Article 1 — Description
Provide and install plants and related materials at designated locations. Transplant plant material, including trees, shrubs, palms, and grasses as shown on the plans. Maintain plants, related materials, and landscaped areas at the specified frequency.
Article 2 — Materials
Comply with the follow ing, unless otherwise shown on the plans. ANSI Z60.1, “ American Standard for Nursery Stock ” American Joint Committee on Horticultural Nomenclature, Standardized Plant Names Additional requirements for plants and related materials as shown on the plans . Use materials in conformance with the following unless otherwise shown on the plans.
2.1 Plants . Provide nursery -grown plants unless otherwise shown on the plans. Provide vigorous, healthy,
well-rooted plants with well -formed crowns, true to sizes, and of typical shape and characteristics of the species. Pr ovide plants with nametags attached showing the genus, species, and specified variety.
2.1.1 Rejection of Plants. Plants with any of the following characteristics are subject to rejection:
disease or insect infestation, including eggs and larvae; dried or damaged root system or crown; excessive abrasion of the bark; prematurely opened or damaged buds; disfiguring knots; evidence of heat, freeze, or wind burn, mold, sun scald, or similar conditions; damaged, pruned, crooked, or multiple leaders, unless multiple leaders are specified or are normal for the species; cut limbs more than 3/4 in. in diameter that have not completely callused; dry, soggy, loose, cracked, broken, misshapen, or undersized root balls; processed balled roots (bench- balled); root balls encased in impervious material; overgrown or root -bound plants; undersized or unsound containers; stock not well established in containers; containers with less than 3/4 planting medium depth; abnormal balance between height and spread for the species; missing or broken serialized locking tags, when specified; any condition that is not as shown on the plans or not in conformance with nursery stock standards; or conditions that would prevent thriving growth or cause an unacceptable appearance.
2.2 Backfill and Plant Soil Mix. Use soil excavated from the plant pits or beds , or provide a loose, friable soil
mix as shown on the plans. Provide a soil mix free of reproductive parts of weeds and grasses, harmful substances, and detrimental amounts of foreign matter. 148 2.3. Compost . Use compost in accordance with Section 161.2.3., “General Use Compost (GUC).”
2.4 Mulch . Provide loose, organic mulch derived from plants unless other types are shown on the plans. Use
mulch free of excessive amounts of leaves, sticks, harmful substances, and detrimental amounts of soil or other foreign matter.
2.5 Loose Aggregate for Ground Cover . Furnish loose aggregate using a blend of 1–3- in. local river rock or as
shown on the plans.
2.6 Water . Use water in accordance with Article 168.2., “ Materials.”
2.7 Fertilizer . Use fertilizer in accordance with Article 166.2., “Materials .”
2.8 Other Materials. Provide additional incidental materials associated with landscape planting that meet the requirements shown on the plans.
Article 3 — Construction
Prevent damage to vegetation, slopes, utilities, structures, and other amenities. Repair any damage within the right of way caused by the Contractor at no additional expense to the Department. Provide and document a licensed pesticide applicator for the treatment of insects, diseases, animals, and vegetation in conformance with the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) in the appropriate use category.
3.1 Plant Inspection Before Delivery. Plants are subject to inspection at the nursery or location of collection. Provide and use serialized locking tags on plants selected by the Engineer as directed.
3.2 Plant Delivery. Notify the Engineer at least 48 hr. before delivering plants to the worksite. Coordinate with
the Engineer for inspection and approval of materials upon delivery. Remove rejected plants from the worksite and replace as directed.
3.3 Mark Plant Locations and Bed Outlines. Provide and install coded markings, such as wooden stakes, to mark the locations, type of plants, and outline of planting beds. Obtain approval of the plant and bed locations before excavation begins.
3.4 Transplant Plant Material . Transplant material using approved mechanical tree spade, or hand dig, as
directed. Size rootballs for hand dug material to a diameter of 12 in. per every inch of plant trunk caliper or as directed.
3.5 Plant Pit Excavation . Excavate pits for transplant, container, balled and burlapped (B&B), and fabric bag
grown stock to the depth shown on the plans or at least the depth of the root ball. Excavate pits for bare root plants equal to the depth of the root system. Excavate pits on slopes using measurements shown on the plans or at least the depth of the root ball based on the uphill side of the pit. Excavate the receiving pits for mechanically transplanted plants with the same type and size of equipment used to dig the plants. Provide a minimum horizontal dimension of 12 in. between the root ball and pit walls for the following, unless otherwise shown on the plans: 15-gal. or larger pots, 14-in. or larger boxes, and larger than 14- in. root balls of B&B and fabric bag grown plants. Provide a minimum horizontal dimension of two times the root ball diameter across the pit for the following, unless otherwise shown on the plans: less than 15- gal. pots, and 14-in. or smaller root balls of B&B and fabric bag grown plants. 149 Provide a minimum pit diameter for bare root plants that permits the roots to spread without crowding or curving around the walls of the pit.
3.6 Plant Installation . Install plants within 24 hr. of excavating plant pits. Install tr ansplant within 1 hr. of
transplant excavation. Scarify the walls of pits as plant installation begins. Center all plants in a pit, except those mechanically collected, backfill in lifts, each lift 1/3 of the depth of the root ball, and fill the pit with w ater after each lift to remove air pockets. Prune protruding roots, from the root ball, for mechanically collected plants, to a point even with the cutting blades. Place the plant in the pit and work sand between the pit walls and the root ball with water until the sand fills all the cavities. Apply fertilizer as shown on the plans. Ensure that the top of the root ball remains at the grade shown on the plans after final settlement.
3.7 Plant Basin Construction . Construct a basin at least 8 in. deep with an insi de diameter equal to the pit
diameter and with a level top around the plant unless otherwise shown on the plans. Use excavated soil from the plant pits or beds, backfill material, or other approved material for the basin. Spread excess excavated materials over the right of way as directed or remove and dispose of material in conformance with local, state, and federal requirements at locations outside the right of way. Perform a percolation test as shown on the plans.
3.8 Watering . Coordinate the planting work to ensure that an irrigation system, when specified, operates
properly to meet the watering requirements. Apply water to plants or planting areas at the rate and frequency specified for an irrigation system or for the application method shown on the plans. Keep the ground and backfill moist at least 12 in. around the entire root ball if a watering rate and frequency are not specified.
3.9 Using Antitranspirants . Apply anti transpirants, when shown on the plans, in conformance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
3.10 Pruning. Accomplish pruning i n accordance with ANSI A300 (Part 1) pruning standards. Retain the natural
shape of plants according to the species. Limit pruning to r emoval of dead and broken branches, and an additional amount as specified or directed to improve the appearance and health of plants. Prune B&B and collected plants to reduce the original crown by approximately 20% by removing interior branches, entangled limbs, and small branches , unless otherwise shown on the plans. Prune to develop the central leader or leaders. Remove and dispose of pruning debris. Trim, prune, or remove existing tree limbs and brush as shown on the plans and to allow performance of the work in this Item. Treat exposed cuts in accordance with Item 752, “Tree and Brush Removal.”
3.11 Plant Support . Install plant supports such as staking, guying, and bracing as shown on the plans. Support
and keep plants in a vertical position. Use metal stakes and posts. Use protection guards to avoid damage to the plant.
3.12 Tree Trunk Protection. Install tree trunk protection guards when shown on the plans and in conformance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
3.13 Landscape Edge Installation . Install landscape edging when shown on the plans and in conformance with
the manufacturer’s instructions.
3.14 Plant Bed Preparation . Prepare the bed and install the planting soil mix, soil amendments, vegetation
barrier, and other materials as shown on the plans. Amend soil to a depth of 4 in. or as shown on the plans. Blend in 25% GUC measured by volume or as shown on the plans. 150 3.15. Mulching. Mulch plant basins and beds to a depth of 3 in. unless otherwise shown on the plans.
3.16 Loose Aggregate for Ground Cover . Install loose aggregate for ground cover to a depth of 4 in. or as
shown on the plans. Install a commercial grade vegetation barrier fabric under the aggregate in conformance with manufacturer’s instructions. The fabric must be tear - and ultraviolet -resistant.
3.17 Maintenance. Begi n maintenance of each plant in accordance with this Item when the installation is
completed and approved. Perform maintenance until final acceptance of the project, or for at least 90 days should the final acceptance occur less than 90 days after the plant installation is completed and approved, by following the work schedule and frequencies shown on the plans. Perform the minimum requirements in accordance with the following Sections if a work schedule and frequency are not shown on the plans.
3.17.1 Watering . Water in accordance with Section 192.3. 8., “Watering.”
3.17.2 Mowing, Trimming, and Edging . Mow, trim, and edge the designated locations. Remove and dispose of
litter within th e designated areas before mowing, trimming, and edging. Mow, trim, and edge every 15 days during the growing season or as directed, mowing at a 3- in.–4-in. height. Keep cord trimmers at least 1 ft. from plants to prevent damage to the plants. Plants damaged during the maintenance work are subject to rejection and replacement in accord ance with Section 192.3.17 .9., “Plant Replacement.”
3.17.3 Plant Basin, Bed, and Worksite Maintenance. Chemically control weeds and unwanted grasses in plant basins, in beds, along and in structures, and around existing plants every 15 days, unless otherwise directed.
Reshape plant basins and beds every 30 days as shown on the plans. Maintain mulch in accordance with Section 192.3.15 ., “Mulching.” Ensure that herbicides do not contact desirable plants. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for handling and applying herbicides.
3.17.4 Plant Supports . Replace, repair, and adjust supports as shown on the plans and in accordance with
Section 192.3.11 ., “Plant Support.” Adjust staking and guying to prevent girdling of plant trunks. Remove or dispose of support material .
3.17.5 Pruning. Prune as shown on the plans and in accordance with Section 192.3. 10., “Pruning.”
3.17.6 Insect, Disease, and Animal Inspection and Pesticide Treatment . Inspect plant s and planted areas at
least every 15 days. Notify the Engineer of concerns and problems and recommend corrective measures in writing for approval. Treat the plants and planted areas in conformance with TDA or Texas Structural Pest Control Board laws and r egulations. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for handling and applying pesticides.
3.17.7 Litter Removal . Remove litter and debris within the worksite at least every 15 days or as shown on the
plans. Dispose of litter from the right of way in accordance with Item 734, “Litter Removal.”
3.17.8 Tree Trunk Protection. Remove and dispose of tree trunk wrapping material and protection guards as directed.
3.17.9 Plant Replacement . Remove and dispose of dead and damaged plants from the worksite as directed.
Replace plants as originally specified within 10 days of notification. Plant replacement must be completed and approved before payment is approved when notification is made between the starting date and day 30 of the maintenance work, in accord ance with Section 192.5.2., “30- Day Payment.” Plant replacement must be completed and approved before payment is approved when notification is made between days 31 and 60 of the maintenance work, in accord ance with Section 192.5.3., “60- Day Payment.” Plant replacement must be completed and approved before payment is approved when notification is made between days 61 and either the date of project final acceptance or day 90 of the maintenance work, whichever occurs later, in accord ance with Section 192.5.4., “Final Payment.” 151 4. MEASUREMENT This Item will be measured by each plant. When mulch is specified as a separate pay item, it will be measured by the cubic yard or the square yard. When plant soil mix is specified as a separate pay item, it will be measured by the cubic yard . When landscape edge is specified as a separate pay item, it will be measured by the foot . When soil amendment is specified as a separate pay item, it will be measured by the square yard. When loose aggregate for ground cover is specified as a separate pay item, it will be measured by the cubic yard or square yard. When plant bed preparation is specified as a separate pay item, it will be measured by the square yard. When vegetation barrier is specified as a separate pay item, it will be measured by the square yard. When mulch, plant bed preparation, loose aggregate, soil amendment, and vegetation barrier are specified as separate pay items and measured by the square yard, they are plans quantity measurement Items. The quantity to be paid is the quantity shown in the proposal, unless modified by Article 9.2., “Plans Quantity Measurement.” Additional measurements or calculations will be made if adjustments of quantities are required.
Article 5 — Payment
The work performed and materials furnished in accordance with this Item and measured as provided under “Measurement” will be paid for at the unit price bid for “Plant Material” of the size or “Plant Material” of the size and type specified. This price is full compensation for furnishing the plant, compost, fertilizer, mulch, plant soil mix, landscape edge, soil amendment, loose aggregate for ground cover, plant bed preparation, vegetation barrier, and maintenance. The work performed and materials furnished in accordance with this Item and measured as provided under “Measurement” will be paid for at the unit price bid for “Transplant Plant Material” or “Transplant Plant Material” of the type specified. This price is full compensation to transplant the plant, compost, fertilizer, mulch, plant soil mix, landscape edge, soil amendment, loose aggregate for ground cover, plant bed preparation, and vegetation barrier. Transplant plant materials are not subject to Section 192.3.17., “Maintenance,” unless shown on the plans. When mulch, plant soil mix, landscape edge, soil amendment, loose aggregate for ground cover, plant bed preparation, and vegetation barrier are specified as separate on the plans to be pay items, the work performed and materials furnished in accordance with this Item and measured as provided under “Measurement” will be paid for at the unit price bid for “Mulch” or “Mulch” of the type specified, “Plant Soil Mix” or “Plant Soil Mix” of the type specified, “Landscape Edge” or “Landscape Edge” of the type specified, “Soil A mendment” or “Soil Amendment” of the type specified, “Loose Aggregate for Ground Cover” of the type specified, “Plant Bed Preparation” or “Plant Bed Preparation” of the type specified, and “Vegetation Barrier” or “Vegetation Barrier” of the type specified. The price is full compensation for materials, equipment, labor, tools, and incidentals. Payment for “Plant Material” will be addressed in the following manner.
5.1 Initial Payment . When the planting and installation of related materials are completed and appr oved, 70% of
the unit price bid for each related plant will be paid.
5.2 30-Day Payment . When the first 30 days of the plant maintenance (in accordance with Section 192.3.17 .,
“Maintenance” ) are completed and approved, an additional 10 % of the unit price bid for each related plant will be paid, but if the maintenance is not completed and approved, this portion of the payment will be forfeited.
5.3 60-Day Payment . When the second 30 days of the plant maintenance are completed and approved, an
additional 10 % of the unit price bid for each related plant will be paid, but if the maintenance is not completed and approved, this portion of the payment will be forfeited. 152 5.4. Final Payment . After the final inspection and acceptance of the project or the completion of the 90- day maintenance, whichever occurs later, an additional 10% of the unit price bid for all plants will be paid, but if the maintenance is not completed and approved, this portion of the payment will be forfeited.