661 Planting Trees, Shrubs, and Vines

Description (661.01)

Labeling (661.03)

Plant Inspection Guidelines (661.04)

Period of Establishment (661.17)

 

Description (661.01)

This item of work involves furnishing plantings (trees, shrubs, vines and other materials) and planting them according to the plan details, these specification requirements and applicable Standard Construction Drawings.

 

Labeling (661.03)

All plantings delivered to the project must have legible labels indicating detailed information of the botanical genus and species name, the common name, the size or age of each plant variety.  The labeling must state the quantity in the individual bundles, boxes and bales.  These labels must be removed before the completion of the establishment period.

 

Plant Inspection Guidelines (661.04)

General Appearance

The general appearance of a plant is the quickest way to judge its health and vigor. Be sure that the plant:

·         is healthy, typical of their species or variety and have a normal growth habit

·         meets the minimum dimensions given in the General Notes

·         container is not cracked or severely dented

·         container is weed free

·         is generally symmetrical with no large gaps in the branching structure

·         has no broken limbs

·         is free of excessive bark damage

·         The foliage of the plant should be:

·         erect and firm (except for weeping type plants) 

·         a uniform green color (except for fall color)

·         vigorous, healthy and robust

·         free of wilting, yellowing and browning.

NOTE: Inspection of the plants before unloading from truck will save time and effort. Plants do not need to be individually inspected; a random inspection will be OK. The source of supply should be verified from the shipping ticket and compared to the plant material list (CMS 661.05) as submitted earlier. Plants not meeting specifications or that differ in source of supply is justification for non-acceptance.

Problem Signs

Substantial amounts of brown or yellow foliage indicate the plant may be experiencing stress or shock. (Be aware that some trees, depending on whether they are deciduous or evergreen, may change color during the fall.)

Wilted foliage probably indicates a lack of water during shipping or storage. All plants must be completely covered during shipping (CMS 661.07).  A thorough watering should restore the foliage to a healthy appearance within a couple of days. If not, the plant should be monitored for a few more days to see if it recovers before planting. If the condition does not improve, reject the plant. Broken and dead limbs indicate poor growing or handling conditions.

Testing for Dead Plants or Limbs

It is not always easy to tell if a plant is alive, particularly during the winter if the plant is a deciduous variety and has shed its leaves. Some of the techniques listed below will help to determine if a plant (or a part of the plant) is alive.

·         Using your fingernail, pocket knife or other sharp object to scratch the bark on the trunk or limbs. A living plant will be light-green and moist just below the soft bark. If the bark is hard and the scar is brown, that part of the plant is dead. A random check of other areas will help to determine if the plant is vigorous and healthy.

·         Wrinkled bark that is off -color is an easy visual clue to dead parts of a plant.

·         Healthy limbs are flexible. They can be bent without breaking. Dead limbs are dry and brittle.

Container Grown Plants

The roots of a container grown plant should:

·         be growing throughout the growing medium 

·         bind all the soil together

·         be white in color and moist; dark brown or blue black roots indicate damaged or dead roots.

Testing for adequate root system: Inspecting the root systems of plants is very important.  It is not necessary to test all the plants; random checks will be sufficient if all the plants are from the same grower. If the plants are provided from more than one supplier or grower, be sure to random-check each group. Also inspect any plants that appear different or out of character with a group of like plants.

·         For shrubs, hold the plant at the base of the trunk and gently lift the plant a few inches out of the container. If the entire contents of the container moves and holds its shape in a firm mass of roots, the plant is properly "rooted-out" and ready for planting.

·         For trees, lay the container on its side, hold the tree at the base of the trunk as close to the soil level as possible and gently slide the tree from the container a few inches. If soil is left in the container or if the root system is not growing throughout the entire container, the plant is not ready for planting and should be considered for rejection.

This method is not possible for large trees. Instead, dig two to three inches into the soil at the very edge of the container and look for a firm mass of small roots.

Root-Bound Container Plants

If plants have been growing in their container for a long time, the roots will wrap around the inside of the container. These roots need to be cut or sliced prior to planting. These cuts should be made along the sides and bottom. Cutting these circling roots will enable the plant to produce new root offshoots and grow without problems.

Checking Container Sizes. The size of large plastic containers may be indicated on the handle. Since these are nominal volume sizes only, there may be some variation in actual size even though the containers from two different growers are labeled as being the same volume. Refer to Appendix for the minimum acceptable size ranges for containers without sizes printed on them or for wooden or metal containers.

Soil Condition in Containers. Check for the following soil conditions:

·         The soil level should be within a couple of inches of the top of the container. It should be a light (by weight) soil mix of mostly bark mulch and perlite or vermiculite (small white or silver particles that help hold water).

·         If you see clay, burlap or wire in what is supposed to be a container grown plant, inspect closer to determine if the plant has been dug from the field and then placed in the container. The root development test described previously should determine this. A containerized plant in lieu of a container grown plant is not acceptable and must be rejected.

B & B Plants (Balled & Burlapped)

Inspect the rootball of B&B material for:

·         a firm, tight ball with no roots protruding outside the wrapping

·         wrapping that is snug and free of rips and holes

·         cracked balls or balls that are soft and look like a bean bag (these should be rejected)

·         damage to the base of the trunk caused by wire or string used to secure the wrapping

·         moist soil

Soil Condition of the Rootball. The soil in a B&B rootball will almost always be clay or a tight, sandy clay. This is necessary so that the soil will hold its shape during digging, as well as hold water during shipping and storage. Rootballs that are mostly sand may crack and break easily, possibly exposing roots to heat and dry air. Plants with a sand rootball should not be accepted.

The rootball must be moist and shaded for protection at all times when shipping or storing.

Measuring Caliper. This is measured 6 inches above the ground (or top of root ball) up to and including 4 inch caliper size and 12 inches above the ground for larger sizes. Measurement should be taken with "pincher” type caliper or diameter tape.

Proper Habit of Growth:

If a particular habit, i.e. single stem, multiple stem, etc., has been specified, be sure to obtain plants that conform to this requirement. Height of branching should bear a relationship to the size and kind of tree, also, so that the crown of the tree will be in good balance with the trunk as the tree grows. Example: 2 in. caliper = 12 to 14 ft. average height; 16 ft. maximum height.

Shade and flowering trees should have top growth symmetrically balanced. Shade trees should have a single leader. The branching should be well developed and characteristic of the species. Example: 3/4 in. caliper= 7 or more branches.

Multi-stem trees can be defined as Clump or Shrub form. Clump form is a tree having two or more main stems arising from the root crown. Shrub form has multiple stems arising from the root crown in the manner of a shrub. Multi-stem trees are measured by height; taken from the ground level (or top of root ball) to the average uppermost point of growth of the plant.

Evergreen trees and shrubs should be full foliaged plants with uniform density. Sheared plants, such as pines sheared for Christmas trees, must be avoided unless specified. Most evergreen shrubs, such as juniper and yew, are measured by spread and should be the average of the plant.   Evergreen trees like pines and spruces are measured by their height.

Deciduous shrubs should be well branched and full with no large holes from missing branches. Most are broad upright type plants and are measured by their height.  Well grown material should have a height equal to if not greater than the spread. However, the spread should not be less than two-thirds of the height.

 

Rejected Plants:

Plants rejected for the project should be removed as soon as possible. They should be marked to preclude the possibility of their installation on the job. Since discarded plants are the property of the contractor, they should not be marked or mistreated in such a way as to make them unfit for other uses.

Insects

Do not allow the contractors to deliver any plants to the site that are infested with harmful insects, Harmful insects are those that eat or bore into the plant including:

·         caterpillars

·         borers

·         aphids

·         scale

·         mealy bugs

·         bagworms

When inspecting for insects, look for:

·         the insects themselves. Most insects that suck plant juices usually do so from the undersides of leaves, particularly tender new leaves. Be sure to check these areas: aphids & mealy bugs

·         leaves that have holes or portions chewed out of their margin: caterpillar

·         small bag-like structures hanging from limbs:

·         bagworms

·         holes in the bark that looks like shotgun holes:

·         borers

·         discolored bumps along a stem that look like shells:

·         scale

Beneficial insects can include Lady Bugs and Butterflies. If insects are found, and it is unknown whether they are harmful or beneficial, the inspector can call the local County Extension office.

 

 

 

PLANT DAMAGE - TREES AND SHRUBS

Inspection during Planting

The purpose of this part is to serve as a guide for an inspector who may not have the experience to determine that planting operations at the construction site are being properly completed in conformance with contract plans and specifications and good horticultural practices.

Planting stock should be inspected upon delivery. This will insure that the plants delivered meet the requirements of the contract planting plans and specifications.

If plants are delivered before the site is ready for planting, a location should be chosen to store the plants until time to plant. This site should be away from construction traffic and protected from direct sun and wind. Asphalt or concrete areas are not acceptable as storage locations. Plant root balls should be covered entirely with mulch approximately 3 inches deep. Plants should be watered as necessary (see watering table) while in this temporary location.

Preliminary Preparation:

1.        The inspector and contractor should jointly review and become familiar with all plan sheets, quantities, details, specifications, and other provisions of the contract. At this time, questions or interpretations can be answered or problems resolved through discussion with the landscape architect, horticulturist, or other authorized persons.

2.        Sources of materials other than plants required for planting operations should be submitted for approval prior to use in the planting operation. Some of the materials that may require approval prior to use are topsoil, peat materials, (peats, mosses, humus, and related projected), compost, fertilizer, lime, mulch, stakes, wire and hose, and wrapping material.

3.        The inspector (or approved other) should check and approve the stakeout of all planting areas and planting pit locations prior to excavation. Minor relocation of planting areas and pits can be done at this time to avoid utility lines, rocky outcrops, drainage ditches, existing plants or impervious or wet soil conditions. If minor relocations of plantings are not possible, the inspector should contact the landscape architect to adjust the design requirements.

Site Preparation:

Prior to installing plant stock at the construction site, the following preparation must be completed according to the requirement of the contract plans and specifications.

1.        Excavation of planting pits, pockets, or beds to the required size and depth and spaced as shown on the plans.

2.        Onsite preparation of backfill mixture as called for by            contract specifications. The backfill mix must consist of the following (CMS 661.11):

a.        One part excavated soil

b.        One part sphagnum peat moss, shredded pine bark or EPA rated Class IV compost

c.        One part sand

d.        A slow release commercial fertilizer (0-20-20 or equal) added at a rate of 5 pounds per cubic yard (3kg/m) to the backfill mix.

Planting Operation (661.12)

Unless in conflict with the contract specifications, the following check list of horticultural practices may be used by the inspector. This information pertains to new or replacement nursery stock and not to large, mature plants.

1.        Plantings should be performed only during the specified planting season (see CMS 661.06). Planting must be done between September 15 and June 1.

2.        The inspector should check for proper positioning of the plants. After plants are set, burlap and any twine should be loosened, laid back and cut away, if bulky, without damaging the ball. Non biodegradable materials should not be used in lieu of burlap.

3.        Check for correct depth of the plant crown. Depth of crown will vary for different soil conditions. See SCD LA-1.2 for details.

4.        Place approved backfill material around plant roots or plant balls, being careful not to damage the ball or the fine root system. Backfill which is frozen or too wet is not acceptable.

5.        Eliminate air pockets in the backfill by filling, tamping, and watering as required by the specifications. It is best to water plants thoroughly before backfilling. Container plants should be moist at the time of planting.

6.        When the above operations have been completed, unless otherwise specified, place a berm of soil around the perimeter of the pit to form a basin or saucer to facilitate watering and retention of moisture.

7.        Mulch all plants to the specified depth with approved material (CMS 661.13). The use of mulches prevents rapid temperature fluctuation, reduces moisture loss, and aids in weed control.

 

NOTE: Installation can directly affect a plants survival rate. Concentration on the installation process is critical to a project's success or failure. Because the nature of this work is based upon the end result, i.e. plants live or die, inspectors need to watch the installation closely. If the inspectors have any questions during the installation work, they should contact the project designer or other knowledgeable personnel as soon as possible.

Pruning, Wrapping, and Bracing (661.14, 661.15 and 661.16)

All plants should be pruned, wrapped and braced as specified.

1.        Drive stakes solidly into the ground and guying installed to prevent movement of the plant until the root system is firmly established in the new planting location. See SCD LA-1.2 for details.

2.        Wrap trunks or stems of plants from the root crown to the lower limbs with approved material to protect against drying or other physical damage. Wrapping should not be done prior to planting on deciduous trees.

3.        Plants should be pruned at planting time to restore a balance between the root and top growth. Tops should be pruned to compensate for the partial loss of roots when the plant was removed from the nursery, and in a manner that will retain the characteristic shape of the plant.

4.        Broken or damaged branches must be removed. The central leader of a deciduous tree should never be trimmed or removed. Deciduous trees with competing leaders should not be accepted for the project.

5.        Prune all broken, torn, or damaged roots, leaving a clean cut surface to help prevent rot and disease.

6.        Prune deciduous shrubs if only branches are broken during installation. Coniferous evergreens normally should not be pruned except for broken branches, unless otherwise specified or directed.

7.        Trees may be pruned before planting to save time and trouble. At this time, hand clippers can be used to cut closer than can be done with pole pruners - usually used for trees in an upright position. Pruning may be done under inspector's supervision prior to planting.

8.        The planting operation is complete by watering all plants as specified.

9.        See pruning diagram below:

 

Pruning Diagram

 

LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Project No.:_____________________  Date: ___________

County: _________                  Route: _______  Section: _____________

Contractor: ____________________________________

Certified Landscape Technician: ____________________________________

Inspector: ____________________________________

 

Y	N	ITEM	Remarks
		Plant Installation: General Condition
		Plant identification (proper species, tag, certification)
		Overall foliage, condition (shape, leaf color, wilt, scorch, etc.)
		Leaf discoloration (spots, splotches)
		Evidence of pruning (needed or properly performed)
		Insects (chewing damage, presence of insects)
		Condition of trunks and limbs (gashes, breakage)
		Soil conditions in container or rootball (moist, dry)
		Root system (rooted throughout, healthy white color)
Y	N	Size Specifications
		Container size
		Rootball size
		Height
		Spread
		Caliper
		Plant Delivery. Storage & Handling
		All plants delivered on trucks are completely covered during transit
		Rootballs and containers protected from direct sun
		Handling and unloading from truck is done by the rootball or container and not by truck.
		Are plants adequately watered
		Plants are healed in until planted
Y	N	Plant Installation
		Plant location staked in field
		Plant spacings conform to plan notes
		Plant pit or bed preparation conforms to details
		Plant is properly placed in pit
		Rootball relation to finished grade meets spec
		Rootball supporting devices removed (twine, wire, etc.)
		Backfill mix meets specifications
		Backfill placed in lifts and properly watered
		Fertilizers added if specified
		Plant is properly watered during installation
		Watering basin conforms to details
		Tree supports installed according to details( stakes, guy wire)
		Vegetation barriers installed according to details
		Mulch installed according to details
		Tree trunk is wrapped to first branch

 

Period of Establishment (661.17)

Warranty Periods 

Landscape projects normally include a period of establishment. During this time, all plantings on the projects shall be under the care of the contractor. This period begins immediately upon completion of the planting operation for any plant or species group and continues until October 1, but no less than one growing season (i.e. June 1 to October 1).

The stress caused by improper handling may not show its effect immediately. Plants (particularly large trees) may be under stress for months before showing obvious signs. By then, it is difficult to relate the damage to the plant installation phase rather than the maintenance it has received. Again, this points out the need for care early in the installation to make sure that the quality of plants is the highest and the care they receive is the best.

During the establishment period, the contractor must water, re-mulch, re-stake and cultivate as necessary.  The contractor is required to perform two weeding and mowing programs around trees, guy stakes, shrubs and bed edges so as to remove all weeds and grasses from the planted and mulched areas.  The first program should begin around June 15 and the second approximately 8 weeks later.

Plant Establishment Period – Final Inspection

This inspection should be done about September 15 and include a plan-in-hand review of each planting area or bed to determine the arrangement, number and species of plants called for on the planting plans are present. If all plants have been properly installed, there should be minimal settlement of the backfill. Proper mulch depth should also be checked as this will affect plant survival.

The contractor must remove all stakes, guy wires and wrapping material from plantings just prior to final inspection except for any replacement plantings that have not been through their establishment period. (CMS 661.18)

Since this inspection is of major importance to the ultimate success if the project, the contractor, inspector and designer should be members of the inspection team.

All plants rejected during the inspection should be removed and replaced by new plants which meet all of the requirements of the project and specifications. The final acceptance of the project should not have been completed until all plant replacements have been satisfactorily made.

 

ESTABLISHMENT CHECKLIST - FINAL INSPECTION

 

                               

Plant Substitution List

Occasionally, landscape contractors may need to make recommended substitutions to the plant material list. This can occur if the plants are not available locally, there's not enough to meet the project requirements, or the specified size is no longer available. These substitutions should be pre-approved by the designer before the contractor purchases the plants.

 

Listed below is a chart to keep records on these substitutions.

 

               

Method of Measurement and Basis of Payment (661.19 and 661.20)

Measurement is done by counting the number of each species and size that was completed and accepted.

The contractor is paid 50 percent of the bid price of each item when it is delivered to the project and is paid the other 50 percent after each item is planted.

At the end of the establishment period, after the final inspection, the Department will determine the actual number of living plants.  The Department will pay an additional 20 percent of the bid price for all living plants at the end of the establishment period.  The Department will not pay this additional 20 percent for plantings that did not survive the establishment period and the contractor must replace all plants not surviving the original establishment period.  The Department will extend the establishment period for plants replaced but there will be no additional payment.

 

661 APPENDIX I – SHADE TREES

Height relationship to caliper

Tree caliper is measured 6 inches above ground level up to and including 4-inch caliper size and 12 inches above the ground for larger sizes.

 

CONTAINER SPECIFICATIONS – Shade Trees

Tree sizes and acceptable container sizes:

All container grown plants shall be healthy, vigorous, well rooted and established in the container in which they are sold.

An established container grown tree shall be a tree transplanted into a container and grown in that container sufficiently long for new fibrous roots to have developed so that the root mass will retain its shape and hold together when removed from the container.

 

 661 APPENDIX II - DECIDUOUS SHRUBS

Plants dug to the specifications in the above table should have the center of the stem or cluster of stems of the plant in the center of the ball.

661 APPENDIX III - CONIFEROUS EVERGREENS

Broad spreading and Globe Types (ex. Taxus media)

               

CONTAINER GROWN SPECIFICATIONS

 

CONIFEROUS EVERGREENS

Conicals, Broad Upright and Columnar

(ex. Pinus, Picea and Thuja)

 

Ball sizes should always be of a diameter and depth to encompass enough of the fibrous and feeding root system as necessary for the full recovery of the plant.

Plants dug to the specifications in the above table should have the center of the stem or cluster of stems of the plant in the center of the ball.

 

CONTAINER GROWN SPECIFICATIONS

 

 

661 APPENDIX IV - BROADLEAF EVERGREENS

Spreading and Dwarf Types

(ex. Buxus and Cotoneaster)

 

               

CONTAINER GROWN SPECIFICATIONS

 

All container grown plants shall be healthy, vigorous, well rooted and established in the container in which they are sold. They shall have tops of quality and in a healthy growing condition.

 

Cone and Broad Upright Types

(ex./IexandRhodoendron)

 

 

CONTAINER GROWN SPECIFICATIONS