Softscape specification

TURFING
1.0 Preparation

1.1 The areas to be turfed are to be completely cleared of all builders’ debris, large stones and other
obstructions.

1.2 The planting area shall be cultivated to an average depth of 150mm. Where the ground is clay,
hardpan, sun baked earth or other impervious materials, it shall be ploughed or scarified to a minimum
depth of 150mm to reduce to granular material of sizes not exceeding 75mm.

1.3 The ground shall be later finished by lightly rolling with roller not exceeding 3 cwt. in weight. Rolling
shall only be done when the formation is dry.

2.0 Trimming and Leveling

2.1 Before spreading top soil the ground or filled earth is to be trimmed and leveled. In the case of banks,
the top edge is to be trimmed off to a curve to allow the grass to be cut with a motor mower.

3.0 Turfing Existing Ground

3.1 Where existing ground is to be turfed, mounds shall be leveled and depressions, holes, channels, etc.,
filled in to the general level of the area or to the levels shown on drawings.

4.0 Top Soil

4.1 The top soil is to be selected vegetable soil, free from roots, weeds and any unnecessary hard granular
material. Top soil shall be spread and leveled over the whole area to be turfed to form an even layer of
50 mm (consolidated thickness). The Contractor shall submit a sample of the top soil to the S.O. for
approval before application.

5.0 Ground to be Forked

5.1 Before turfing, the ground or filled earth is to be forked to a depth of 100mm to 150mm to thoroughly
loosen the soil.

6.0 Turf

6.1 The turf for use in the Work shall be of the best quality and shall be obtained from sources approved by
the S.O. They shall be very healthy, free from defects, decay, disfiguring of roots, sun or wind
scaled
injury, plant disease, insect or pest or any other form of infestation.

6.2 The Contractor shall furnish the S.O. for his approved samples of the turf before planting. The S.O.
whenever he deeped fit, shall visit and inspect the nursery of places from where the turfs are obtained.

6.3 The turfs for use in this Contract shall be of the following type :-
Cow Grass (Axonopus Compressus)

(a) General

The turf shall be cut into approximately 225mm square and lifted carefully with proper cutting tools
and
they shall be flat, square or rectangular, with even thickness, but shall be as thick as possible.

The minimum thickness of turf shall be 40mm. The root formation shall be moist and the grass shall
not exceed 20mm long and shall be dense green with vigorous roots and healthy.

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 The grass shall be stacked on site, root to root and grass to grass and the S.O. shall inspect to
the grass for weeds before laying. The grass shall always be kept moist by spraying with water
and covering with wet sacks.

(b) Planting

Cow grass shall be planted within 24 hours of being cut or stripped off. Dry turf shall be
rejected.

Spot Turfing

(i) Spot turfing to be at 450mm centres.

Close Turfing

(ii) The turf shall be laid on bed of top vegetable soil and shall be laid accurately to level
and full with close butt joints.

Immediately after laying, the turfs shall be lightly beaten with wooden beater until
they are firmly bedded to the ground. Any depression produced by the beatings shall
be made good by packing the depression with additional top soil from underneath the
turf. The turf shall be beaten again.

Laying and beating shall continue until all the turfs are firmly bedded and a
continuous turfing
area is obtained.

iii) The minimum total thickness of the turf and the top soil shall be 75mm and it shall be
measured after the turf has been laid and beaten. For this purpose, small trial holes
shall be dug as directed by the S.O. If the thickness between the top of the grass
and the formation level is less than 75mm, the Contractor shall, without additional
cost, relay the turfs to the approval of the S.O.

Turfing to banks shall be firmly a cured by 150mm long wooden pegs driven through
each piece.

7.0 Top Dressing

7.1 The material used for top dressing shall held part of Sulphate of Ammonia and not less than 10 parts
friable organic/top soil. The Contractor shall apply top cressing to the turfed area
immediately after they are laid and thereafter once a month.

7.2 The top dressing shall be deposited and spread evenly over the turfed area at the rate of 1 cwt.
per acre.

8.0 Commencement of Turfing

8.1 Turfing shall be carried out at least well in advance 3 months before the completion of the
whole works.

9.0 Watering

9.1 The Contractor shall immediately after laying, water the turf adequately. He shall water the
turf throughout the planting and maintenance periods.

9.2 The Contractor shall water the turfs by spraying so that no turf or soil will be disturbed. The
rate of application shall be not less than ½ gallon per acre.
Softscape specification

10.0 Nursing and Watering

10.1 It is the Contractor’s responsibility to ensure that the grass is properly nursed and tended until fully
established, including watering as necessary during dry periods. Any grass which fails to flourish shall
be replaced at the Contractor’s expense.

11.0 Cutting and Rolling

11.1 The Contractor shall cut the grass at least once a month throughout the planting and maintenance
periods or at any time instructed by the Architect/S.O. Grass cutting shall be carried out with hand or
mechanical tools with sharp and well adjusted blade,so that the turf shall be cleanly cut and no tearing
will take place.

11.2 The Contractor shall take reasonable care not to cut or damage the stolons or rhizones of the spreading
grass when cutting spot turfing. No cutting shall be carried out when the grass is wet or when it is
raining.

12.0 Cutting and Rolling

I2.1 Where and when instructed by the Architect/S.O., the Contractor shall roll the turf with a roller
weighing not exceeding 8 cwt. to press the roots firmly into the soil and to produce a close well knitted
turfing.

LAWN MAINTENANCE

13.0 Watering

13.1 During drought periods, the only way to maintain a desirable greenness is to give the lawn a thorough
soaking once or twice a week. Light daily sprinkling does more harm than good. It requires from 500
to 750 gallons of water for every 1,000 sq. ft. of lawn for each application to give an equivalent 20mm
to 38mm of rain. This will moisten the soil from 75mm to 125mm deep.

13.2 Continuous heavy watering favours diseases.

13.3 The surface layer of soil must be kept damp by frequent light watering with a fine spray during the
germination period after seeding or vegetative planting and until the young plants are rooted firmly. It
is often necessary to water three or four times daily in hot windy periods. After the grass is established,
water should be used sparingly and with maximum intervals between applications.

13.4 Water should be applied to new seeding and vegatative plantings in a fine spray that will not wash that
soil away from the base of young plants. It must be applied slowly so that the surface will not puddle
and crust.

13.5 Water lightly twice a day during establishment, then water heavily once a week. Grasses need about
25mm of water per week.

14.0 Weeding

14.1 Keep all planting areas free from weeds and undesirable grasses, by a method and by materials
approved by the S.O.

15.0 Mowing

15.1 Mow all grass area at regular intervals which will keep grass height from exceeding 65mm. Mower
blades shall be set at 38mm unless otherwise directed. All for reasons beyond the Contractor’s control,
the height of the grass has exceeded 65mm, the mower blades shall be raised so that at no time will
more than ½ of the grass leaf surface be removed.

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15.2 If sodded areas require mowing within one month after installation, or if the soil is in a
saturated or soft condition, mowing shall be done with a lightweight rotory mower, and in a
manner which will not require the operator to walk on the sodded surface.

15.3 If straw has been used as a mulch, it shall be maintained to have a uniform distribution, and
may be left in place during the cutting operations if it does not hinder the establishment of
lawn.

15.4 Remove all grass clippings during or immediately after mowing.

16.0 Raking

16.1 Raking is necessary in the fall to prevent matting and consequent smothering of evergreen
grasses.

17.0 Aerifying

17.1 Make periodic tests during the maintenance period to determine the degree of compaction
existing in all planting areas and containers. If soil is compacted to a degree that water and
air penetration is impaired, the Contractor shall aerate these areas to the satisfaction of the
Landscape Architect and in a manner that will not be harmful to the plant material.
Equipment used for aeration in grass sod areas shall be a “Terforator” or an “Aerifier”, as
approved by the S.O.

17.2 Under normal conditions, aerification should be done at least twice a year. Three or four, or
more, aerifications may be done without harming the turf. Soil conditions for aerification
should be neither too wet not too dry. The spring and fall seasons usually produce the proper
soil conditions.

17.3 In hot, dry weather aerification should be followed immediately by thorough watering.

17.4 In time, regular aerification will help to break down thatch and cause it to decay more rapidly.
Reduced to its simplest terms, aerating will do four things :-
i) Make the soil porous and the turf springy.

ii) Allow air, moisture and fertilizer to get to the roots.

iii) Increase growth rapidly, particularly when combined with fertilizer, which is
applied while cavities are still open.

iv) Prepare a good seedbed without destroying existing turf.

17.5 Replace all dead or unacceptable plant material as soon as weather conditions permit and in
accordance with procedures outline above.

18.0 Fertilizer and Pest Control

18.1 Every lawn, to be successful should be top dressed with a suitable material once a year.

18.2 Every lawn, should be top dressed with a suitable material regularly.

18.3 Feed with 10-6-4, Milongranite, Turf Builder, or a composite fertilizer and weed control, or
other high nitrogenous fertilizer at rate of two to three pounds per 100 sq. ft. and soak well
into the ground. Restore bare or thin areas by top dressing with 1/3 each screened compost or
humus, good topsoil, and sand, applying mixture 6mm to 12mm thick. Apply best quality
seed, O.M. Scotts or equal, at rate of 2 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. Roll with light roller and cover
with 12mm mulch of premoistened Peat Moss.
Keep wet for two weeks minimum. Protect from trespassing.
18.4 Treat areas of heavy weed infestation using O.M. Scott’s programme or equal as directed by the
manufacturer.
Softscape specification

18.5 Treat lawn areas regularly for grub control. Apply Dieldrin or ansenate of lead as recommended by
manufacturer. Check lawn areas weekly. If required, use sprinklers to soak to depth of 75mm to 100m.
18.6 Chlordane shall be either a dry powder or liquid commercial chlordane of a standard brand, suitable for
application by standard equipment. It shall be delivered in standard containers showing weiht,
analysis,
and name of manufacturer.

19.0 Clean-up

19.1 Upon completion of all construction, and before final acceptance, the Contractor shall broom-clean the
entire paved area. All tools, surplus materials, equipment, debris, etc. shall be removed and the site
shall be left in a neat and acceptable condition such as to meet the approval of the S.O.

19.2 Any soild, mushroom manure, or similar material which has been brought on to paved areas clean at all
times. The Contractor shall periodically or as directed during the progress of this work, remove and
properly dispose of debris, and keep the premises reasonably clear of hazardous obstructions. Upon
completion of his work, he shall remove all his temporary construction facilities and unused materials
provided for the work, and put the premises in a neat and clean condition, and do all cleaning required
by the specifications. Trash burning on the site will be subject to prior approval of the S.O. and
existing local and State regulations.

20.0 Protection of Lawns

20.1 Maintenance shall also include all temporary protection fences, barriers and signs and all other work
incidental to proper maintenance. The Contractor shall provide at his own expense, protection for all
planted and seeded areas trespassing and damage at all times. If any lawns, slope areas, trees or other
plants are damaged or injured in any way, they shall be treated or replaced as required by the S.O.

20.2 Repair damaged areas due to circumstances which are beyond Contractor’s control,after submitting
request for change order and obtaining approval for same.

20.3 Maintenance shall also include all temporary protection fences, barriers and signs and all other work
incidental to proper maintenance.

20.4 Tenant damage - it is to be recognized that there will be occupancy of the community during the work
of lawns and planting. It is also to be recognized that there will be, as always, a considerable amount
of
tenant damage. The Contractor will be held responsible for all such tenant or other damage to planting
and lawns until the time of acceptance by the S.O.

20.5 The Contractor will provide such barricades temporary fencing, signs or policing as may be necessary
to control said damage.

20.6 The Contractor shall provide at his own expense protection against trespassing and damage to seeded
areas and planted areas until they are accepted complete with planting. Provide barricades, temporary
fencing, signs or policing as required to protect such seeded areas until accepted.

21.0 Inspection and Acceptance

21.1 All materials shall be subjected at any time and at any place to the inspection and approval of the S.O.
Samples of all materials are required by the S.O. Upon approval of samples, delivery of material may
begin. Approved samples shall be stored on site and protected until furnishing of materials is complete.

21.2 When the grass has all been cut a minimum of three times and a uniform catch of the specified grasses
is established without evidence of excessive weed or crab grass infestation, submit a written request to
the S.O. for an inspection of the established lawn. An inspection will be made within 5 (five)
days.

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21.3 Upon completion and re-inspection of all repairs or renewals necessary in the judgement of
the S.O. S.O. shall verify in writing of his approval and the completion of the lawn.

21.4 If an infestation of weeds or crab grass develope prior to acceptance of the lawn, the
Contractor shall treat the infestation by hand weeding or chemical control. The chemical
control shall be furnished and installed by the Contractor as recommended by the manufacturer and
approved by the S.O. At least two weeks shall elapse after chemical control is applied
before a request of inspection for acceptance is made to the S.O.

21.5 In lawn area being readied for inspection, no individual area of lawn shall have bare spots or
cover that is unacceptable totaling more than 2% of the individual lawn area.

21.6 The Contractor shall be responsible for all damage to lawn areas that is caused by the work of
this planting, mulching, plant maintenance or replacements being done after lawn areas are
accepted.

22.0 Guarantees and Replacement

22.1 Guarantee growth of grass until end of maintenance period.

22.2 Reseed and replace any spots or portions of lawn that fail to germinate, in accordance with
specifications.
Softscape specification

LANDSCAPE PLANTING
GENERAL

23.0 Work Included

23.1 Intent of drawings and specifications : Provide plantings in the areas shown on the drawings with plants
in a healthy, vigorous growing condition, ready for Employer’s use. Work called for on the drawings
by notes shall be furnished and installed, whether or not specifically mentioned in the specifications.
Any items not specifically shown or specified but normally required to conform with such intent are
considered part of the work. The S.O. reserves the right to make field adjustments and
reasonable substitutions to ensure implementation of the landscape concept in relation to field
conditions.

24.0 Related Work

24.1 The Contractor shall be responsible for cleaning building area of all rubbish. It is the responsibility of
the Contractor to ensure that the area is suitable for planting.

25.0 Quality Assurance

25.1 Substitutions: Substitutions of plant materials will not be permitted unless authorized in writing by the
S.O. If any plant specified is not obtainable, submit a substitution request. This request may present
either a different size of the same species or a similar alternate species with the proposed adjustments
to the contract price for each. If larger trees or shrubs are used, the rootball shall be increased
proportionately. Such requests shall be submitted in writing to the S.O. at least three months prior to
start of work under this section.

25.2 Requirements of Regulatory Agencies Perform work in accordance with all applicable laws, codes and
regulations required by authorities having jurisdiction over such work and provide for all inspections
and permits required by Local Authorities in furnishing, transporting and installing materials.

25.3 Samples and Tests : The S.O. reserves the right to take and evaluate samples of materials for
conformity to specifications at any time. Contractor shall furnish samples upon request by the S.O.
Rejected materials shall be immediately removed from the site at Contractor’s expense and replaced
with the S.O.’s approved material at Contractor’s expense.

26.0 Submittals

26.1 Construction Schedule: Provide a written copy of the projected planting schedule to the S.O. and Clerk
of Work prior to beginning any planting operations.

26.2 Selection, Tagging and ordering Plant Materials :-

i) Submit documentation to the S.O. at least three months prior to start of work under this
section
that all plant materials has been ordered. Plants shall be subject to inspection and approval by
the S.O. at place of growth and upon delivery for conformity to specifications. Such approval
shall not impair the right of inspection and rejection during progress of the work. Submit a
request for inspection of plant material at place of growth to the S.O.

ii) Plants identified as “selected specimer” shall be approved and tagged at place of growth by
the
S.O.

iii) All plant materials for the work shall be stored at one nursery location and identified as being
for use in this project.

27.0 Top Soil

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27.1 Top soil shall be natural, fertile, agricultural soil, capable of substaining vigorous plant
growth. It shall be uniform composition through out, without a mixture of sub soil. It shall be
free of stones, lumps, live plants and their roots, sticks and other exhaneous matter. The PH
shall be in the range of PH 6 to 7.5.

27.2 Top soil and dired of soil mixes should be well mixed in the proportions of 2 parts sludge and
laid to a thickness of 300mm for coverings.

27.3 Labour are to be provided to fill the mixture top soil/sludge in the flower bed, tree and shrubs
holes etc., to the required amount as directed on site.

27.4 After the contract is awarded, furnish the source of top soil to the S.O.

27.5 Take representatives top soil samples from the source under consideration. Submit samples to
independent laboratory for analysis.

27.6 Submit test results to the S.O. for approval.

27.8 Include in the rates, the cost of all labour and equipment required to place the top soil.
Maintenance Schedule :-
1) Keep an accurate accounting of maintenance operations during the one year formal
maintenance period including but not limited to:-
a) Irrigation timing and quantity
b) Fertilization timing and quantity
c) Pruning
d) Spraying
e) Plant replacements, if any

2) The Contractor shall make neat and legible annotations in developing a written
maintenance schedule thereon daily as the work proceeds. This schedule shall be
available at all times for inspection and shall be kept in a location designated by the
Employer. At the end of the one year formal maintenance period, the Contractor shall
provide Employer with one set of this written schedule.

28.0 Project / Site Conditions

28.1 Coordination : Coordination and cooperate with other trades to enable the work to proceed as
rapidly and efficiently as possible.

28.2 Underground Utilities and Obstructions : Verify the location of all underground utilities and
other obstructions that may affect the work. Any obstruction encountered shall be reported to
the S.O. Repair all damage to any known utility line or other underground obstruction at
Contractor’s expense. Report damage to any known utilities to the S.O. and Clerk of Work.

29.0 Warranty
29.1 Plant Material : All plant materials furnished or relocated under this section shall be warranted
in writing, for a period of one (1) year from the date of Practical Completion of the Main
Contract against defective, unsound or diseased conditions that may appear. Upon receipt of
written notice from the S.O. of the death of any warranted plant materials during the warranty
period, the subject plant materials shall be promptly replaced with new material of the same
size and condition, and installed according to these specifications. The expense of
replacement shall be borne by the Contractor if replacement is necessary during the
maintenance period. Replacement shall be of the same species as originally planted, and shall
be of a size closely approximating the size of the plant if normal growth had occurred since the
original planting. Replacement shall be subject to all requirement of the specifications.
Contractor shall not be reliable for loss of plant materials after final acceptance due to
lack of care, vandalism or accident. The Employer must show that the plants have been
maintained properly.

29.2 Other work : All other work shall be warranted for a period of one year from the date of Practical
Completion of the main Contract.
Softscape specification

29.3 Liability : The Liability under the warranty shall include but not limited to the repair of damage to the
Employer’s property caused by the failure of the work performed under this section. All of the
provisions of this section apply to work performed to satisfy the requirements of the warranty.

PRODUCTS

30.0 Plant Material

30.1 Nomenclature : The names of plants required shall conform to those given in exotica by A.B.Graf.
Names of varieties not included therein shall conform generally with names accepted in the local
nursery trade.

30.2 Quality and Size :

1) All trees, shrubs and ground covers shall have a normal habit of growth and shall be sound,
healthy, vigorous and free from insect infestations. Any tree or shrub with weak, thin trunk
not
capable of supporting itself when planted in the open will not be accepted. The minimum
acceptable size of all trees and shrubs measured before pruning, with branches in normal
positions, shall conform to the measurements specified on the plant lists. Trees and shrubs
larger in size than specified may be used but the use of larger plant materials will make no
change in the contract price.

2) Trees and shrubs to be furnished shall have growth in containers of the size stated on drawings
and shall have sufficient roots to hold earth together intact after removal from containers
without being root bound.

3) Trees will be straight of uniform shape without damaged, crooked or multiple leaders unless
specified. Trees with abrasions of the bank, sunsclads, disfiguring knots or fresh cuts of
limbs
over 20mm which have not completely calloused will be rejected.

4) Plants that meet the measurements specified but which do not possess a normal
balanced
height and spread for its species will be rejected.

5) Plugs shall be healthy vegetative material obtained from nursery grown stock free from other
foreign grass with strong fibrous root systems, free from burns or have spots.

6) Plugs shall be 100mm in diameter, nearly trimmed with 75% of the root system intact.

31.0 Miscellaneous Materials

31.1 Water : The Contractor shall allow for sufficient portable water for the watering of plants.

32.0 Accessories
32.1 All trees and shrubs should be supported immediately after planting. Attention is particularly drawn to
transplanted trees. Proper staking to be provided to prevent rocking by wind.

32.2 Wood Tree Stakes : 50mm X 50mm of height as specified constructed of rough construction grade
hardwood with no paint or stain.
Hose : 12mm diameter hose

Wire for Trees : No.12 gauge galvanised iron

Tree Paint : cabot Tree Seal or approved equal

Hydroseeding/Mulching System for Establishment of Turf

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32.3 Hydoseeding/mulching to be carried out using water as a medium for carrier application of
seeds on to the said surface either flat or terrained surfaces. Specialized equipment used shall
be composed of a pump, hose, nozzle and large water tank (500 - 1,000 gallons) with paddle
and liquid agitators.

32.4 Prior to application of seeds mulched, fertilizer and binder are to be mixed into the tank of
water to form a fairly suspension. Application is only applied by pumping through a
hose-nozzle arrangement on to the soil surfaces.

SPECIAL MATERIAL

33.0 Water works

33.1 The top soil should be mixed with non toxid water work materials purchased from an
authorized supplier or prior approval from Landscape Architect. This water works is to ensure the
plant growth can increase by 25% or more.

34.0 Fertilizer

34.1 Apply nomogenous fertilizer at about 90% organic materials to be purchased from an
authorized supplier or prior approval from Landscape Architect.

35.0 Pre-Application Procedures for Hydroseeding / Mulching

35.1 Selection of turf grass type-Axonopus affiris/compressus.

35.2 Soil test to determine PH value of nutrient content of existing soil.

35.3 Soil conditioning to be carried out, if required.

35.4 Organic dye to be added to mixture prior to application to create a physical and visual effect in
order to determine adequate coverage.

35.5 Rate of germination shall be within one to four weeks minimum. Additional watering shall be
required to do off-set dry seasons.

35.6 Fertilizer application shall be required upon four weeks after germination to encourage faster
establishment, anchorage and root growth. Full establishment of turf shall not be less than
eight weeks after hydroseeding/mulching application. At this stage, majority of the root
system shall be at least 75mm - 100mm in depth and leaf blades 75mm - 100mm high.

35.7 Full plant cycle is determined after about three months with seed heads being visible.

35.8 All seeds used shall be imported from either Australia or U.S.A and shall be pure in nature,
healthy and disease free as approved by Malaysian Agricultural Department or related
authorities.

EXECUTION

36.0 Inspection

36.1 Inspect and accept the condition of the site relative to this section before commencing with the
work covered in this specification. If not acceptable, notify the S.O. and Clerk of Work prior
to proceeding.
By proceeding with the work under this section, the Contractor indicates his acceptance of all
previous related work.
Softscape specification

36.2 Meet on Site : Prior to commencing work, meet with the S.O. and all other concerned parties
on the site to review the work under this section. Request this meeting, in writing, 18 days prior to
desired meeting time.

37.0 Preparation of Planting Areas

37.1 Clearing :-

1) Clear all planting areas to existing vegetation not specified to remain along with all other
debris and foreign material considered a hindrance to all other operations and/or unsightly in
appearance. Use “Round Up” or equal if required.

2) Apply pre-emergent weed control (Trefian, Eptam, Vegitex or equal) to all areas which will
not be seeded.

37.2 Finish Grading

1) Adjust all finish grading with imported screened topsoil as necessary. Grades shall be smooth
and even on a uniform plane with no abrupt changes or pockets and shall slope away from all
buildings. Ensure the surface drainage all planting areas and notify the S.O. and Clerk of Work
of any discrepancies, obstructions or other conditions considered detrimental to proper
execution of the work.

2) Landscape work shall be tied to existing conditions and controls such as water and electrical
lines, pavement and curbs, storm drains, existing trees, lights, etc. Finished grades shall bear
proper relationship to such controls. Adjust all new work as necessary and as directed to meet
existing conditions and fulfill the intention of the drawings.

3) After initial settlement, the finish grade shall be lower than adjacent walls, walks, curbs and
headers by 50m in all planting areas.

4) Immediately prior to planting operations, all planting areas shall be cleaned of weeds, debris,
rocks over 50mm in diameter and clumps of earth that will not break up.

38.0 Planting Operations

38.1 Protect plants at all times from sun on drying winds. Plants that cannot be planted immediately on
delivery shall be kept in the shade, well protected and adequately watered. Plants shall be handled in
such a manner to avoid any damage to the plant. After removing plant from container, scarify side of
rootball to prevent root-bound condition.

38.2 The Contractor shall transport specified plant material form the nursery to the site. Transport vehicles
shall provide protection of plants from dehydration and wilting due to extreme wind turbulence, full
sun
exposure and all other adverse conditions.

38.3 Notify S.O. and Clerk of Work in writing of all soil or drainage conditions encountered during planting
operations which the Contractor considers detrimental to growth of plant material. Include a proposal
for the correction for approval before proceeding with work. If drainage conditions appear
unsatisfactory, test drainage of plants pits by filling with water. Conditions permitting the retention of
water in planting pit for an excessive period of time shall be brought to the attention of the S.O. and
Clerk of Work.

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38.4 Setting Plants :

1) Plants shall be centered and set on compacted backfill mix that has been puddled and
settled by water application. Plants should be set with the backfill mix level about
25mm above finish grade. Plants shall be planted to give the best appearance in
relationship to adjacent structures or surroundings.

2) Use backfill mix as noted on drawings to fill plant pits. Set plant plumb and brace
rigidly in position until backfill mix has been tamped solidly around rootball. When
backfilled within 150mm of finish grade water thoroughly, saturating rootball.
Continue filling pit to finish grade with backfill mix where adjacent finish grade is
relatively level, form saucer berm around tree and shrub pits as noted on details.
Slightly compact backfill by alternating watering and tamping backfill. Smooth
planting areas to conform to specified grades after full settlement and tamping has
occurred. Water all plants immediately after planting.

38.5 Stake all trees immediately after planting. All planting must be carried out by experienced
gardeners with the least damage to the plants.

39.0 Plugging

39.1 On the prepared planting surface, fertilized and moistened, install plugs in areas shown on
drawings. Root area of plugs should be flush with final grade.

39.2 Spacing : 300mm centre to centre triangular spacing.

39.3 Apply additional top soil as necessary to ensure even grade between plugs. Install additional
plugs in areas where grass has not spread completely. Replace plugs which are dead or not
growing vigorously.

39.4 Keep newly planted grass continuously moist but not soggy for the first 14 days. Continue
watering as required to promote healthy lawn growth. Apply water for short periods to prevent
erosion of gullying.

40.0 Planting Maintenance

40.1 Maintain all plants and planted areas in optimum growing condition and appearance.

40.2 Maintenance, as specified below, shall coincide with the delivery of the first plant materials
to the site and shall continue 365 calendar days (one year) after commencement of FF the
formal maintenance period or until the approval of the final inspection. Care of plant materials
during installation and prior to written acceptance by the S.O. is not considered part of the
pre-Maintenance Inspection and the formal maintenance period.

40.3 Maintenance operations include but are not limited to :-

1) Irrigate planting areas as required to ensure active growth keeping areas moist but not
saturated. Regulate irrigation as necessary to avoid erosion and gullying.

2) Apply maintenance period fertilizer in accordance, with the manufacturer’s

recommendations and one month prior to final inspection. Exercise proper caution
and take measures necessary to avoid plant burn.

3) Keep planting areas free of weeds and undesirable grasses through daily weeding if
required. Remove and entire root system. Dispose of all weeds in appropriate trash
containers. No chemical weed killer willbe used unless authorised by the S.O.
Softscape specification

4) Inspect all plants for disease or insect damage weekly. Treat affected material immediately.

5) Remove damaged or diseased growth from trees and shrubs. Treat cuts larger than 15mm
diameter with specified tree paint.

6) Immediately remove any dead or drying plants not in a vigorous thriving condition.
Replacement shall be of the same species as originally planted and be of a size
approximating
that if healthy growth and occurred during the period to removal.

7) Restake, tighted, repair guys and reset to proper grades or upright position any plants that are
not in their proper growing position.

8) Supplement slow growing areas of ground covers with cuttings from vigorous areas.

9) Any portions which fail to show a uniform stand of the specified grass shall be replugged until
all areas are covered with a satisfactory stand of grass. Mow lawn as necessary to aid in lawn
growth and to maintain a neat and attractive appearance. Remove all clippings.

Instructions to Employer when plants are replaced during the formal maintenance period, advise the
Employer in writing, of the necessary establishment maintenance which must be performed. If this
information is not provided, the Contractor will be liable for total cost of replacement should the
replaced plant die within one year of this replanting.

41.0 Inspection and Acceptance

41.1 Inspections : At the completion of all landscape planting operations and prior to the beginning of
formal
maintenance period, an inspection shall be held :-
1) Request these inspections of the S.O. eighteen (18) working days prior to the completion of
work in order that a mutually agreeable time for inspection may be arranged.

2) The S.O. Contractor and Employer or their representatives, shall be present at the inspection.
The Contractor shall bring the current drawings and pertinent information with him to these
meetings.

3) At the time of inspection, the Contractor shall have all the areas under the contract free of
weeds neatly cultivated and raked and all plant basins in good order. Lawns shall be neatly
cut
and all clippings removed.

41.2 Pre-maintenance inspection : At the completion of all landscape planting operations and prior to the
beginning of the formal maintenance period, the Pre-maintenance Inspection shall be held :-
1) If after the Pre-maintenance Inspection the S.O. and the Employer are of the opinion that all
work has been performed in accordance with the drawings specifications and as per authorized
field adjustments, the S.O. will give the Contractor written notice of preliminary acceptance,
noting any items which must be corrected and stating the care of commencement of the formal
maintenance period.

41.3 Final Inspection : At the completion of the formal maintenance period, the final Inspection shall be held
1) If, after the final inspection, the S.O. and the Employer are of the opinion that all work has
been performed in accordance with the drawings and specifications, the S.O. will give the
Contractor written notice of acceptance and completion of the project.

2) If all or certain portions of the work are not acceptable under the terms and intent of the
drawings and specifications, the formal maintenance period for the unaccepted work and any
related items shall be extended at no cost to the Employer until the defects in the work have
been corrected and the work is accepted by the S.O. and the Employer.

13
42.0 Protection and Cleaning

42.1 Provide necessary safeguards and exercise caution against injury or defacement of existing site
improvements. Prevent trucks and vehicles of any kind from passing over sidewalk, curbs,
etc., unless adequate protection is provided.

42.2 Protect areas susceptible to traffic by erecting barricades immediately after planting.

42.3 Be responsible for any damage resulting from the Contractor’s operations and repair on
replace such damage at Contractor’s expense.

42.4 Keep all areas work clean, neat and orderly at all times. Keep all paved areas clean during
planting and maintenance operations.

43.0 Prices

43.1 Prices are to include for supplying transportation and planting of all trees, palms, connifers,
bamboos, shrubs and ground covers. This contract included their correct positioning,
excavating and preparing the ground prior to planting, supplying suitable back-fill material,
top soil, watering, tending and treating with fertilizer until well established, providing
supporting timber stakes, g.1 wire, cloth, rubber ties, flags and protective fences for plants and
shrubs. Their maintenance, pruning, trimming, tending, watering and fertilizing has to be
throughout the one (1) year maintenance period. All plants failing to take root over the
maintenance period or have become diseased, or in any way failed must be removed and
replaced at no extra cost over the maintenance period. It is anticipated that some adjustment in
the positioning of plants will be inevitable and the Tenderer must include in his prices for
any multiple handling incurred in moving plants after they have been planted from one
position to another and all associated works. Prices are also to include treatment with
fungicide or insecticide as and when necessary over the period of the Contract and
Maintenance periods.

44.0 Planting Operations

44.1 Perform only during periods within the planting season when weather and soil conditions are
suitable and in accordance with local accepted practice approved by the S.O.

45.0 Preparation of Planting Areas

45.1 Before excavation is made, cover the surrounding turf, if existing, in a manner that will
satisfactorily protect all turfed areas that are to be tucked over, and upon which soil is to be
temporarily stacked pending its removal for reuse. Barricade existing trees, shrubbery, and
beds that are to be preserved in a manner that will effectively protect them during planting
operation.

46.0 Obstructions Below Ground

46.1 Remove any rock or underground obstruction to the depth necessary (min. 600mm deep) to
permit proper planting according to drawings and specifications. However, other locations
may be selected at the discretion of the S.O.

47.0 Excavation for Planting

47.1 All excavations shall be in accordance with local accepted practice, approved by the S.O.
Planting holes for tree shall be of a minimum 1000 X 1000 X 1000mm in size or otherwise
specified. For shrubs and other herbaceous plants, a planting hole shall be of minimum 300 X
300 X 300mm in size or otherwise specified. All ground preparation for groundcovers shall be
tilled a minimum of 300mm deep.
Softscape specification

48.0 Plant Placement

48.1 Set all plants at the proper level so that after settlement, a normal or natural relationship between the
crown of the plant and the surrounding ground surface exists. Set the plant vertically and firmly work
and tamp the soil mix carefully under and around the base of the ball to fill all voids. When partially
back-filled and compacted, cut the ball ties and remove the burlap from the top and side of the ball and
cut or adjust to prevent the formation of air pockets.

PLANTING OPERATIONS AND PROCEDURES

49.0 Backfiling

49.1 Every care shall be taken during the backfiling and tamping to avoid inhuring the root and to eliminate
all air pockets. Any roots which are found to be bruised or broken on during planting shall
immediately be pruned to sound tissue with a clean cut.

50.0 Water

50.1 Thoroughly water all plants immediately after planting. This shall mean full and thorough saturation of
all backfill in the pits and beds during the same day of planting. Apply water only be open-end hose at
a very low pressure to avoid air pockets and injury to the roots. When planted, watered and fully
settled, the plants shall be vertical. The Contractor shall always keep the plants well watered
throughout the Contract.

51.0 Fertilizing

51.1 After placing backfill, prior to final watering, and before mulching, apply top dressing to all plants at
the rate as indicated. Following steady establishment of the plants, apply homogenous fertilizer to be
approved by Landscape Architect at the rate as recommend by the supplier for individual type of plant
or turfing.

52.0 Staking and Gulying

52.1 All plants should be supported in accordance to the local practice or as otherwise specified.

53.0 Mulching

53.1 Within two (2) days after planting, mulch it, planting areas (individual tree pits, entire shrubs and
ground cover beds) with a 50 mm layer of mulching material.

53.2 Mulch shall be of clean materials free from toxinous weed seen and other elements harmful to lawns or
any of the plants. Prior to use, submit 8.88 cubic meter sample for approval.

54.0 SOIL MIX

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54.1 Unless otherwise specified or indicated on the drawings the following mixture (thoroughly
mixed by volume) shall be used for backfill around plants and herein after referred to as “Soil
Mix”. The following is the recommended soil mixes for specific uses :-

SOIL MIXES

Use Materials (by volume)

Potting mix 3 parts river sand

(for trees and shrubs) 5 parts friable organic/top soil*
1 part well-rotted farmyard manure
1 Kg C.I.R.P. per cu. yd.
(1.31 Kg C.I.R.P. per cu. m)

Top dressing 4 parts river sand

2 parts friable organic/top soil*
2 part well-rotted farmyard manure
1 Kg C.I.R.P. per cu. yd.
(1.31 Kg C.I.R.P. per cu. m)

Soil for planting holes** 3 parts friable organic/top soil*

2 parts cow manure
1 Kg C.I.R.P. per cu. yd.
(1.31 Kg C.I.R.P. per cu. m)

Soil mix for Palms 3 parts friable organic/top soil*

2 parts river sand
1 part well-rotted farmyard manure
1 Kg C.I.R.P. per cu. yd.
(1.31 Kg C.I.R.P. per cu. m)

Soil mix for Bamboos 3 parts friable organic/top soil*

1 parts river sand
½ part farmyard manure
1 Kg C.I.R.P. per cu. yd.
(1.31 Kg C.I.R.P. per cu. m)

* Friable organic/top soil should be black or dark brown colour with a low to moderate claly content.
It should be easily broken into clods or crumbs but not to dust. The soil would be best of those that originates
from reverine deposits or former swamp.

* To be used as 50% to 50% mixture with original soil on site.

* All approved top soil should be mixed evenly with water works to follow manufacture’s specification before
planting works.

MAINTENANCE WORKS SCHEDULE

NO INSTRUCTIONS RECOMMENDED REGULARITY

Softscape specification

1 Watering

Watering all plant materials and quantity 2 times daily

of water applied at all time shall be sufficient to Morning - before noon
penetrate the soil to a minimum depth of 200mm at a Afternoon - before 6.00 pm
rate which will prevent saturation of the soil. During rainly season watering shall be
carried out accordingly.

2 Weeding

Keep all planting areas free from weeds and Daily

undesirable grasses by methods and
materials approved by the S.O.

Turfed areas should be kept free of noxious weeds by Weekly

methods approved by the S.O.

3 Disease and Insect Pest Control

Inspect all plant materials and locate any disease or Once a month
insect pest infestations. Upon the discovery of any
disease or insect pest infestations identify, or have
identified, the nature of species of the
infestation and submit the proposed method of
control to the S.O. for approval prior to application
of control measure.

4 Prunning and Repair

The amount of prunning shall be limited Once a month and accordingly

to the minimum necessary to remove dead
or injured twigs and branches and or
compensate for the loss of roots as a result
of transplanting operations.

All cuts shall be made flush, leaving no stubs.

All wounds shall be smothered and shaped so as not to
wounds shall be smothered and shaped so as not to
retain water and the treated area shall be coated with
shellac or other specified wound dressing,sheer all
hedge plants to the desired height and maintain said
height by periodic shearing to the satisfaction of the
S.O.

NO INSTRUCTIONS RECOMMENDED
REGULARITY

17
5 Fertilizing

Application of Momogerous fertilizers of a Once every two weeks

complete formula 15:15:15 or otherwise
specified by the S.O. at the rate recommended
by the manufacturers. Fertilizers shalll be
uniform in composition, dry and free flowing, at
least 90% organic materials and to be approved by
Landscape Architect.

Granular or liquid fertilizers may be used

but care should be taken to ensure not to
over fertilize or under fertilize.

6 Replacement of dead/sickly plants

Dead or sickly plants are to be replaced Inspection and change to be done

with the same type as specified by the S.O. accordingly.

7 Clean-up

All waste materials shall be continuously

and promptly removed and all reasonable Daily
precautions taken to avoid damage to existing
structures, plants and grass.