656PLANTING TREES, SHRUBS, AND VINES

656

6-229SECTIO N 656 – PLANTIN G TREES , SHRUBS , AND VINES

656.0 1 DESCRIPTION . This work shall consist of furnishing, transporting, planting, and transplanting various sizes of trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, and ground cover plants. 656.0 2 MATERIALS . Materials shall meet the requirements of the following subsections: Barrier Fence ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 727.03 Water ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................... 745.01 Landscape Backfill ................................ ................................ ................................ .....755.01 Topsoil ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................... 755.02 Compost ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 755.05 Fertilizer ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 755.06 Mycorrhizal Fungi Product ................................ ................................ ........................ 755.07 Bark Mulch ................................ ................................ ................................ ................ 755.10(c) Plant Materials ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 755.12 Tree Watering Bags ................................ ................................ ................................ ...755.1 3 The sizes of evergreen and deciduous trees shall be as specified in Table 656.02A . TABLE 656.02A – TREE SIZES Size Evergreen Trees Deciduous Trees Small Less than 4 feet tall Less than 1/2 inch caliper Medium 4 feet to less than 6 feet tall 1/2 inch to less than 2 inch caliper Large 6 feet tall or greater 2 inch caliper or greater Live fascines shall consist of bundles 8 feet to 15 feet long and a minimum of 4 inches in diameter. The bundles shall contain cuttings from live stems no greater than 1 inch in diameter. The species used shall be native to Vermont. Live fascines shall be prepared from freshly cut dormant plants. No leaf buds shall have initiated growth beyond 1/4 inch and the cambium layer of each cutting shall be moist, green, and health y. Live stakes shall consist of branch cuttings from freshly cut dormant plants. The species used shall be native to Vermont. Live stakes shall be 1/2 inch to 2 inches in diameter and 3 feet to 4 feet long. No leaf buds shall have initiated growth beyond 1 /4 inch and the cambium layer shall be moist, green, and healthy. The live stakes shall have side branches cleanly removed with the adjacent bark intact. The basal ends shall be cut at an angle for easy insertion into the soil and the top shall be cut squa re.

656

6-230All plant material shall be the size and species specified in the Plans. Substitutions of plant materials will

not be permitted unless authorized in writing by the Engineer , and then only when sufficient evidence is provided that the plant specified cannot be obtained . Plant substitutions shall be either the nearest available size of that variety or a similar variety with comparable form and function. An approved substitute pl ant shall be of a value at least equal to the specified plant for which the substitution is being made . 656.0 3 PLANTIN G SEASON . Unless otherwise specified on the Plans , plantings shall take place between April 1st and October 31st, inclusive . No planting shall be done in frozen ground, when snow covers the ground, or when the soil or weather is determined by the Engineer to be unsatisfactory for planting. 656.0 4 DELIVERY AND INSPECTIO N. Plants transported in open vehicles shall be covered by tarpaulins or other suitable covers securely tied to the body of the vehicle . Closed vehicles shall be adequately ventilated to prevent overheating of the plants. The Engineer will make a preliminary inspection of all plants at the time of delivery on the project . Trees with multiple leaders will be rejected unless otherwise specified in the Contract . Trees with damaged or crooked leaders, broken terminal growth, bark abrasions, sun scald, disfiguring knots or other objectionable disfigurements , insect damage, disease, dead or dry wood, or cuts of limbs over 3/4 inch in diameter that are not completely closed will be rejected . Container grown plants that have stem girdling roots will be rejected . Balled and burlapped trees and shrubs with excessive soil on top of the root flare and an otherwise minimal root ball will be rejected. Thin, weak plants shall not be acceptable. Plant materials shall display the appearance of normal health and vigor. The Engineer shall perform an inspection at the time of planting. Plants rejected by the Engineer at this inspection shall not be planted. 656.0 5 PROTECTIO N AND TEMPORAR Y STORAGE . The Contractor shall keep all plant material moist and protected from drying out. Temporary storage shall be limited to 45 calen dar days from the time of delivery. Plants shall be protected when in transit, in temporary storage, and on the project site awaiting planting. The Contractor shall exercise the utmost care in loading, unloading, and handling of plants to prevent injuries to the branches or to the roots of the plants. The solidity of balled and burlapped plants shall be carefully preserved.

656

6-231Plants which are not scheduled for planting within 48 hours shall be kept in a moist condition and protected

adequately by coverin g the roots with topsoil, wood chips, or other suitable material until removed for planting. Failure to manage the storage of plant material as specified herein may be cause for rejection. 656.0 6 LAYOUT . Plant material locations and bed outlines shall be staked by the Contractor and approved by the Engineer. 656.0 7 EXCAVATION . Prior to performing excavation for plant pits and beds, the area shall conf orm to the lines and grades shown on the Plans. All sod, weeds, roots, and other objectionable material unsuitable for backfill shall be removed from the site and disposed of by the Contractor in a manner satisfactory to the Engineer. Bare root, non -contai nerized seedlings, or transplants may be planted in the existing soil. The size of planting pits shall be as shown in the Contract . The Contractor shall restore all areas disturbed by the planting operations at no cost to the Agency . 656.0 8 SETTIN G PLANTS . Plants shall be set at the locations shown on the Plans and in accordance with the Contract . All plants shall be moved with the root ball intact, using mechanical methods if needed. If the root ball has been badly cracked or broken, the plant shall be re jected for use.

the minimum number of waterings during the establishment period shall be twice weekly. At each watering, the soil around the plant shall be thoroughly saturated . The time interval between waterings may be increased or decreased by the Engineer to maintain adequate moisture levels. Trees shall receive a minimum of 10 gallons at each watering, shrubs a minimum of 5 gallons and vines and plants a minimum of 3 gallons. Natural rainfall will not be considered watering unless otherwise approved by the Engineer. Tree watering bags may be u sed at the discretion of the Contractor. The installation and maintenance of the bags shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The bags shall be removed by the Contractor after fi nal inspection . Replacement of watering bags during the establishment period shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. The Contractor shall provide to the Engineer a weekly log to account for the frequency and amount of watering during the establishme nt period. When natural rainfall replaces a watering it shall be noted in the log as measured on site or as measured by the National Weather Service.

656 6-232 (b) Pruning . All broken, injured, or damaged branches shall be pruned before or immediately after planting in accordance with the VTrans Technical Landscape Manual .

not be used. The same type of material shall be used in all areas to provide visual uniformity.

The antidesiccant spray used shall be approved by the Engi neer. Antidesiccant spray shall be applied per the manufacturer’s recommendations unless otherwise specified in the Contract.

discretion of the Contractor. F ertilizer and mycorrhizal fungi shall be applied per the manufacturer’s recommendations unless otherwise specified in the Contract .

approve the type of rodent guard . If used, rodent guards shall be removed prior to acceptance of the project . 656.0 9 ESTABLISHMEN T AND MAINTENANCE . The Contractor shall actively maintain the plants after planting. All mulched areas shall be kept weeded, neat, and maintained to the original layout lines. Saucers shall be maintained in accordance with the Contract until acceptance. If the Contractor feels that spraying of the plant materials and mulched areas is necessary to prevent damage from insects or plant diseases, the material , application rate, number of applications, and any other data pertinent to the spraying shall be submitted to the Engineer for approval. The submittal shall also include a letter from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture , Food , and Markets approving th e spraying. Approximately four to six months following planting, the Engineer and Contractor shall inspect the plantings . Any dead, dying, or damaged plantings shall be replaced by the Contractor . Any replacement plantings shall be completed no more than 30 calendar days after inspection or as directed by the Engineer. This cycle shall continue until a 90% survival rate has been achieved to the satisfaction of the Engineer. For live stakes and tubelings, following the initial inspection period, if the survival rate is less than 50%, the Contractor shall replace dead, dying, or damaged plantings in sufficient quantities to achieve 50% overall survival at the time of completion and acceptance of the project.

656 6-233 656.1 0 TRANSPLANTING . Transplanting shall be done in accordance with the requirements of Subsection 656.08 or as ordered by the Engineer. Transplanted plant materials shall be maintained during establishment in accordance with the requirements of Subsection 656.09 , except that on projects where o nly transplanting of existing plant materials is performed, the establishment period shall end on the Contract acceptance date. 656.1 1 TREE PROTECTION . The purpose of this item is to prevent damage to branches, stems, and root systems of existing individual trees to remain, and to ensure their survival . Provisions under this item include steps to minimize soil and root disturbance and to construct prote ction measures for trees close to construction areas. Prior to any earth disturbance, t he Contractor shall install barrier fence to the drip line of existing trees or shrubs marked either “ save” or “ protect” or shown with a tree protection zone (TPZ) on th e Plans . For trees with small, suppressed, or asymmetric crowns;; or leaning trunks; or those with

irregular rooting areas, the tree protection zone may be calculated from the trunk diameter in accordance

with ANSI A300 standards, or as directed by the Engineer. Barrier fence shall not be removed until the

final project inspection.

There shall be no activity within the TPZ or the drip line of the tree except watering or installation of

erosion prevention or sediment control measures where required. Only hand digging will be allowed

within the TPZ when necessary. Manually spread wood chip mulch with a depth of 6 inches to 12 inches

shall be used in accordance with ANSI A300 standards for temporary tree protection when work must occur

within the TPZ during construction. The Contractor shall avoid making root cuts during hot, dry weather.

All tree protection shall be performed in accordance with the VTrans Technical Landscape Manual. The

Engineer shall approve proposed tree protection methods and the schedule of work.

The following protection procedure shall apply when excavation is to be performed near trees or shrubs

labeled “save” or “protect” or shown with a TPZ on the Plans:

to construction, tree limbs of trees identified for protection and any other trees identified by the

Engineer shall be pruned in accordance with the requirements of Subsection 656.08(b).

roots. Exposed tree roots shall be protected by a double layer of dampened burlap at all times until

they can be covered with soil, at which time the dampened burlap shall be removed.

trees at a minimum of 2-1/2 gallons per week per 1 inch caliper or as directed by the Engineer.

The Contractor shall provide a log to document watering and natural rainfall to the Engineer.

656

If a tree is damaged due to the Contractor’s negligence and the damage is determined to be non-repairable

by the Engineer, the Contractor shall replace it at no additional cost to the Agency with a tree of equal

value, or submit an alternative mitigation plan for review and acceptance by the Engineer. The value of

the tree shall be determined by an arborist who has been certified by the International Society of

Arboriculture. Replacement plantings shall be installed as specified herein.

656.12METHOD OF MEASUREMENT. The quantity of Live Fascines to be measured for payment will

be the number of linear feet used in the complete and accepted work.

The quantity of Live Stakes; Tubelings; Evergreen Trees, Small; Evergreen Trees, Medium; Evergreen

Trees, Large; Evergreen Shrubs; Deciduous Trees, Small; Deciduous Trees, Medium; Deciduous Trees,

Large; Deciduous Shrubs; Ground Covers and Vines; Perennials; Transplanting Trees; and Transplanting

Shrubs, to be measured for payment will be the number of each of the specified types and sizes furnished

and planted or transplanted in the complete and accepted work. Only living plants in healthy condition at

the completion of the establishment and maintenance period, as defined in Subsection 656.09, will be

accepted.

The quantity of Transplanting Ground Cover to be measured for payment will be the number of square

yards of the specified types and sizes transplanted in the complete and accepted work. Only living plants

in healthy condition at the completion of establishment and maintenance period, as defined in Subsection

656.09, will be accepted

The quantity of Landscape Watering to be measured for payment will be the number of thousand gallons

meeting the approval of the Engineer for measuring the quantity of water applied.

The quantity of Landscape Backfill, Truck Measurement to be measured for payment will be the number

of cubic yards used in the complete and accepted work, as determined by vehicle loads using three-

dimensional measurement. All loads designated shall be leveled at the point of delivery when directed by

the Engineer. A load ticket shall be furnished to the Engineer with each load delivered to the job site.

The quantity of Tree Protection to be measured for payment will be on a lump sum basis for the complete

and accepted work.

656.13BASIS OF PAYMENT. The accepted quantity of Live Fascines will be paid for at the Contract unit

price per linear foot.

The accepted quantity of Live Stakes; Tubelings; Evergreen Trees, Small; Evergreen Trees, Medium;

Evergreen Trees, Large; Evergreen Shrubs; Deciduous Trees, Small; Deciduous Trees, Medium;

Deciduous Trees, Large; Deciduous Shrubs; Ground Covers and Vines; Perennials; Transplanting Trees;

and Transplanting Shrubs will be paid for at the Contract unit price for each for the specified types, sizes,

and kinds.

656

The accepted quantity of Transplanting Ground Cover will be paid for at the Contract unit price per square

yard.

All seedlings, trees, shrubs, ground covers and vines, and perennials that have died, failed to grow, or

otherwise have proven unsatisfactory to the Engineer during the establishment period shall be replaced

with healthy stock of the same type or approved substitute at the Contractor’s expense.

Payment for these items will be full compensation for testing, furnishing, transporting, handling, and

placing plants, fertilizer, mycorrhizal fungi, mulch, wire rodent guards, and all incidental materials; for

excavation, pruning, guying, staking, mulching, water basin formation, cleanup, restoration, and plant

maintenance establishment work and care, including replacement; and for furnishing all labor, tools,

equipment, and incidentals necessary to complete the work. Weed separator fabric, water bags, or any

other item necessary to complete the work will be considered incidental to the appropriate Contract items.

Partial payments for these items will be made as follows:

and maintenance period, as defined in Subsection 656.09.

The accepted quantity of Landscape Watering will be paid for at the Contract unit price per thousand

gallons (MGAL). When the Landscape Watering item is not specified as a separate pay item in the

Contract, water applied during the plant establishment period will not be paid for directly but will be

considered incidental to the other Section 656 items in the Contract. Water bags, when specified in the

Contract, will not be paid for directly but will be considered incidental to Landscape Watering.

The accepted quantity of Landscape Backfill, Truck Measurement will be paid for at the Contract unit

price per cubic yard. Payment will be full compensation for furnishing, mixing, testing, transporting, and

placing the material specified and for furnishing all labor, tools, equipment, and incidentals necessary to

complete the work.

The accepted quantity of Tree Protection will be paid for at the Contract lump sum price. Payment will be

full compensation for all tree protection measures including barrier fence, branch and root pruning,

watering, and all incidentals necessary to complete the work.

The project will not be accepted until all dead, dying, or poorly-growing plants have been replaced to the

satisfaction of the Engineer.

656

Payment will be made under:

Pay Item Pay Unit

656.1000 Live Fascines ................................................................................................... Linear Foot

656.1100 Live Stakes ...................................................................................................... Each

00 Tubelings ......................................................................................................... Each

656.2001 Evergreen Trees, Small .............................................................................Each

02 Evergreen Trees, Medium .........................................................................Each

03 Evergreen Trees, Large .............................................................................Each

656.2500 Evergreen Shrubs ......................................................................................Each

656.3001 Deciduous Trees, Small ............................................................................Each

02 Deciduous Trees, Medium ........................................................................Each

03 Deciduous Trees, Large ............................................................................Each

656.3500 Deciduous Shrubs .....................................................................................Each

656.4000 Ground Covers and Vines .........................................................................Each

656.4100 Perennials ..................................................................................................Each

656.4500 Transplanting Trees ..................................................................................Each

656.5000 Transplanting Shrubs ................................................................................Each

656.5500 Transplanting Ground Cover ....................................................................Square Yard

656.6500 Landscape Watering..................................................................................MGAL

656.8000 Landscape Backfill, Truck Measurement .................................................Cubic Yard

656.8500 Tree Protection ..........................................................................................Lump Sum

662

6-237SECTION 662 – RAILROAD TRACK CONSTRUCTION

662.01DESCRIPTION . This work shall consist of constructing new ballasted track with jointed or

continuous welded rail (CWR); removing and replacing rail; removing and resetting track; removing and replacing ties; raising, aligning, and surfacing track; removing track; instal ling other track material ( OTM ) such as tie plates, anchors, and spikes as required; and de -stressing rail as required in accordance with the CWR program of the Operating Railroad.

662.02MATERIALS . Materials shall meet the requirements of the followings ubsections:

Aggregate for Railroad Ballast ................................ ................................ .................. 704.03 Railroad Ties ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 709.04 Rail ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................. 715.0 6 Other Track Material (OTM) ................................ ................................ ..................... 715.0 8

662.03SUBMITTALS

review and approval by the Engineer . Submittals shall meet the requirements of Subsection 105.0 6.

the source of the material. Information to be provided on rail shall include the rail weight, rail section, rail wear, drilling pattern, typical rail length, date rolled, and the name of the mill where the rail was rolled.

Section 3.12 .

are incorporated into the work.

vibration and the type of mechanical vibratory equipment to be used.