2610.01 DESCRIPTION.
This work consists of furnishing and installing plants and planting material of the type, class, species, grade, and size specified in the contract documents.

2610.02 MATERIAL.
The Contractor shall furnish plants and planting materials for installation and incidental materials required for proper placement meeting the requirements of Section 4170. Substitutions will be permitted only according to Article 4170.02, F.

2610.03 CONSTRUCTION.

A. Handling and Temporary Storage.
During handling at point of delivery and in transportation from temporary storage, all plants shall be maintained in good condition. All roots shall be protected by moist straw, moss, or other suitable material. All plants shall be further protected with a tarpaulin when being transported in an open vehicle.

B. Location of Plantings.
The Engineer will stake the location of planting of each type of material specified. Locations of trees will be staked individually before excavation for planting. The outline and number of plants for shrub beds will be indicated without staking the location of individual plants. Plants shall not be set in rows or straight lines unless required.

C. Pruning.
Pruning shall be completed prior to wrapping.

All pruning shall be done to retain the natural shape of the plant. Plants shall not be topped unless removing dead or damaged material. Broken and damaged branches shall be pruned back to the closest outward growing bud on healthy sound wood. Rubbing branches and suckers shall be removed. In no case shall stubs be left. The Contractor shall remove all debris from the right-of-way, resulting from pruning, in accordance with Article 1104.08.

1. Deciduous Trees.
All branches, broken, damaged, or otherwise defective, as well as all branches which may not develop properly, shall be removed. Narrow crotches or competing leaders shall also be eliminated.

Trees shall be pruned to develop an upright leader which will best promote the symmetry of the tree. Flowering or specimen trees shall be pruned to develop their natural form.

2. Evergreen Trees and Shrubs.
The Contractor shall remove all dead and broken branches.

3. Deciduous Shrubs.
The Contractor shall remove all dead or irregular branches.

4. Vines and Ground Cover.
The Contractor shall remove broken, damaged, or dead portions from vines and ground cover plants.

D. Wrapping.
Wrapping shall be completed in the Fall prior to the final watering in the year the plant is planted.

All deciduous trees except Hawthorn, Russian Olive, and other multi-stemmed varieties shall be wrapped from the ground line up to and including the crotch formed by the first major branch. Wrapping shall be self tied or secured with paper tape.

All identification ties and tags on plant material shall be removed at the end of the contract period.

E. Planting.
Spring planting dates for evergreens are between March 1 and April 30 and for deciduous plants are between March 1 and May 15. Fall planting dates for evergreens are between September 1 and September 30 and for deciduous plants are between October 1 and November 30. Any plantings not completed by the completion date specified in the contract documents shall be completed during the next planting period, unless otherwise directed by the Engineer.

Plant materials shall be planted in accordance with the following:

1. Area Preparation and Excavation of Planting Wells.
Prior to excavation, the entire area to be mulched shall be tilled with a rotary tiller or other method approved by the Engineer.

Unless otherwise shown in the contract documents, the excavation shall be according to the following table:

ENGLISH UNITS
Type of plant material	Diameter	Excavation depth
Bare root trees: Less than 1/2 in. 1/2 in. to 1 3/4 in. 1 3/4 in to 3 in. 3 in. to 4 in. 4 in. to 6 in. 6 in. and over	Root spread +12 in. 3 ft. 4 ft. 5 ft. 6 ft. As specified	1 1/2 ft. 2 ft. 2 ft. 3 ft. 3 ft. As specified
B & B trees & shrubs Shrubs Dwarf shrubs, vines, & ground cover Container grown Seedlings*	Ball dia. + 16 in. 24 in. Root spread +12 in. Cont. dia. + 16 in. Root spread +12 in.	Ball ht. + 8 in. 18 in. 18 in. Cont. ht. + 8 in. 12 in.
* Does not apply if a seedling planter is used.

METRIC UNITS
Type of plant material	Diameter	Excavation depth
Bare root trees: Less than 15 mm 15 mm to 45 mm 45 mm to 80 mm 80 mm to 100 mm 100 mm to 150 mm 150 mm and over	Root spread +0.3 m 1.0 m 1.3 m 1.5 m 2.0 m As specified	0.5 m 0.6 m 0.6 m 1.0 m 1.0 m As specified
B & B trees & shrubs Shrubs Dwarf shrubs, vines, & ground cover Container grown Seedlings*	Ball dia. + 0.4 m 0.6 m Root spread +0.3 m Cont. dia. + 0.4 m Root spread + 0.3 m	Ball ht. + 0.2 m 0.45 m 0.45 m Cont. ht. + 0.2 m 0.3 m
* Does not apply if a seedling planter is used.

On slopes, depth shall be measured at the low point on outer edge of the planting well.

During excavation, the soil in the bottom of the planting well shall be further loosened a depth of 6 inches (150 mm). If an auger is used to excavate the planting well, the compacted, smooth surface on the sides of the well shall be removed with a spade or other approved method.

If the excavation is in an impervious soil, the planting may be relocated with approval of the Engineer.

For seedlings, a seedling planter may be used.

2. Backfill and Fertilizer.
Backfill material for plantings shall be from soil salvaged from the excavation of the planting well. All backfill shall have a uniform appearance and shall be loose, friable, and free of hard clods and rock 2 inches (50 mm) in diameter or larger.

Fertilization for initial plantings and first year replacements shall be 1 1/2 pounds (0.7 kg) per tree and 1/4 pound (0.1 kg) per shrub, seedling or vine of 0-46-0 fertilizer thoroughly mixed with the backfill material.

Prior to the final watering, fertilizer shall be spread uniformly over the mulched area of each plant at the following rate: 1 pound (0.5 kg) per tree and 1/4 pound (0.1 kg) per shrub, seedling or vine of 20-10-10 chemically combined commercial fertilizer.

3. Backfilling Bare Root Plant Material.
Prior to planting, all broken or cut roots shall be pruned back to sound wood with a clean cut. Prune approximately 1/2 inch (15 mm) off all roots 1/2 inch (15 mm) diameter and larger.

The plant shall be placed at the same grade line as it grew in the nursery. Backfill may be firmed by tamping, but vigorous tamping will not be permitted.

Care shall be exercised during backfilling to avoid damage to the roots.

At this point, the plant shall be watered as specified in F of this article.

4. Backfilling Balled and Burlapped Plant Material.
Before placing the plant, the backfill shall be placed and tightly firmed until the planting well is deep enough to set the top of the ball at the existing grade line. The plant shall be placed and backfill firmly packed around the base of the ball to hold the plant in an upright position.

Soil in the plant ball shall be moist at the time of planting. At this point, any wire, twine, burlap, etc. tied or wrapped around the stem of the plant shall be removed. After placement, the upper half of any wire mesh shall be removed and the remaining mesh shall be cut and folded into the bottom of the well. Burlap shall be pushed from the top and sides of the ball to the bottom of the planting well and backfilling shall continue to the finished grade line. After placement, the sides of all wooden baskets shall be removed. All of these processes shall be completed with minimum disturbance of the soil ball.

At this point, the plant shall be watered as specified in Paragraph E, 6 of this article.

5. Backfilling Container Grown Plant Material.
All container plants shall be thoroughly watered the day prior to planting.

Before placing the plant, the backfill shall be firmed until the planting well is deep enough to allow the top of the soil in the container to match the existing grade line. Carefully remove the plant from the container and place the plant in the planting well with minimum disturbance to the soil ball. Firmly pack the backfill around the base of the roots to hold the plant in an upright position. Backfilling shall continue to the finished grade line.

Plants shall be carefully removed from all containers (plantable and non-plantable) in a manner that does not disturb the potted soil or the roots.

6. Watering and Final Shaping.
Plants shall be watered initially within 4 hours of planting unless otherwise directed by the Engineer. The initial watering shall be done by inserting a pipe to the bottom of the planting well and filling the well with water. At all times, watering shall be done at an extremely low pressure to prevent washing. The Contractor shall reposition the plant as necessary to allow proper planting depth. Care shall be taken to minimize root damage. At this time, additional backfill may be required to compensate for any settlement. The final backfill of the planting shall be shaped to form a 2 inch (50 mm) deep basin at the base of the plant. After allowing the water to drain into the soil, the above procedure is repeated until the required amount of water necessary to thoroughly soak the backfill with no further settlement has been applied.

Subsequent waterings shall be as follows:

a. Fill each plant basin completely and allow the water to drain into the soil.

b. Refill the plant basin with water. This process shall be repeated until the required amount of water has been applied.

c. Penetration of the backfill with a pipe or other means will not be allowed. Water pressure shall be adjusted to not damage the plant or displace soil or mulch.

Watering schedule is as follows:

Initial Watering Second Watering Third Watering Fourth and subsequent Waterings	- within 4 hours of planting. - 7 calendar days after the initial watering. - 14 calendar days after the second watering. - 21 calendar days apart until November 1.
Second Growing Season (As applicable): Plants shall be watered monthly from May through November.

All replacements shall receive the first three waterings as listed above and then shall be watered monthly with the rest of the project.

The Contractor shall notify the Engineer prior to watering. Deviation from the watering schedule may be allowed on a specific request from the Contractor and concurrence from the Engineer. Weather and soil conditions resulting in adequate water available to the plant at the time of a scheduled watering may delay, delete, or reduce that watering as directed by the Engineer. Additional watering may be directed by the Engineer when dry soil conditions exist.

F. Staking and Guying.
Staking shall be completed by the end of each day for all plant material planted during the day, unless otherwise approved by the Engineer. All deciduous trees 1 inch to 2 1/2 inches (25 mm to 60 mm) in diameter and all upright evergreens from 4 feet to 8 feet (1.2 m to 2.5 m) in height shall be staked with two stakes placed on opposite sides of the tree. One of the stakes shall be placed on the southwest side of the tree or as directed by the Engineer. The stakes shall extend to approximately 50% of the height of the tree or a maximum of 7 feet (2 m) from the ground after being driven until firm. The stakes shall be driven parallel to the trunk of the tree and in unexcavated soil.

All upright evergreens and all deciduous trees 1 inch to 2 1/2 inches (25 mm to 60 mm) in diameter, except multi-stemmed varieties of Hawthorn, Amur Maple, Serviceberry, and Russian Olive, shall be firmly tied between the two stakes with ties approved by the Engineer. Ties shall be fastened to the stakes 6 inches (150 mm) from the top.

All deciduous trees over 2 1/2 inches (60 mm) in diameter and all evergreens over 8 feet (2.5 m) in height shall be guyed with three guys equally spaced about the perimeter of the tree. Guys shall be attached to the tree at a point approximately one-half to two-thirds of the distance from the ground to the top by means of a collar encased with material specified in Article 4170.09, D. They shall be firmly attached to anchors embedded in the ground.

The anchor sizes shall be as follows:

Tree Diameter	Anchor Shank		Anchor Minimum Disk Diameter
Min. Dia.	Min. Length
2 1/2 to 4 in. (60 to 100 mm) over 4 in. (over 100 mm)	1/2 in. (13 mm) 3/4 in. (20 mm)	24 in. (0.6 m) 36 in. (1.0 m)	4 in. (100 mm) 5 in. (125 mm)

The anchors shall be placed a distance from the trunk of the tree approximately 50% the distance from the ground to the point where the collar is attached. The Contractor shall use anchors specified in the contract documents or approved equal.

One 5 foot (1.5 m) witness stake shall be driven, until firm, approximately 1 foot (0.3 m) from the trunk of each tree not specified to be tied or guyed. At shrub groups, a 5 foot (1.5 m) stake shall be driven, until firm, 2 feet (0.6 m) outside the outermost shrubs at a frequency that defines the shape of the area. On living snow fence and seedlings, one stake shall be placed 2 feet (0.6 m) outside every tenth shrub or seedling along sides exposed to areas being mowed.

Staking and guying material shall be as specified in Article 4170.09, D.

G. Mulching.
Mulching for plant material shall consist of furnishing and placing material as specified around trees, shrubs, vines, and seedlings in accordance with the contract documents. Mulch shall be installed around the plant material within 4 calendar days after planting. An area 6 feet by 6 feet (1.8 mm by 1.8 mm) around all trees, the entire area of shrub groups including 2 feet (0.6 m) outside the outermost shrubs, and a 9 inch (225 mm) radius around seedlings shall be cleared of all foreign material and vegetation and shall be mulched. A temporary 6 foot x 6 foot x 4 inch (1.8 m x 1.8 m x 100 mm) form shall be used to facilitate placement of the mulch around the trees.

All mulch displaced or disturbed by the Contractor during the contract period shall be repaired at the Contractor's expense.

H. Cleanup.
The Contractor shall remove all excess soil and rocks from excavations in accordance with Article 1104.08, as directed by the Engineer. All packing materials, burlap, brush, limbs and other trimmings shall be removed by the Contractor in accordance with Article 1104.08. Disturbed areas shall be prepared and seeded as specified in Article 2601.04.

All cleanup work will be considered incidental to construction work, and no extra compensation will be allowed.

I. Plant Establishment Period and Replacement.
The establishment period of one or two growing seasons as specified in the contract documents shall begin at the time the last plant is planted and all incidental work related to the plantings is complete. If an establishment period is not specified in the contract documents, the establishment period shall be 1 year.

The Contractor shall, during the period of the contract, properly care for all plants, doing watering, weeding, spraying with insecticides, cultivating, adjusting stakes, wraps, and ties, and other work which is necessary to keep the plants in a live, healthy, and growing condition. All plants shall be watered as specified or as directed by the Engineer. The entire mulched area shall be free of vegetation. Vegetation in the mulch may be removed by pulling or cutting at ground level. Vegetation in the 2 foot (0.6 m) area adjacent to the mulch shall be maintained between 6 inches to 9 inches (150 mm to 225 mm) in height. All plants damaged due to Contractor's carelessness shall be replaced at the Contractor's expense.

Pesticide use for competing vegetation, insect, or disease control shall be approved by the Engineer prior to application. All pesticide use shall be in accordance with product label directions and current state laws and regulations.

All plants, except seedlings, that are not in a live, healthy, growing condition at the end of each growing season shall be replaced by the Contractor. Replacement plants shall be installed during the planting periods mentioned in Article 2610.03, E. If the contract is for one growing season, replacement plants shall be planted in the fall of that year.

If the contract is for two growing seasons, replacement plants for the first growing season shall be planted the following spring. Replacement plants for the second growing season shall be planted in the fall of that year.

Evergreens will be checked at approximately August 15 and deciduous plants will be checked at approximately September 1. The Engineer will furnish a replacement list.

Replacement plants shall be of the variety and size originally specified, and shall be installed as specified in Article 2610.03, E, including fertilizing and watering. The original mulch may be reused for replacement plants. An additional care period will not be required for second year replacement plants.