LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SCOPE OF WORK GUIDELINES FOR CONSULTANTS

(Standard Language for Landscape Services for County Road Projects – Modify as needed)

?.	landscape maintenance services

Perform landscape maintenance service which includes but is not limited to: weed removal, mowing, trimming, applying fertilizer, plant and ground cover replacement, irrigation and sprinkler repair, litter clean up and other services necessary to properly maintain the landscaping. CONSULTANT shall provide a look of mature, vigor and healthy vegetation with a professionally manicured appearance that enhances the surrounding areas and adjacent properties.

CONSULTANT shall provide and/or perform, but not be limited to, the following basic services (Tasks)

A.	General Maintenance

1.	As needed, complete policing (litter pick-up) of all maintenance areas, including landscaping and shrub areas.

2.	CONSULTANT shall be responsible for collection and disposal of all waste material, this includes cleaning sidewalks, curbs and gutters of trimming litter and weeds.

3.	In the event of a wind storm or other severe weather event, CONSULTANT shall do a complete review of all maintenance areas within 24 hours following the storm, providing policing (litter pick-up) as necessary.

B.	Turf Maintenance

1.	Frequency and height of mowing will depend on current weather and growing conditions.

2.	Edging along sidewalk and curbs shall be performed with each mowing. Lawns bordering ground cover areas shall be edged to prevent grasses from spreading into ground cover areas.

3.	Turf shall be edged around all sprinklers and other objects, as necessary, to allow proper functioning and prevent damage.

C.	Ground Cover Maintenance

1.	Ground covers shall be kept within designated areas.

2.	Ground covers shall be prevented from invading shrubs or climbing trees.

D.	Shrub Maintenance

1.	Shrub plant material shall be manicured regularly to contain their size in respect to species, size or planter or relative to surroundings, and to the best health of the plant. Balling, boxing and formal shaping shall be avoided.

2.	Prune trees to select and develop permanent scaffold branches that are smaller in diameter than the trunk or branch to which they are attached; eliminate diseased or damaged growth and narrow v-shaped branch forks that lack strength; to reduce toppling and wind damage by thinning out crowns; to maintain growth within space limitations; to maintain a natural appearance; and to balance crown with roots.

3.	Evergreen trees shall be thinned out and shaped when necessary to prevent wind and storm damage. The primary pruning of deciduous trees shall be done during the dormant season. Damaged trees or those that constitute health and safety hazards shall be pruned at any time of the year as required.

4.	Pruning shall promote structural strength and accentuate the plant's natural forms and features within the limitation of space.

5.	Remove stakes and guys as soon as they are no longer needed. Stakes and guys are to be inspected and adjusted to prevent girdling of trunks or branches and to prevent rubbing that causes bark wounds. Notify the Transportation Department 24 hours prior to removal of stakes and guys.

E.	Irrigation

1.	CONSULTANT shall, on a weekly basis, inspect, clean and repair, as required, all irrigation heads for full coverage and adjustments. Adjust heads as necessary apply water in accordance with plant requirements, based on weather and soil conditions, and to minimize overspray on sidewalks or other unlandscaped areas. Lateral lines shall be flushed out after removing the last irrigation head or two at each end of the lateral.

2.	Repair of damages to irrigation system (not caused by the CONSULTANT) will be charged as extra work. In either case, all repairs shall be made within one watering period. Failure to replace damaged system parts, as directed by COUNTY, in a timely fashion and which results in plant die off will be the responsibility of the CONSULTANT.

3.	Power shall be supplied by the COUNTY.

4.	CONSULTANT shall be responsible for all water charges. CONSULTANT will receive and pay water invoices.

F.	Water Management

1.	All systems shall be programmed weekly and as needed to maintain healthy turf and plant material.

2.	All programs, including changes, shall be recorded on a Irrigation Management Form and shall be submitted to the COUNTY when changes occur.

3.	Controller program is to be sufficient to keep the landscape healthy without excessive water use.

4.	Controller programs shall maximize penetration of the root zone and eliminate runoff onto streets, sidewalks and other non-target areas.

5.	Controller programs shall provide sufficient time for soil to dry out between irrigation.

6.	Irrigation systems shall be turned off on windy and rainy days.

G.	Weed Control, Pest Control And Fertilization

1.	All planted areas, areas around shrubs and trees, next to buildings, fences, sidewalks and curbs shall be kept essentially free of weeds. Weeds shall be controlled preferably with pre-emergent herbicides but also with selective systemic herbicides as recommended by a licensed pest control/herbicide advisor. Hoe weeds as little as possible, since this may result in plant damage. It will be considered unsatisfactory to allow weeds to grow unabated for more than 1 week.

2.	CONSULTANT shall take reasonable steps necessary to maintain landscape areas essentially free of harmful horticultural insects and disease infestations that customarily occur in the vicinity of the project and as preventable by application of available chemical or cultural practices.

3.	Plant material shall be fertilized according to their individual needs to maintain good health, vigor and color throughout the year.

4.	All materials used in the Landscaping & Lighting Maintenance Districts shall comply with local, state and federal laws.

5.	Application of all materials should be carefully timed to promote positive results and promote safety.

6.	The cost of chemicals and their applications is the responsibility of the LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE CONTRACTOR.

H.	Guarantee and/or Plant Replacement

All new plant material and irrigation installed shall be guaranteed for a period of one (1) calendar year except due to "Acts of God," i.e., damage or death of plant material due to wind or storm, or vandalism, theft, or other willful acts over which the CONTRACTOR has no control. Existing plants shall be replaced by CONSULTANT if they die due to CONSULTANT's negligence.