Article 1 — Description
Establish landscape plantings and maintain landscaped areas at designated locations. If used with Item 192, “Landscape Planting,” begin this Item after the final payment is approved in accordance with Section 192.5.4., “Final Payment .”
Article 2 — Materials
Use materials in accordance with the following unless otherwise shown on the plans: Fertilizer . Use fertilizer in accordance with Article 166.2., “Materials” ; Mulch . Use mulch in accordance with Article 192.2., “Materials”; Water . Use water in accordance with Article 168.2., “Materials”; Herbicide. Use herbicide in accordance with Article 731.2., “Materials”; replacement plants as originally installed; pesticides conforming to the requirements of Section 193.3.1., “Plant Maintenance;” plant supports of the same type as originally installed; irrigation system replacement parts of the same type and manufacturer as originally installed; and other materials associated with landscape planting that meet the requirements shown on the plans .
Article 3 — Work Methods
Inspect the site at least every 2 weeks and perform the required maintenance when “Plant Maintenance” or “Irrigation System Operation and Maintenance” are measured by the month. Perform the following maintenance activities and conform to requirements shown on the plans.
3.1 Plant Maintenance. Maintain vegetation within the site in a healthy and vigorous growing condition. Apply pesticides, when required, under the supervision of a person possessing a license in the appropriate use
category issued by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Provide documentation of this license and obtain approval of the pesticides before applications. Ensure pesticide applications conform to label directions and all pertinent laws and regulations.
3.1.1 Pruning. Prune as shown on the plans and in accordance with Section 192.3.10., “Pruning.” Remove
sucker- growth on trunks of trees.
3.1.2 Insect, Disease, and Animal Control . Notify the Engineer in writing of problems with insects, diseases, or
animals as such problems arise. Treat the plants or planted areas as directed.
3.1.3 Fertilization . Apply fertilizer uniformly to all plants designated to receive fertilizer.
3.1.4 Mulching, Plant Basin, and Plant Bed Maintenance . Physically remove or apply herbicide to weeds and
grasses within plant basins and plant beds before placing additional mulch. Apply and maintain mulch at a depth of 2 in. Maintain plant basins, loose aggregate areas, and plant beds free of weeds and grasses, except those that have been treated with herbicides may remain in place until removal is directed. Reshape plant basins and plant beds as necessary to conform to plan details.
3.1.5 Mowing, Trimming, and Edging . Remove and dispose of litter within the designated areas before mowing.
Mow and trim grassed areas at the designated height and frequency. Edge where required. Do not use nylon 154 cord trimmers inside plant basins or inside beds containing plant material. Trim vegetation and remove debris from curbs, sidewalks, and other hardscape features.
3.1.6 Plant Supports . Replace, repair, and adjust supports to meet the requirements of the plans and in
accordance with Section 192.3.1 1., “Plant Support.” Adjust staking and guying to prevent girdling of plant trunks. Remove or dispose of support material .
3.1.7 Tree Truck Protecti on. Maintain tree trunk protection guards. Replace damaged guards.
3.2 Plant Replacement . Remove plants selected by the Engineer and replace with plants of the original species,
size, and characteristics or with approved substitutes, if required on the plans. Replace plants that have been damaged or killed due to the actions or negligence of the Contractor at no additional cost to the Department. Replace plants within the next scheduled work period following notification to begin replacement unless otherwise directed. Backfill in conformance with the plans or as directed.
3.3 Watering . Apply water at the designated rate and frequency to plants or planting areas not serviced by an
existing irrigation system. Apply water as directed, adjusting rate and frequency to provide adequate moisture to plant material.
3.4 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.”
3.5 Landscape Treatments. Perform landscape treatments using methods and materials described in the plans.
3.6 Irrigation System Operation and Maintenance. Repair and maintain the system under the supervision of a
person possessing an irrigator’s license issued by TCEQ and provide documentation of this license. Verify and adhere to all local, state, and federal regulations. Coordinate and obtain required backflow preventer testing at no cost to the Department. Operate the system using water provided by the Department unless otherwise shown on the plans. Ensure that all zones are functioning properly and providing adequate moisture to plant material using an approved watering schedule. Winterize the system, when required, to prevent freeze damage in locations where temperatures fall below 32°F . Provide plant irrigation by an approved alternate method at no cost to the Department if the system fails due to the Contractor’s actions or neglect.
Article 4 — Measurement
“Landscape Establishment” will be measured by the month or by the cycle. “Plant Replacement” will be measured by each plant. “Vegetative Watering” will be measured by the 1,000 gal. (TGL) of water as applied. “Landscape Treatments” will be measured by each treatment or by the cycle. “Irrigation System Operation and Maintenance” will be measured by the month.
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 “Landscape Establishment,” “Plant Replacement” of the size specified, “Plant Replacement” of the size and type specified, “Plant Replacement” of the group specified, “Vegetative Watering,” “Landscape Treatment” or “Landscape Treatment” of the type specified, and “Irrigation System Operation and Maintenance.” This price is full compensation for furnishing and operating equipment and for litter removal , mowing, trimming, edging, pruning, fertilizer, herbicide, pesticides, tree trunk protection, plant supports, labor, materials, tools, and incidentals. Plant replacement needed due to Contractor negligence will be at no additional cost to the Department. Costs for utility- owned water line consumption charges will be paid for by the Department. The Department will reimburse the Contractor the amount billed by the utility, and an additional 5% of the invoice cost will be paid for labor, equipment, administrative costs, superintendence, and profit.