and conforming to the following requirements:
1.a B&B. Handle B&B plants by the ball or other root protective device, not by the stem or branches. Cut or untie the root ball lacing and lay back or cut off the burlap wrap from the top one- third of the root ball. Remove the top one- third of any root ball wire protective baskets. 1.b BR. Carefully handle BR plants by the main plant stem and any packaging material to avoid damage to the bark and roots. Form a raised soil mound in the planting pit of sufficient size to match the lateral spread of the root mass and to bring the plant up to the proper planting depth. Spread roots evenly over the mound before backfilling.
1.c Container Grown. Handle plants by the packing container, not by the stem or branches. Remove the container from the root mass formed by the container. Separate and spread any compacted roots outward in the planting pit before backfilling. 1.d Live Stakes . Soak the bottom half of the live stake in cool water for a minimum of 24 hours before installation. Do not install into frozen ground. Create a pilot hole 1/2to 1 inch larger in diameter than the diameter of live stakes in firm soil a minimum of 2/3 of the total length of the live stake, puncturing geotextile or matting as needed. Using a rubber mallet or a wooden tamping surface install live stakes with the square end upward and the pointed end downward at approximately a 45- degree angle pointed downstream. Live stakes may be hammered directly into the soft soil when allowed by the Represe ntative. Install live stakes with a minimum of 2/3 of the total length below the ground and the bud scars above ground. After installation , firmly pack soil removing all gaps and pockets around the live stake. Splits that occur during installation that extend beyond only one bud scar are acceptable. Splits that extend beyond two bud scars will be rejected. Remove and replace at no cost to the Department any rejected live stakes.
specified quantity of water absorbent granules into the backfill material spread around the plant roots in the bottom half of the planting hole. Use 0.5 ounce of water absorbent polymer granules for each 4- inch width of root ball for shrubs and 2 ounces for each 1- inch caliper of trees. Cultivate and completely tamp bac kfill mix around the ball or roots, in a manner that fills voids and eliminates air pockets. Avoid breaking or damaging roots during backfilling and tamping operations. When backfilling is two- thirds comp