginning in spring or fall . Before cultivating individual planting holes and bed areas, kill turf and weed growth within the limits of planting areas that will receive mulch in accordance with the following:

spraying herbicide. Remove the cuttings. Allow the vegetation to regrow to a height from 4 inches to 8 inches before applying the herbicide.

labels of the intended herbicides and a copy of a valid MN Pesticide Applicator License, including Category A and Category J.

designated areas using a non-selective, non-residual post emergent herbicide containing 41 percent glyphosate as the active ingredient. Ensure personnel, licensed by the MDA and experienced in the use of chemical pesticides perform the Work in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations. Apply the herbicide to dry foliage on actively growing vegetation. Apply the herbicide in August or early September before the fall or spring Plant Installation Period (PIP) as required by the Contract. If an August or September application is not possible for the spring PIP, apply the herbicide in late April or early May. If precipitation occurs within 6 hours after applying herbicide, reapply herbicide as needed to achieve 100 percent kill.

test to the satisfaction of the Engineer. The Engineer considers a satisfactory competency test one that demonstrates acceptable soil cultivation, incorporation of soil additives, compaction levels, and soil drainage in 1 planting bed area and 1 individual tree planting area.

deep cultivate the planting hole and bed areas by loosening the soil to at least 12 inches deep and a compaction level of no more than 200 psi to this depth, as measured from the finished grade elevation of the soil. The Engineer may approve other Equipment to address site constraints, if requested by the Contractor. For hydraulic spade-type, machine-moved tree-transplanting, the Engineer will not require planting hole cultivation, other than loosening the soil outside the soil-ball perimeter in accordance with the Standard Plans shown on the Plans.

accordance with 3890, “Compost” and other soil additives shown on the Plans or as requested by the Contractor and approved by the Engineer, over the cultivated planting hole and bed areas and use a spading machine to incorporate it to a depth of at least 12 inches, as measured from the finished grade elevation of the soil.

areas does not exceed 200 psi to a depth of at least 16 inches. If Contractor- operations result in zones of hardpan or excessively compacted soil, repeat deep cultivation or de-compact the subsoil in accordance with 2106.3I, “Finishing Operations,” specifically the requirements for turf establishment areas, at no additional cost to the Department.

problems, perform a percolation test by filling a 16 inches deep planting hole with water and measuring the time it takes the water to drain from the hole. The Engineer considers adequate drainage equal to or greater than a percolation rate of 1/2 inch per hour. If drainage does not meet these requirements, request approval from the Engineer to relocate or delete affected planting locations or proceed with Extra Work using one or a combination of the Standard Plans for poorly drained soils, as shown on the Plans.

Permit, SWPPP notes, and 2573, “Storm Water Management.” The Contractor may use Type 6 wood chip mulch at a depth no more than 1 inch for temporary erosion control in prepared planting bed areas. D.3 Wet Soils, Rock, and Debris If the Contractor encounters excessively wet soils, bedrock, or excessive quantities of boulders and construction debris, the Contractor may request the Engineer’s approval to relocate or delete plantings, or modify soil or drainage characteristics in acco rdance with the alternative options in the Standard Plans shown on the Plans. E Delivery and Storage of Plants Before installation, the Engineer will provide for inspection and acceptance of plant stock delivered to the Project in accordance with the current edition of the ICAMMLP and 3861, “Plant Stock.” Install plant stock on the day of delivery to the Project unless using temporary storage methods. Before installation, keep the roots of plants completely covered with a moisture -holding Material consisting of wood chips, straw, sawdust, moss, or soil. Keep the moisture-holding Material continuously moist and protect it from drying winds, direct sunlight, excessive heat, freezing, low humidity, inadequate ventilation, and animal or human harm. Remove tree trunk sleeves prior to inspection, acceptance, and planting. The Engineer will consider plants with damage that occurred or was discovered during temporary storage, unacceptable. Do not store plants from one planting season to the next.

E.1 Pruning — Top Growth and Roots Immediately before planting, prune the roots of bare-root plants, except seedlings, and the top growth of deciduous plants. Cut-back broken or badly bruised roots and dry root tips to sound, healthy tissue. Prune to remove dead, rubbing, damaged, diseased, and suckering branches, and to improve plant symmetry, structure, and vigor. Prune coniferous trees and shrubs only to remove damaged growth or a competing leader. Prune in accordance with the horticultural practices specified in the current edition of the ICAMMLP and Standard Plan 5-297.301. Do not prune oak trees during the oak wilt season from April through July, to prevent the spread of oak wilt disease. Immediately treat accidental cuts or wounds to oaks with a wound dressing in accordance with Standard Plan 5-297.301. Keep wound-dressing Material on the project during the oak wilt season. E.2 Buried Root Flares The Engineer will consider container-grown and balled and burlapped plant stock unacceptable if provided with more than 4 inches of soil depth above the root flare. The Engineer may accept plants provided with no more than 4 inches of excess soil above the root flare if the excess soil can be removed without damaging the root system of the plants. E.3 Excessive Roots Reject containerized or balled and burlapped plants with roots extending at least 4 inches beyond the container or burlap. F Installation of Plants F.1 General Before proceeding with plant installation Work, schedule and perform a competency test demonstrating acceptable plant installation methods to the Engineer’s satisfaction and in accordance with Standard Plan 5-297.301, for each plant Pay Item and root category on the Project. The Engineer considers a satisfactory competency test to be one that demonstrates acceptable handling of plants, digging of holes and beds, installation of plants, initial watering, installation of protection Materials and mulching. Before digging planting holes, rake temporary erosion control wood chip mulch off prepared planting areas to prevent wood chip contamination of the planting soil in the holes. The Contractor may respread wood chip mulch formerly used as temporary erosion control around plants to a depth no greater than 1 inch following plant installation, if newly provided and acceptable Type 6 mulch is applied over the top to the depth shown on Standard Plan 5-297.301. Dig planting holes to the configuration and minimum dimensions shown in Standard Plan 5-297.301. If the soil moisture is greater than field capacity, do not W ork in planting holes and beds. Ensure drainage in the planting hole and bed areas. For a suspected drainage problem, perform a percolation test by filling a 16 inches deep planting hole with water and measuring the time it takes the water to drain from the hole. The Engineer considers adequate drainage equal to or greater than a percolation rate of 1/2 inch per hour. If drainage does not meet these requirements, request approval from the Engineer to relocate or delete affected planting locations or proceed with Extra Work using one or a combination of the Standard Plans for poorly drained soils as shown on the Plans.

G Watering Provide watering Equipment and forces on the Project capable of completely watering plants as often as necessary to maintain soil moisture in the root zones. Within 2 hours of installation, saturate the backfill soil of each plant with water. After settling, provide additional backfill to fill in the voids. H Mulch Before placing mulch, fine grade and level the planting bed soils with hand tools . Place mulch Material in accordance with Standard Plan 5-297.301 no more than 7 Calendar Days after plant installation. Mulch contaminated with soil during installation or otherwise not complying with the requirements of 3882, “Mulch Material,” is unacceptable. Remove unacceptable mulch from the Project. I Protection of Installed Trees Use protective Materials to ensure the healthy growth and survival of installed trees. Tree protection measures to address fall/winter environmental conditions must be removed the following spring. I.1 Staking and Guying Unless staking and guying is shown on the Plans, only stake and guy trees if necessary to maintain the trees in a plumb condition. The following circumstances may warrant staking and guying:

Install staking and guying in accordance with Standard Plan 5-297.301. Remove staking and guying within 1 year of initial installation. I.2 Rodent Protection Place rodent protection around deciduous, pine, and larch trees in accordance with the Standard Plans shown on the Plans. I.3 Seedling Tree Shelters Install seedling tree shelters in accordance with Standard Plan 5-297.301. J Cleanup and Restoration Work Perform the following cleanup and restoration Work on an ongoing basis and as the final step of the initial planting operations:

match in-place turf

specified in 2574.3, “Construction Requirements”

3881.2B.4, “Type 4 - Natural Based Fertilizer,” that provides nitrogen at an application rate of 43 lb/acre

Table 3876.2-1. Provide seed in accordance with the requirements of 3876, “Seed” and perform seeding in accordance with Table 2575.3-1

K Plant Establishment Period K.1 Establishment Period A Plant Establishment Period (PEP) of at least 2 calendar years begins on the date that initial planting operations on the Project are completed and continues until final acceptance of the Project, unless otherwise shown on the Plans. K.2 Establishment Work Keep plants in a healthy growing condition in accordance with the current edition of the ICAMMLP throughout the establishment period and submit landscape Contractor scouting reports in accordance with item 1 of 2571.3K.2.a, “All Plants.” Perform plant establishment Work throughout the growing seasons from April through October and as necessary during the dormant seasons from November through March. The Engineer may perform random inspections throughout the PEP to verify compliance. The Engineer will consider the Contractor non-compliant if the Contractor does not maintain plants throughout the PEP and does not submit scouting reports. K.2.a All Plants In plant establishment Work, perform the following:

factors that may influence plant health, vigor, and establishment success. Scout these conditions at least every two weeks during the growing season and at least every month during the dormant season

and 15th of each month during the growing season from April to October and by the 1st of each month during the dormant season from November to March. The Engineer will use the report-frequency and content to assess plant establishment compliance. The report may include scanned copies of the Plan sheets with the Contractor notes, copies of the report form found in the current edition of the ICAMMLP, or both. Include the following in the report:

competition and control

the Standard Plans shown on the Plans

protection, seedling tree shelters, and other items in accordance with the Plans

disease without the use of systemic insecticides such as neonicotinoids

replacement plants in accordance with 2571.3K.2.b, “Replacement Requirements”

the Standard Plans in the Plans

by hand pulling. Pre-water mulched areas to ensure weed top growth and roots are entirely removed. Ensure weeding operations do not contaminate the mulch or Project with weed seed, weed-laden soil, or propagating weed parts. Remove State and County regulated noxious weeds to at least 5 feet beyond the mulch limits. Remove weed parts or weed-laden Material from the Project to avoid the spread of weed infestations

areas during the PEP. The Contractor may apply a non- selective, non-residual post-emergent herbicide containing 41 percent glyphosate, as the active ingredient with a surfactant on a spot treatment basis with a brush or wick applicator. The Contractor may also apply a broad-spectrum dichlobenil based granular, pre-emergent herbicide in accordance with product labeling and manufacturer’s recommendations

beyond the limits and at least 4 inches high if the turf height exceeds 9 inches adjacent to mulched planting areas

growth exceeds 18 inches high. Mow turf from 6 inches to 12 inches high. Control State and County-listed noxious weeds

unwanted suckers, and to improve plant form and structure

erosion and weed infestation

horticultural practices detailed in the current edition of the ICAMMLP

rocks, and debris from the Project

K.2.b Replacement Requirements Within the first year of the 2-year PEP, determine which plants need replacing. Replace dead, defective, or missing plants and Materials in accordance with initial installation requirements, including plants lost due to accidents, vandalism, theft, rodent damage, damage caused by the Contractor, or if ordered by the Engineer, at no additional cost to the Department. Conduct plant replacement operations during the month of May or September, based on the start of the PEP. At least 7 Calendar Days before plant replacement, submit a summary report of proposed plant replacements to the Engineer. Include by attachment, copies of Plan sheets with the proposed replacement quantities and locations identified and a Department Certificate of Compliance for Plant Stock, Landscape Material, and Equipment, in the report . Using brightly colored paint, mark on site plants requiring replacement. Provide replacement plants and Materials that are equal to or better than the initial Material required by the Contract. If less than a full year remains in the PEP, do not replace plants unless the PEP is extended by a Change Order to provide at least one full year of establishment care. L Acceptance of Work L.1 Acceptance of Preconstruction Work The Engineer will accept the preconstruction Work after the Contractor secures commitments for required Materials, submits a Department Certificate of Compliance for Plant Stock, Landscape Materials, and Equipment, participates in a preconstruction meeting , obtains the Engineer’s approval for the Progress schedule, moves Equipment and supplies to the Project, and provides protection for existing plants. L.2 Acceptance of Preparation of Planting Holes and Beds For the Engineer’s acceptance of preparation of planting holes and beds, complete a competency test, other specified staking, initial weed control, soil cultivation including incorporation of additives, and temporary erosion control Work. L.3 Acceptance of Initial Planting Operation The Engineer will accept initial planting operations based on the following:

the current edition of the ICAMMLP, including but not limited to watering, tree protection Materials, mulching, proper drainage, pruning, staking and guying, fertilizing, erosion control, seeding, and clean up, in accordance with 1516.2, “Project Acceptance.” L.4 Final Acceptance As a condition for terminating the PEP and conducting the final inspection, the Engineer may require the Contractor to bring the plant establishment Work into compliance. On or about the date of termination of the PEP, the Engineer will perform a final inspection of the Project. Upon final acceptance, the Engineer will not require further Contractor -care of plantings.

The Engineer will make final acceptance at the completion of the two-year PEP and based on a final inspection of the completed Project.

2571.4METHOD OF MEASUREMENT

The Engineer will measure plants separately by the number of acceptable plants for each Contract Item in accordance with 2571.5G, “Payment Schedule.”

2571.5BASIS OF PAYMENT

The Department will make payment for plant installation and establishment at a percentage of the Contract Unit Price per item unit of measure for all costs relating to furnishing, installing, and establishing, the required plants and associated Materials as specified and shown on the P lans. The Department may make full payment, reduced payment or no payment of no more than the maximum eligible partial payment percentage at any payment phase (initial, interim, final) based on the performance of the Contractor and in accordance with 1906, “Partial Payment,” and 1908, “Final Estimate and Payment – Conditions and Process.” A Initial Payment The Department will make payment for plant installation and establishment at a percentage of the Contract Unit Price for each plant for completion of the following Work: A.1 Preconstruction Work The Department will pay no more than 10 percent of the Contract Unit Price for each plant with the completion and acceptance of preconstruction W ork as defined in the Preconstruction Work Checklist in the current edition of the ICAMMLP . A.2 Preparation of Planting Holes and Beds The Department will pay no more than 15 percent of the Contract Unit Price for each plant with the completion and acceptance of preparation of planting holes and beds W ork as defined in the Preparation of Planting Holes and Beds Checklist in the current edition of the ICAMMLP. A.3 Initial Planting Operations The Department will pay no more than 45 percent of the Contract Unit Price for each plant with the completion and acceptance of initial planting operations W ork as defined in the Initial Planting Operations Checklist in the current edition of the ICAMMLP . B Interim Payment At the end of the first calendar year of the PEP, and after completion and acceptance of the Contractor’s Work and continuous compliance with the plant establishment requirements as defined by the Plant Establishment-Year One Checklist in the current edition of the ICAMMLP, the Engineer may authorize no more than 15 percent of the Contract Unit Price for each plant. C Final Payment The Department will make final payment after final inspection and acceptance of the completed Project at the end of the PEP. The Engineer may authorize no more than 15 percent of the Contract Unit Price for each plant as defined by the Plant Establishment Year 2 Checklist in the current edition at the time of letting of the ICAMMLP. The total final payment includes the Plant Establishment Year 2 payment, assessments and reduced payments, if any, and Incentive payment, if eligible. The Department will not pay for replacement plants, unless authorized by the Engineer. The Department may continue to withhold any percentage of initial and interim payments from the final payment.

The Department will require a prompt refund of any overpayment, if the final voucher shows that the total of initial and interim payments made exceeds the total amount due the Contractor. D Incentive Payment When 90 percent or more of all plants installed within the initial plant installation period (PIP) and related Contract operations have been continuously acceptable throughout the Contract period, the Department will make an Incentive payment of 10 percent of the total final Contract Unit Price for plant installation and establishment. The Department considers replacement plants, replaced during the initial PIP, to be initially installed plants. Replacement plants made during the PEP are not eligible for Incentives. E Withholdings E.1 Plant Stock and Materials Documentation If the Contractor does not provide the documentation required by 2571.2A.2, “Plant Stock and Materials Documentation,” the Department may withhold a percentage of the PIP payment as described in checklist B2, in accordance with the current edition of ICAMMLP . E.2 Plant Establishment Period The Department may withhold a percentage of the PEP payment as described on checklist B9-B10, in accordance with the current edition of ICAMMLP. F Monetary Adjustments The Department must apply Incentives and Disincentives and may apply monetary deductions for Plant Installation and Establishment. The amounts of these adjustments are deemed reasonable. The Department may make full payment or apply a monetary deduction of no more than the maximum eligible partial payment percentage at any payment phase (initial, interim, final) based on the performance of the Contractor (see Payment Checklist in the current edition of the ICAMMLP). The Engineer will determine which plants to accept for payment at the Contract Unit Price or at a monetary deduction. G Schedule The Department will pay for plant installation and establishment on the basis of the following schedule: Item No. Item Unit

2571.502 Coniferous Tree Size & Root Category each

2571. 502 Deciduous Tree Size & Root Category each 2571. 502 Ornamental Tree Size & root Category each 2571. 502 Transplant Tree (Spade Size*) each 2571. 502 Coniferous Shrub Size & Root Category each 2571. 502 Deciduous Shrub Size & Root Category each 2571. 502 Transplant Shrub each 2571. 502 Transplant Vine each 2571. 502 Vine Age or Size & Root Category each 2571. 502 Perennial Age or Size & Root Category each 2571. 502 Transplant Perennial each NOTE: State Root Category: Seedling, Bare Root, Machine Moved, Container Grown, Balled and Burlapped * Spade size: 42 inch, 60 inch, 78 inch, 85 inch, 90 inch.