16-37 1662 -2 Materials
Refer to Division 10. Item Section Seed 1060 -4 Use seeds as stated in the contract. 1662 -3 APPLICATION Seedbed preparation will not be required. The contract will state the kinds and rates of application of seed. Sow no seed when the Engineer determ ines that conditions are unfavorable.
Article 1660 — 5 will be applicable to the approval of equipment; and the protection of traffic,
traffic control devices and other appurtenances. 1662 -4 MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT Seed for S upplemental Seeding will be measured and paid in pounds. The weight of seed will be determined by bag count of standard weight bags or by weighing the seed. Payment will be made under: Pay Item Pay Unit Seed for Supplemental Seeding Pound 1664 -1 DESCRIPTION Prepare soil, furnish and place limestone, fertilizer, sod and water; and other operations necessary for the permanent establishment of vegetation from sod on shoulders, slopes, ditches or other roadside areas. Adapt operations to variations in weather and soil conditions so as to assure the successful establishment and growth of grasses. Preserve the required line, grade and cross section of the area treated. The actual conditions which occur during the construction of the project will determine the quantity of water used and mowing required. The quantity of water or mowing may be increased, decreased or eliminated entirely at the direction of the Engineer. Such variations in quantity will not be considered alterations in the details of construction or a change in the character of the work. 1664 -2 MATERIALS Refer to Division 10. Item Section Fertilizer 1060 -2 Limestone 1060 -3 Sod 1060 -7 Water 1060 -9 The contract will state the analysis of fertilizer and the kinds of sod. 1664 -3 SODDING
A.Handling and Storing Sod Exercise extreme care during all operations of loading, transporting, unloading, storing,
16-38 placing, tamping and staking sod, to prevent b reaking the sod sections and to prevent the
sod from drying out. Any sod that is torn, broken or too dry will be rejected by the Engineer . Torn or broken sod, if kept moist, may be used for filling unavoidable small gaps in sod cover as permitted. Place sod on the designated areas within 48 hours after being cut unless otherwise directed by the Engineer .
B.Soil Preparation Remove litter and other debris. Mow and satisfactorily dispose of weeds or other unacceptable growth on the areas to be sodded. Bring t he area to be sodded to a firm uniform surface at such elevation that the surface of the complete sodding conforms to the finished grade and cross section as shown in the plans. Scarify or otherwise loosen soil to a depth of not less than 5 inches . Break clods and work the top 2 inches to 3 inches of soil into an acceptable soil bed by using soil pulverizers, drags or harrows. Place limestone and fertilizer before placing the sod. The contract will state the kind and grade of fertilizer, and the rat es of application of limestone and fertilizer. Distribute the limestone and fertilizer uniformly over the area and thoroughly mix in the top 5 inches of the soil by discing, harrowing or other methods approved by the Engineer . Prepare the area by harrowin g, dragging, raking or other methods approved by the Engineer to give a lawn type finish. Remove all trash, debris and stones larger than 1 ½ inches in diameter or other obstructions that could interfere with the placing of the sod. Moisten the finished surface with w ater before placing the sod.
C.Placing Sod The contract will state the seasonal limitations for sodd ing and the kind of sod to use. Sod handling and placement will be a continuous process of cutting, transporting and installing without apprecia ble delays. Install sod within 48 hours after being cut and water immediately after installation. Place sod firmly and carefully by hand within 24 hours after soil preparation is completed and accepted by the Engineer. Pack each piece of sod tightly agai nst the edge of adjacent pieces so that the fewest possible gaps will be left between the pieces. Close unavoidable gaps with small pieces of sod. When placing sod on a slope, begin at either the top or the toe of the slope. Place sod with the long edge horizontal and with staggered vertical joints. Turn the edge of the sod slightly into the ground at the top of a slope and place a layer of earth over it and compact so as to divert the surface water over and onto the top of the sod. Stake sod in place by driving stakes flush with the sod, on all slopes 2:1 or steeper, in drainage channels, on other areas shown in the plans, and on any areas that are in such condition that there is danger of sod slipping. Perform staking concurrently with sod placement an d before tamping with sound wooden stakes which are approximately one inch square or one inch in diameter and not less than 12 inches in length. Place enough stakes to prevent slipping or displacement of the sod. Drive stakes perpendicular to the slope. Where backfill is necessary on cut slopes to obtain a uniform sodding area, provide stakes of sufficient length to reach at least 3 inches into the solid earth underneath the backfill. On all other areas, use metal staples in place of wooden stakes. The metal staples should be 12 inches long, made of 11 gauge new steel wire so as not to bend when pinned or driven through the sod. Shorter staples may be used with the approval of the Engineer.
Source: North Carolina Standard Specifications for Roads and Structures, 2024 Edition. Pages 787–788 of 857.