225Grassing

225.01 Description. This work consists of furnishing, transporting, placing, plant

establishment, and all work, including grou nd preparation, fertilizing, seeding, and mulching, necessary to produce a satisfactory and acceptable growth of grass. At the Contractor’s option, seeds and mulch may be incorporated using a hydraulically applied method under certain limitations. When hydraulically applied, it shall be performed in accordance with th e requirements and methods addressed in Section 227. Under no circumstances shall fertilizer be incorporated hydraulically.

225.02 Materials.

225.02.1 Fertilizers. Fertilizers for purposes of this specification shall be understood to

include standard manufactured products consisting of single or combination ingredients and agricultural limestone. All fertilizer shall comply with the State fertilizer laws, Subsection 715.02, and the requirements of this specification.

225.02.2 Seeds. Seeds shall meet the requirements of Subsection 715.03, subject to the

provisions of this subsection. The Contractor shall acquire seed from persons registered with the MDAC. Except for the germination requirements, bags of seeds properly labeled or tagged according to law and indicating characteristics meeting or exceeding the requirements of Subsection 715.03 will be acceptable for planting. The Contractor should provide adequate dry storage facilities for seeds, and shall furnish access to the storage for sampling stored seed.

225.02.3 Mulch.

225.02.3 1--Vegetative Mulch. The vegetative materials for mulch shall meet the

requirements of Subsection 215.02.

225.02.3 2--Hydraulically Applied Mulch (Hydromulch). The vegetative materials for

mulch shall meet the requirements of Subsection 215.02.1.

225.03 Construction Requirements.

225.03.1 Ground Preparation. Ground preparation, light or standard, consists of

plowing, loosening, and pulverizing the soil to form suitable beds for erosion control items in reasonably close conformity with the established lines and grades without appreciable humps or depressions. When gr assing an area that has been previously planted with temporary grassing, a standard ground preparation will be required. The previously planted grasses shall be disked, tille d, plowed, etc. to assure that the existing temporary grasses are thoroughly mixed into the soil. Any equipment used for ground preparation shall be approved units suitable to perform the work and subject to the requirements of Subsection 108.05. The Contractor shall take full advantage of weather and soil conditions, and no attempt shall be made to prepare soil when it is wet or in a condition that will not allow the soil to be properly tilled. Light ground preparation should be used on areas where seeding is required to improve the coverage of partially vegetated areas. Standard ground preparation should be used on areas designated to be solid sodded and un-vegetated areas designated to be seeded. Aerating, moistening, or otherwise bringing the soil to a suitable condition for ground preparation shall be considered as incidental to the work and will not be measured for separate payment.

225.03.1 1--Light Ground Preparation. Light ground preparation consists of scratching

the surface with a close-tooth harrow, disk-harrow, or similar equipment. The depth of scratching should be at least three-quarters inch but not deep enough to damage existing grasses of the type being planted.

225.03.1 2--Standard Ground Preparation . Standard ground preparation consists of

plowing or disk-harrowing and thoroughly pulverizing the areas immediately before the application of erosion control (vegetative) items. Unless otherwise specified, the pulverized and prepared seedbed should be at least four inches deep and shall be reasonably free of large clods, earth balls, boulders, stumps, roots and other objectionable matter. Incorporation of fertilizer a nd ground preparation may be performed simultaneously.

225.03.2 Fertilizing. Fertilizing consists of furnishing, transporting, spreading, and

incorporating fertilizers. The Contractor shall furnish all equipment necessary to properly handle, store, uniformly spread, and incorporate the specified application of fertilizer. The Contractor shall incorporate 13-13-13 co mmercial fertilizer at the rate indicated in the vegetation schedule in the plans. The equivalent rate of other type fertilizers will be allowed if the equivalent percentages of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium are obtained. The Contractor shall incorporate agricultural limestone at the rate indicated in the vegetation schedule in the plans. Fertilization shall be applied uniformly on the areas to be planted or seeded and uniformly incorporated into the soil. Fertilizers should be applied on individual areas of not more than three (3) acres. All fertilizer should be incorporated within 24 hours following spreading.

225.03.3 Seeding. Seeding consists of furnishing and planting seeds in a prepared

seedbed, covering the seeds, and providing plant establishment on all areas seeded. Prior to planting the seeds, ground prepar ation and fertilizing shall be satisfactorily performed. The required type of seeds, minimum rates of application, and planting dates of seeds are shown in the vegetation schedule in the plans. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to appl y an ample amount of each type of seed to produce a satisfactory growth of grass and of the seed type required. At the completion of the project, a satisfactory growth of gra ss will be required. The Contractor should reference Section 210 for satisfactory growth and coverage of dormant seed. Seeding should not be done during windy weather or when the ground is frozen, extremely wet, or in a condition that will not allow the soil to be properly tilled.

225.03.3 1--Conventional Application. Legume seeds should be treated in accordance

with Subsection 715.03.4 immediately before sowing. Seeds should be uniformly sown over the entire area with mechanical seeders. Seeds of different sizes may necessitate separate sowing. When legume seeds become dry, they should be re-inoculated. All seeds should be covered lightly with soil by raking, rolling, or other approved methods, and the area compacted with a cultipacker. Mulching should be performed as soon as practicable after seeding.

225.03.3 2--Hydroseeding Application. Seeds may be applied using the hydroseeding

method except during the months of June, July, August, and September. During these months, the seeding shall be incorporated in accordance with the above Conventional Application method. The seed(s) shall be combined into a distribution tank with all required ingredients on the project site. The application of the seed(s) and all ingredients shall be performed in one operation. Mulching should be performed simultaneously with or as soon as practicable after seeding.

225.03.3 3--Plant Establishment. The Contractor should provide plant establishment on

all areas seeded until release of maintenan ce. At the completion of the project, a satisfactory growth of grass will be required . The Contractor should reference Section 210 for satisfactory growth and coverage of dormant seed. Plant establishment should be provided for a minimum period of 45 calendar days after completion of seeding. In the event satisfactory growth and coverage has not been attained by the end of the 45-day period, plant establishment should be continued until a satisfactory growth and coverage is provided for at least one kind of plant as referenced in Section 210. The Contractor shall perform plant establishment on all areas of temporary seeding until the Engineer determines that the temporary seeding has served its purpose. Plant establishment shall consist of preservi ng, protecting, watering, reseeding, mowing, and other work necessary to keep the seeded areas in satisfactory condition. Areas requiring reseeding should be prepared and seeded and all other work performed as if the reseeding was the initial seeding. The types and application rates of fertilizer will be at the discretion of the Contractor.

225.03.3 4--Growth and Coverage. It shall be the Contractor's responsibility to provide

satisfactory growth and coverage of grasses, legumes, or combination produced from the specified seeding. Growth and coverage on seeded areas will be considered to be in reasonably close conformity with the intent of the contract when the type of vegetation specified, exclusive of that from seeds not expected to have germinated and shows growth at that time, has reached a point of maturity wh ere stems or runners overlap adjacent similar growth in each direction over the entire area.

225.03.4 Mulching. Mulching consists of furnishing, transporting, and placing mulch

on slopes, shoulders, medians, and other designated areas. Unless otherwise noted in the contract or directed by the Engineer, the Contractor has the option to place mulch by the conventional method or by the hydraulic method.

225.03.4 1--Vegetative Mulch.

225.03.4 1.1--Equipment. Mulching equipment should be capable of maintaining a

constant air stream that will blow or eject controlled quantities of mulch in a uniform pattern. Mulch stabilizers should consist of dull blades or disks without camber and approximately 20 inches in diameter. The disks should be notched, should be spaced at approximately 8-inch intervals, and should be equipped with scrapers. The stabilizer should weigh approximately 1000 to 1200 pounds, should have a working width of no more than eight feet, and should be equipped with a ballast compartment, so that weight can be increased.

225.03.4 1.2--Placement of Vegetative Mulch . Mulching should be placed uniformly

on designated areas within 24 hours following seeding unless weather conditions are such that mulching cannot be performed. Placement should begin on the windward side of areas and from tops of slopes. In its final position, the mulch should be loose enough to allow air to circulate but compact enough to partially shade the ground and reduce erosion. The baled material should be loosened and broken thoroughly before it is fed into the machine to avoid placement of unbroken clumps.

225.03.4 1.3--Anchoring Mulch . The mulch should be anchored by using a mulch

stabilizer when not hydraulically applied. If a mulch stabilizer is used, the mulch should be punched into the soil for a minimum depth of one inch. When mulch stabilizers are used, anchoring the mulch should be performed along the contour of the ground surface.

225.03.4 2--Hydromulch. Hydromulch shall be applied in accordance Subsection

215.03 5.

225.03.5 Vegetation Schedule. When a vegetation schedule is not shown in the plans

or when the contract does not have an official set of plans, the following application rates shall be used, unless otherwise noted or approved by the Engineer. Agricultural Limestone 1,000 pounds per acre March 1 to September 1 13-13-13 Commercial Fertilizer 250 pounds per acre March 1 to September 1 Vegetative Materials 2 tons per acre Bermudagrass 80 pounds per acre March 1 to September 1 20 pounds per acre September 1 to March 1 * Bahiagrass 80 pounds per acre March 1 to September 1 25 pounds per acre September 1 to March 1 Tall Fescue 25 pounds per acre March 1 to September 1 100 pounds per acre October 1 to March 1 ** Sericea Lespedeza 25 pounds per acre March 1 to September 1 25 pounds per acre September 1 to March 1 Crimson Clover 20 pounds per acre August 1 to April 1 * 80 pounds per acre in District 3 Delta ** 25 pounds per acre in District 3 Delta

225.04 Method of Measurement. Grassing will be measured by the acre. Acceptance

will be based on a satisfactory growth and coverage of seeds planted. Acceptable quantities of agricultural limestone will be measured by the ton. Acceptable quantities for mulch will be measured by the ton. For vegetative mulch, the weight for measurement will be the product of the number of bales acceptably placed and the average weight per bale as determined on approved scales provided by the Contractor. Anchoring of vegetative mulch will not be measured for separate payment. The cost of anchoring shall be absorbed in the prices bid for other items of work. For hydromulch, the weight for measurement will be the dry weight of the packaged fibers used in the mixture. No payment will be allowed for water, additives, tackifier, or other liquids used in the mixture.

225.05 Basis of Payment. Grassing, measured as prescribed above, will be paid for at

the contract unit price per acre, which will be full compensation for all required materials including seeding and fertilizers other than limestone, ground preparation, equipment, labor, testing and all work necessary to establish a satisfactory growth of grass. Hard rock agricultural limestone will be paid for at the contract unit price per ton. Hard rock agricultural limestone with a relative neutralizing value (RNV), determined in accordance with Subsection 715.02.2.1.3, of between 60.0% and 62.9% will be paid for at half (½) the contract unit price per ton. No payment will be made for hard rock agricultural limestone with an RNV less than 60.0%. Mulch, measured as prescribed above, will be paid for at the contract unit price per ton, which price shall be full compensation for all materials, equipment, labor, and incidentals necessary to complete the work. Payment will be made under: 225-A: Grassing - per acre 225-B: Agricultural Limestone - per ton 225-C: Mulch, Vegetative Mulch - per ton 225-D: Mulch, Hydromulch - per ton SECTION 226 - TEMPORARY GRASSING 226.0l--Description. This work consists of furnishing, transporting, placing, plant establishment and all work necessary to produce rapid-growing grasses, grains or legumes to provide an initial, temporary cover of grass. This work includes ground preparation, fertilizing, seeding and mulching necessary to establish a satisfactory growth of temporary grass. The Contractor may elect to place temporary grassing using the hydroseeding method as set out in Section 227. Section 226 Section 226 The Engineer or the plans will designate areas to be temporarily grassed. Any other areas the Contractor desires to grass will be measured for payment only if agreed upon by the Engineer.

226.02 Materials.

226.02.1 Fertilizers. Fertilizers for purposes of these specifications shall be understood

to include standard manufactured products consisting of a combination of ingredients. All fertilizer shall comply with the State fertilizer laws and Subsection 715.02. Agricultural limestone will not be required for temporary grassing.

226.02.2 Seeds. Seeds shall meet the requirements of Subsection 715.03, subject to the

provisions of this subsection. The Contractor shall acquire seed from persons registered with the MDAC. Except for the germination requirements, bags of seeds properly labeled or tagged according to law and indicating characteristics meeting or exceeding the requirements of Subsection 715.03 will be acceptable for planting. The Contractor should provide adequate dry storage facilities for seeds, and shall furnish access to the storage for sampling stored seed.

226.02.3 Mulching. The vegetative materials for mulch shall meet the requirements of

Subsection 715.05. When used, bituminous material for mulch shall be Emulsified Asphalt, Grade SS-1, meeting the requirement of Subsection 702.07.

226.03 Construction Requirements. The rates of application shall not exceed the rates

shown on the temporary vegetation schedule, unless otherwise approved by the Engineer. Any unauthorized overage due to increased application rates will not be measured for payment.

226.03.1 Ground Preparation. Any equipment used for ground preparation shall be

approved units suitable to perform the work and subject to the requirements of Subsection 108.05. Light ground preparation should be used on areas where seeding is required. Light ground preparation consists of scratching the surface with a close-tooth harrow, disk-harrow, or similar equipment. The depth of scratching should be at least three- quarters inch but not deep enough to damage existing grasses of the type being planted. Aerating, moistening, or otherwise bringing the soil to a suitable condition for ground preparation shall be considered as incidental to the work and will not be measured for separate payment.

226.03.2 Fertilizing. The Contractor shall furnish all equipment necessary to properly

handle, store, uniformly spread, and incorporate the specified application of fertilizer. Section 226 Section 226 The Contractor shall incorporate 13-13-13 commercial fertilizer at the rate shown in the vegetation schedule in the plans. The equivalent rate of other type fertilizers will be allowed if the equivalent percentages of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium are obtained. Fertilization shall be applied uniformly on the areas to be seeded and uniformly incorporated into the soil. Fertilizer should be applied on individual areas of not more than three acres. All fertilizer should be incorporated within 24 hours following spreading.

226.03.3 Seeding.

226.03.3 1--General. Prior to planting the seeds, ground preparation and fertilizing

should have been satisfactorily performed. The required type of seeds, recommended rates of application and recommended planting dates of seeds are shown in the vegetation schedule in the plans. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to apply an ample amount of each type of seed to produce a satisfactory growth of grass and of the seed type required. Legume seeds should be treated in accordance with Subsection 715.03.4 immediately before sowing. Seeds should be uniformly sown over the entire area with mechanical seeders. Seeds of different sizes may necessitate separate sowing. When legume seeds become dry, they should be reinoculated. Seeding should not be done during windy weather or when the ground is frozen, extremely wet, or in an untillable condition. All seeds should be covered lightly with soil by raking, rolling, or other approved methods, and the area compacted with a cultipacker.

226.03.3 2--Plant Establishment. Plant establishment shall consist of preserving,

protecting, watering, reseeding, and other work necessary to keep the seeded areas in satisfactory condition. Areas requiring reseeding should be prepared and seeded and all other work performed as if the reseeding was the initial seeding. The types and application rates of fertilizer will be at the discretion of the Contractor. No additional measurement and payment will be made for re-seeding when payment was made for the initial seeding.

226.03.3 3--Growth and Coverage. It shall be the Contractor's responsibility to provide

satisfactory growth and coverage of grasses, legumes, or combination produced from the specified seeding. Growth and coverage on seeded areas will be considered to be in reasonably close conformity with the intent of the contract when the type of vegetation specified, exclusive of that from seeds not expected to have germinated and shows growth at that time, has reached a point of maturity where stems or runners overlap adjacent similar growth in each direction over the entire area. Section 226 Section 226

226.03.4 Mulching.

226.03.4 1--Equipment. Mulching equipment should be capable of maintaining a

constant air stream that will blow or eject controlled quantities of mulch in a uniform pattern. If asphalt is used, a jet or spray nozzle for applying uniform, controlled amounts of asphalt to the vegetative material as it is ejected should be located at or near the discharge spout. Mulch stabilizers should consist of dull blades or disks without camber and approximately 20 inches in diameter. The disks should be notched, should be spaced at approximately 8-inch intervals, and should be equipped with scrapers. The stabilizer should weigh approximately 1000 to 1200 pounds, should have a working width of no more than eight feet, and should be equipped with a ballast compartment, so that weight can be increased.

226.03.4 2--Placement of Vegetative Mulch. If required, mulching should be placed

uniformly on designated areas within 24 hours following seeding unless weather conditions are such that mulching cannot be performed. Placement should begin on the windward side of areas and from tops of slopes. In its final position, the mulch should be loose enough to allow air to circulate but compact enough to partially shade the ground and reduce erosion. The baled material should be loosened and broken thoroughly before it is fed into the machine to avoid placement of unbroken clumps.

226.03.4 3--Rates of Application and Anchoring Mulch. The recommended rate of

application of vegetative mulch shall be as shown in the vegetation schedule in the plans. The mulch should be anchored by either the use of a mulch stabilizer or by tacking with bituminous material. If a mulch stabilizer is used, the mulch should be punched into the soil for a minimum depth of one inch. If bituminous material is used, the rate of application should be 150 gallons per acre. Where steep slopes or other conditions are such that anchoring cannot be performed satisfactory with a mulch stabilizer, the Contractor may elect to use bituminous material applied at the time or immediately following the mulch placement. When mulch stabilizers are used, anchoring the mulch should be performed along the contour of the ground surface.

226.03.4 4--Protection and Maintenance. The Contractor should take every precaution

to prevent unnecessary foot and vehicular traffic.

226.03.5 Vegetation Schedule. When a temporary vegetation schedule is not shown in

the plans or when the contract does not have an official set of plans, the following application rates shall be used, unless otherwise noted or approved by the Engineer. Section 226 Section 226 Spring & Summer Browntop Millet .............. 20 pounds per acre .... April 1 to August 31 Fall & Winter Rye Grass.......................... 25 pounds per acre .... September 1 to March 31 Oats .................................. 90 pounds per acre .... September 1 to December 15 13-13-13 Commercial Fertilizer ..... 250 pounds per acre Vegetative Mulch ........................... 2 tons per acre

226.04 Method of Measurement. Temporary grassing will be measured by the acre.

Acceptance will be based on a satisfactory growth and coverage of seeds planted.

226.05 Basis of Payment. Temporary grassing, measured as prescribed above, will be

paid for at the contract unit price per acre, which will be full compensation for all required materials, equipment, labor, testing and all work necessary to establish a satisfactory growth of grass. Payment will be made under: 226-A: Temporary Grassing - per acre SECTION 227 - HYDROSEEDING 227.0l--Description. This work consists of furnishing, transporting, placing, plant establishment and all work necessary to produce a satisfactory and acceptable growth of grass. The seeds, fertilizers, tackifier, and mulch shall be incorporated using the hydroseeding process. These items shall be combined into a mixture and force-applied to the areas to be grassed.

227.02 Materials. The Contractor shall, prior to application, furnish the Engineer with

invoices of all materials used in the grassing operation.

227.02.1 Fertilizers. Fertilizers for purposes of these specifications shall be understood

to include standard manufactured products consisting of single or combination ingredients. All fertilizers shall comply with the State fertilizer laws and Subsection 715.02.

227.02.2 Seeds. Seeds shall meet the requirements of Subsection 715.03, subject to the

provisions of this subsection. The Contractor shall acquire seed from persons registered with the MDAC. Except for the germination requirements, bags of seeds properly labeled or tagged according to law and indicating characteristics meeting or exceeding the requirements of Subsection 715.03 will be acceptable for planting. The Contractor should provide adequate dry storage facilities for seeds, and shall furnish access to the storage for sampling stored seed. Section 227 Section 227

227.02.3 Mulching. Mulch shall meet the requirements of Subsection 215.02.1.

227.03 Construction Requirements.

227.03.1 Ground Preparation. Light ground preparation consists of plowing,

loosening, and pulverizing the soil to form suitable beds for seeding items in reasonably close conformity with the established lines and grades without appreciable humps or depressions. Unless otherwise specified, the pulverized and prepared seedbed should be at least four inches deep and shall be reasonably free of large clods, earth balls, boulders, stumps, roots and other objectionable matter. The Engineer may eliminate or alter the requirements for ground preparation due to site conditions.

227.03.2 Fertilizing. The Contractor shall furnish all equipment necessary to properly

handle, store, uniformly spread, and incorporate the specified application of fertilizer. The Contractor shall incorporate bag fertilizer at a rate of 1000 pounds per acre of 13-13- 13 commercial fertilizer. The equivalent rate of other type fertilizers will be allowed if the equivalent percentages of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium are obtained. Any changes in the type or rate of application of the fertilizers shall be approved by the Engineer prior to being incorporated. Agricultural limestone will be incorporated into the area and paid for in accordance with Section 213 of the Standard Specifications.

227.03.3 Seeding.

227.03.3 1--General. The Contractor shall use the vegetation schedule in the plan for the

correct types of seed and application rates, unless otherwise noted or approved by the Engineer. When a vegetation schedule for permanent grass is not shown in the plans, the following types of seed and application rates shall be used, unless otherwise approved by the Engineer. Bermudagrass ---------------------- 20 pounds per acre Bahiagrass -------------------------- 25 pounds per acre Tall Fescue -------------------------- 15 pounds per acre Crimson Clover -------------------- 20 pounds per acre At the completion of the project, a satisfactory growth of grass will be required. The Contractor should reference Subsection 210 for satisfactory growth and coverage of dormant seed.

227.03.3 2--Plant Establishment. The Contractor should provide plant establishment on

all areas seeded until release of maintenance. Plant establishment shall consist of preserving, protecting, watering, reseeding, mowing, and other work necessary to keep the seeded areas in satisfactory condition. Plant establishment should be provided for a minimum period of 45 calendar days after completion of seeding. In the event satisfactory growth and coverage has not been attained by the end of the 45-day period, plant establishment should be continued until a Section 227 Section 227 satisfactory growth and coverage is provided for at least one kind of plant. The Contractor should reference Section 210 of the Standard Specifications for more information.

227.03.3 3--Growth and Coverage. It shall be the Contractor's responsibility to provide

satisfactory growth and coverage of grasses, legumes, or combination produced from the specified seeding. Growth and coverage on seeded areas will be considered to be in reasonably close conformity with the intent of the contract when the type of vegetation specified, exclusive of that from seeds not expected to have germinated and shows growth at that time, has reached a point of maturity where stems or runners overlap adjacent similar growth in each direction over the entire area. Final acceptance of the project will not be made until a satisfactory growth of grass has been acknowledged by the Engineer.

227.03.4 Mulching. At the Contractor’s option, mulch may be wood fiber, cellulose

fiber, a mixture of wood and cellulose fibers, or straw fiber. The mulch shall be applied at the rate recommended by the manufacturer in a mixture of water, seed and fertilizer. Any changes in the rate of application of the mulch shall be approved by the Engineer prior to its use. Placement of mulch shall meet the requirements of Subsection 215.03.5.

227.04 Method of Measurement. Hydroseeding, complete and accepted, will be

measured by the acre. No separate payment will be made for ground preparation, seeds, fertilizers, or mulch. Acceptance will be based on a satisfactory growth and coverage of seeds planted. Agricultural limestone shall be measured and paid for under Section 225 of the Standard Specifications.

227.05 Basis of Payment. Hydroseeding, measured as prescribed above, will be paid

for at the contract unit price per acre, which will be full compensation for all required materials, equipment, labor, testing and all work necessary to establish a satisfactory growth of grass. Payment will be made under: 227-A: Hydroseeding - per acre

Grassing in other states

• Georgia 700 · Grassing