SECTION 27 - LANDSCAPING WORK 27.

1 GENERAL Areas for shrub beds shall be lightly loosened by machinery to at least 150mm depth, before planting. All site preparation work shall be completed to the satisfaction of the S.O. and approved before any planting begins. The contractor shall accept the site in its existing state and allow for all excavation, cleaning, grading, cultivation and top soiling necessary to produce finished surfaces as indicated on the drawings to the satisfaction of the S.O. Any existing trees are to be retained and left undisturbed by the clearing operations unless directed by the S.O. All rubbish including timber, metal, glass, plastic, rubber or other undesirable material shall be removed from the site during the clearing operation. 27.1.1 Finished Grading The contractor shall ensure that finished levels of all areas, both cut and fill, are in accordance with the drawings so as to assure free flow of surface water to areas of concentration. 27.1.2 Top Soil The specified top soil shall be spread over the designated areas to the depths as shown on the plans, or as otherwise directed. The depth of the topsoil shall be sufficient to conform with the sections shown after natural settlement has taken place. After settlement and firming, the finished level of the topsoil shall be 18mm above all kerb and footpath levels and all manhole chambers or silt trap covers. After application of topsoil, the topsoil area are to be protected from excessive compaction by unnecessary foot traffic or machinery other than what is necessary for planting or turfing purpose. At the completion of topsoil spreading, the area shall be in condition for planting without any further preparation.

27.1.3

Soil Mixes

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i)

Soil used in planting beds shall compose of the following material: (by volume) 1 part sand 4 parts friable organic soil 2 parts well rotted chicken manure 1 part Rock Phosphate

ii) Soils used in planter user shall compose of the following materials: (by volume) 3 parts friable organic soil 3 parts well rotted chicken manure 1 part Rock Phosphate 1/2 part approved slow release N:P:K: fertilizer iii) Soils used in planter user shall compose of the following materials: (by volume) 2 parts crumbed polystyrene 3 parts well rotted chicken manure 2 parts well rotted chicken manure 1 part Rock Phosphate A 50mm deep drainage layer of an approved lightweigh aggregate shall line the bottom of the contained. The friable organic soil should be black or dark brown in colour, have a low to moderate clay content, have a pH between 6.0 - 7.0 and be easily broken into clots or crumbs but not to dust. The components of the soil run must be evenly and thoroughly mixed together. The soil mixes shall be free from all impurities including chemicals, oils, cement and sticky clays. The soil mix for planting beds shall be free of weed seeds, roots or growth of any kind. On site sterilization of the soil may be directed by the S.O. to rectify problems of weed growth produced by an unsatisfactory soil mix. The cost of such rectification will be deemed to be included in the tendered costs of other related items. 27.2 SETTING OUT The contractor shall be responsible for accurately setting out all the areas to be planted to the satisfaction of the S.O. prior to planting. Any discrepancy in site areas between those shown on the plans and the actual areas on the ground shall be notified to the S.O. so that additions to or deletions from the billed quantities can be agreed.

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27.3 27.3.1

PLANT MATERIALS General All plants shall be true to species and not less than the minimum sizes specified. They shall be healthy i.e. free of any pests, diseases or mechanical damage and should not have any habit of growth other than specified such as lop-side crown, excessively twisted trunk or branches, a weak root system. They shall have been growing in their containers for a minimum period of 3 months. They should not be contained, bound or have been rooted into the ground through the container. Any plants not complying to the above requirements will be considered unacceptable and will be rejected.

27.3.2

Planting Conditions Planting shall not take place in very hot weather conditions or in the hot part of the day which will result in crucial drying of root systems and scorching of leaves. If the weather is dry during planting, hand watering will be required and should be allowed for. The frequency of watering will be agreed between the S.O. and the contractor.

27.3.3

Chemicals No chemicals shall be used on site without the prior approval of the S.O.

27.3.4

Quantities Trees, shrubs and other plants required are as stated. All plants are subject to inspection and approval of the S.O.

27.3.5

Supply Plants shall be supplied by a nominated supplier who shall be responsible for them up until collected by the contractor. Before taking delivery all plants shall be checked by the contractor. No plant is to be accepted which is unhealthy or has not been adequately hardened off. Plants shall be well rooted without any indication of having been restricted or damaged at any time.

27.3.6

Trees Trees shall be grown in containers with a minimum dimensions of 90 x 380mm depth. They shall have a straight main stem, with a diameter of

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between 80mm and 100mm measured at 1, above the soil. The branching head shall be well balanced with an upright dominant shoot. The lowest branches shall not be less than 1000mm above the soil level and the minimum overall height of the tree shall not be less than 1800mm. 27.3.7 Palms Palms shall be grown in containers with minimum dimensions of 300mm width x 380mm depth. They shall have a straight main trunk with a diameter of between 18mm and 70mm when measured at 1m above the ground. The crown shall be well balanced and well furnished with leaves so characteristic of a healthy vigorous palm. The minimum overall height of the palm shall be 1800mm. 27.3.8 Low Shrubs Low shrubs shall be grown in containers with minimum dimensions of 150 x 220mm depth. They shall have one or more strong leading shoot in accordance with the natural growth characteristic of the plant. The leading shoots shall be furnished with vigorous side shoots. The overall height of the shrubs shall be a minimum of 450mm. 27.3.9 Ground Cover Plants Ground cover plants shall be grown in containers with minimum dimensions of 75 x 1790mm. They shall have a minimum of two main stems each with a minimum length of 180mm. 27.4 TRANSPORTATION All plants shall be adequately wrapped and protected to avoid mechanical damage during lifting and transportation. They shall be protected against excessive sunlight and in the case of heavily foliated plants e.g. most shrubs, care shall be taken in packing to prevent over-heating with its resultant loss of foliage. The contractor shall be responsible for the transport of the plant material to the site from the nursery. The contractor shall discuss the method of handling plant material with the nursery. The pits shall be backfilled with approved soil mixture. Immediately after planting all plants shall be thoroughly watered with fresh water to settle soil round the roots. Planting operations are to be suspended if the soil is very wet and waterlogged, or during periods of adverse weather conditions.

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27.5

TREE STAKING Each tree shall be staked with 180 x 50mm hardwood posts at least 300mm high. The contractor shall secure the trees to the stake using expandable budding tape (or cloth) with the first tie 300mm above the ground and two ties spaced at least 300mm apart. The stakes are to be driven down to final level before planting the trees, to avoid damage to the root system.

27.5.1

Shrubs Shrubs shall be staked with stout bamboo canes one per main shoot, depending on species and as directed on site.

27.6

CONSOLIDATION PERIOD This is a period of Total Horticultural Care for six (6) months following practical completion. The following Clauses indicate the minimum requirement of the contractor.

27.6.1

Watering Grass, trees and planting areas shall be watered regularly so as to ensure continuous healthy growth. The minimum acceptable requirement for turn area shall be 50mm of natural rainfall or its applied equivalent or a combination of both during each period of one week during the critical establishment period and dry season and as required for the remainder of the year. The minimum acceptable requirement for shrubs shall be 3 - 18mm of water during each period of one week.

27.6.2

Weeding During the contract period remove by hand rubbish and weed growth that may occur or recur throughout the landscape contract site. This work should be carried out regularly so that at all times the landscape contract development areas may be observed in a completely clean and tidy condition, free from rubbish and weeds. Individual tree positions shall be maintained free of weed growth. Pavements, path and roadways shall be kept clear of soil, grass clippings and any other litter from landscape works at all times during the Consolidation Period.

27.6.3

Stakes & Tiles

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Firming up of plants and tree stakes shall be undertaken as required particularly after heavy rainfall and/or wind. Any damaged branches shall be carefully pruned back and the wounds sealed. 27.6.4 Protection The contractor shall generally protect grassed and planted areas from damage, either malicious, irresponsible or accidental. The contractor shall provide and remove at his own expense temporary fencing where required to protect the newly planted areas until the plants are established. 27.6.5 Replacement The contractor shall remove all plants that are unhealthy or dead. Replacements shall be of a similar size and quality and identical species and variety to the plant which has failed unless otherwise directed, and replaced immediately the plant that is dead, all at the contractor's own expense. The contractor shall not be responsible for replacing dead or damaged plants resulting from proven vandalism or storm. The onus will at all times be on the contractor to prove that dead or damage was so submitted in writing to the S.O. within 3 days of the event happening. 27.7 HORTICULTURE HAND OVER The following procedure will apply:i) The contractor shall provide 7 days written notice of completion of Consolidation period.

ii) Upon completion of the consolidation period the works will be nspected by the S.O. and the Clients' representative who will issue a list of outstanding items. The contractor shall attend this inspection iii) The following standards for plant material will apply:- Trees : Firmly upright (staked if necessary) weed free at base, showing signs of healthy growth and foliage. : Showing healthy growth in weed free beds. : Several mows showing uniform grass covered without need for spot repairs. : In general to the standards shown or complied within the contract.

- Shrubs - Lawns - Works

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Upon satisfactory completion of any outstanding horticultural works, all horticultural responsibilities on the site will be turned over to the proprietor and final monies will be authorised.

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