588 watering shall be started within 48 hours with sufficient labor and equipmen t to completely water all the plants within a two -week period unless otherwise directed by the Engineer. Other maintenance required during the contract period shall include:
i.The control of weed and grass growth, by destroying the top growth as well a s roots, in plant beds and individual plant saucers. ii. Protect plants from damage by insects and diseases. iii. Repair rain collars and replace any lost mulch. iv. Maintain stakes and guys supporting trees, and any other practices necessary to maintai n the plants in a healthy, living condition.
654.14.2 Replacement of Plants: The Contractor and the Engineer will make an
inspection of the plantings between September 1 and 10 following the initial planting period, to determine the number of dead, mis sing or defective plants, for which replacement will be required. During this fall replacement period, September 15 through November 30, all maintenance including stake and wire tightening, mulch replacement, rain collar repair, pruning or trimming, trunk wrapping, and removal of any wire tags shall be accomplished. The replacement plants shall be planted in the same manner as the original plants with necessary backfill and mulch added to accomplish the job. The fertilizer shall be added in the hole prior to replacing the plant. However, when a plant has been lost due to poor drainage or other adverse soil condition, the replacement shall be planted at a more acceptable location, and the old site shall be restored to its original conditio n. All replanting and maintenance shall be completed by November 30 for final acceptance of the Contract by December 15.
654.15 Method of Measurement :
The quantity of plants to be paid for wi ll be the number of living trees or shrubs planted in accordance with these Specifications and accepted. Only living plants in healthy condition at the time of final inspection will be accepted. Progress payment for the initial planting of trees and shru bs will be based on the premised that 90 percent (90%) of the work has been completed when the plants have been completely planted. The remaining 10 percent (10%) withheld will be considered for maintenance, plant replacement, and for any delayed mulching when authorized by the Engineer. Retainage, from the amount determined as above, will be in accordance with subsection 109.6. The final acceptance and payment fo r any particular plant will be made after completing proper care and replacement as described in subsection 654.14. Water for maintenance during the period of establishment will be measured by the gallon, expressed in thousand -gallon units.
654.16 Basis of Payment :
The number of plants, determined as provided above, will be paid for at the contract unit prices bid for the items listed below, which prices and payments will constitute full compensatio n for furnishing and delivering plants and all incidental materials including water required during the process of planting, topsoil, mulch, fertilizer, ground agricultural limestone, and additives; for planting, staking, pruning and for performing all the work prescribed in a workmanlike and acceptable manner, including all labor, equipment, tools, and incidentals necessary to complete the work.
Source: West Virginia Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, 2023 Edition. Pages 608–608 of 1,006.