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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 anyplanting 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 naturalsettlement 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 manure1 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 easilybroken 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 PLANT MATERIALS

27.3.1 General

All plants shall be true to species and not less than the minimum sizesspecified. 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 water-

logged, 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 bedriven 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 dryseason 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 ofConsolidation 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.

- Shrubs : Showing healthy growth in weed free beds.

- Lawns : Several mows showing uniform grass covered

without need for spot repairs.

- Works : In general to the standards shown or complied

within the contract.

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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.