Specifications

SCOPE OF WORK

SECTION 1 – GENERAL SERVICES

MOWING MAINTENANCE

A. Mowing

Schedule - Turf is to be mowed weekly during the growing season from the middle of March through the middle of October and every other week during the non-growing season from the middle of October through the middle of March. Based on this schedule, there will be a minimum of forty-two (42) mowings annually.

Equipment - Turf will be cut with the type of mower recommended for the grass type. Blades will be kept sufficiently sharp and properly adjusted to provide a cleanly cut grass blade. Visible clippings that remain following mowing operations will be removed from site each visit.

Height – Mowing height will depend on the type of turf and the season, but will be no less than 3” and no more than 4”. At no time will mowing height be reduced so that more than 1/3 of the grass blade is removed at any cutting.

General - Contractor will take special care to prevent damage to turf and plant material as a result of the mowing operations. Mowing of lake banks and retention ponds will be as close to the water’s edge as safe operations allows. Areas that are too wet for proper mowing will be mowed when the ground is firm enough to allow for normal mowing procedures. Should it be necessary to skip mowing cycles due to site conditions, Contractor will not be penalized. Any damage caused by contractor’s mowing equipment will result in the replacement of damaged material at the contractor’s expense. Replacement material will be of similar size to the material being replaced. Also, mowing patterns will be varied where feasible to prevent rutting and minimize compaction.

B. Edging

Definition - Edging is defined as removal of unwanted turf from sidewalks, curbs, concrete slabs and other paved surfaces by use of a mechanical edger.

Schedule - Edged will be performed in conjunction with mowing operations. Edging to be performed with a ‘blade’ type edger to maintain clean, crisp and consistent edgre lines.

C. String Trimming

Definition - String Trimming is the removal of unwanted grass around road signs, guard posts, trees, shrubs, utility poles, and other areas inaccessible to mowers. With prior approval of the Contract Representative, turf free maintenance strips will be created around all obstacles to prevent damage.

Schedule - Trimming shall be completed with each mowing operation. Grass is to be trimmed to the same height as determined by the mowing operation.

General - Under no circumstance will it be an acceptable practice to string trim small areas that may be cut utilizing a push type walk behind mower. Maintaining grass-free areas by use of chemicals may be the preferred method in certain applications. Such use will only be done with prior approval of the Contract representative.

D. Clean Up

General - All debris generated during the performance of this Contract will be removed by use of forced air machinery or vacuumed from sidewalks and curbs and other paved surfaces. Mulched beds are to be free of grass cuttings. Clean up of parking lots, tennis courts, and other non-landscaped areas, beyond cleaning up of debris generated during the performance of this Contract, is not included within the scope of clean up. Additionally, all lawn areas will be cleared of litter and debris before mowing, so as not to shred and scatter foreign matter.

E. Miscellaneous

Policing - Prior to service, Contractor will police the grounds to remove trash, debris and fallen tree litter under 2” in diameter

Disposal - All litter or debris generated in the maintenance process will be removed from the property and disposed of off site.

Communication – During each scheduled day of service, the contractor will communicate with the Contract representative for any landscape issues requiring immediate attention.

Reporting - Communication is of the utmost importance. Contractor will provide a weekly written report which details all aspects of the previous week’s maintenance activities.

Personnel - Contractor warrants that Contractor’s personnel will wear, during the execution of this contract, a uniform consistent in style and color that identifies them as Contractor’s employees.

SCOPE OF WORK

SECTION 1 – GENERAL SERVICES

BED DETAIL

A. Schedule

Sectional Rotati - Detailing of planted areas will be performed weekly in a sectional rotation method,each section will represent one-third of the entire property. Based on threee sections, the Contractor will detail the entire property once every three weeks. The exception will be amenity areas. These are high traffic and profile areas and as such will be included in each detail section to provide weekly attantion. Deatial isd defined as pruning, weeding and edging.

B. Pruning

Shrubs – Pruning is intended to encourage healthy growth and create the desired plant shape. Structural Pruning is required

to control new plant growth and remove dead, damaged, or diseased portions of the plant.

Trees - Prune trees to remove weak branching patterns and provide corrective pruning for proper development. Cut back to branch collar without leaving stubs. Provide clean and flush cut with no tearing of the tree bark.

NOTE: The scope of work does not include shaping or shearing the tops of trees or raising of tree canopies above the established height. The intent is to maintain a consistent lateral line height of the canopy at 6 to 10 feet (where established), depending upon the specific requirements of the tree within respect to its location. Shearing, shaping of trees or raising of canopies would be addressed as extra work. The exception would be raising of tree canopies to meet the minimum 6’ requirement in pedestrian areas.

Groundcovers - Prune to contain perimeter growth within intended bed areas. Established groundcover will be maintained 4” to 6” away from adjacent hardscape, turf or other plant groups. Bevel or roll edge to avoid creating a harsh boxed look. Mature groundcover shall be maintained at a consistent, level height to provide a smooth and even appearance.

Crape Myrtles - Are to be trimmed once per year duriing the winter months. Trimming is to include removal of old blooms, sucker growth and any cross branching. Trimming should be done in such a way that cuts are no less than 12” away from previous year’s cuts. “Hat Racking” is not acceptable.

Shearing - Only use power shears on formal hedges where previous practice was to shear, or as directed by Contract representative.

Height - Pruning of trees up to a height of 12 feet is included in the normal detail process. If pruning is required above the height of 12 feet, the Contractor will propose an extra service to the Contract representative and acquire approval prior to performing the work. Tree canopies will be raised to a height of 7 feet in pedestrian areas and 10 feet over parking lots.

Palms - Pruning of all palms less than 12’ CT in height will be included in the detail process. Pruning consists of removal of all dead fronds, seedpods and any loose boots. Pruning of Palm trees over 12’ in height will be addressed as extra work.

General - Only Contractor’s staff that have been trained and demonstrate competency in pruning techniques will perform pruning. Use only hand pruners or loppers on trees and shrubs, particularly groundcover Juniper varieties.

C. Edging

Definition - Edging is defined as removal of unwanted vegetation along beds and tree saucers. Edges are to be perpendicular to the ground. Edging of beds will be performed with each detail service at the discretion of the owner. It is important to note that excessive bed edging will increase the size of the bed.

General - Only mechanical edgers will be used for this function. Use of string trimmers will not be allowed.

D. Weed Control

Manual Weeding - Bed areas will be left in a weed free condition after each detail service.

Chemical Weeding - While pre and post-emergent chemicals are acceptable means of control, care will be taken to prevent chemical damage to surrounding landscaping. Chenical weeding will only be performed when it is not possible to effectively weed manually or when weeds are less than 1” tall.. This is primarily done with ‘over the top’ herbicides that do not damage plant material, but offer the only possible way to eliminate weeds growing inside the plants themselves.

Hardscapes - Pavers and expansion joints are to be sprayed in conjunction with the detail cycle to control weeds. Chemical control will not be a substitute for hand weeding where the latter is required for complete removal.

SCOPE OF WORK

SECTION 4 - TREE / SHRUB CARE PROGRAM

A. Schedule

February / March: Spring fertilization

April / May: Early summer Insect / disease control / fertilization as needed

June / July: Summer Insect / disease control / fertilization as needed

August / September: Late summer Insect / disease control / fertilization as needed

October / November: Fall fertilization

December / January: Winter Insect / disease control / fertilization as needed

B. Fertilization

Materials - Fertilizers selected will be appropriate for the plant material to be fertilized such as an acid forming fertilizer for Azaleas which require a lower soil pH. Annual program will include a minimum of 30% slow release Nitrogen and a high Potassium blend in the fall fertilization to promote root development. All fertilizers utilized under this program are to be custom blended with a balanced nutrient package. A complete minor and trace element package will be included with each application to insure that all the requirements of plant material are met.

Exclusions - This program covers all fertility requirements on all existing shrubs and palms All native trees or transplanted trees over 20’ in overall height will require special consideration and are therefore excluded from this program.

Application – Contractor is responsible to provide Insect and Disease Control for any disease or infestation that is controllable with currently available chemicals. All applications will be performed by technicians wearing the required Personal Protective Equipment and who possess all appropriate certifications and licenses as required by law. Fertilizer will be distributed evenly under the drip zone of each plant. Special care will be taken not to “clump” fertilizer either at the base or in the crown of plants.

Soil Tests - Soils shall be tested twice per year to monitor for pH and chemical make up. The results will be provided to the Contract Representative along with recommendation as to any changes in the Bahia Turf Care program based on these results. If soil samples indicate a high pH, all fertilizers utilized will be Sulphur coated products

C. Insect / Disease Control

Application – Contractor is responsible to provide Insect and Disease Control for any disease or infestation that is controllable with currently available chemicals. All applications are to be performed by technicians wearing the required Personal Protective Equipment and who possess all appropriate certifications and licenses as required by law. Some insect and disease infestations require follow-up applications for control and are included in this program

Service Calls - Contractor is responsible for the continuous monitoring for the presence of damaging insects or disease. Any problems noted between regularly scheduled visits will be treated as a service call and responded to within 48 hours. Service calls due to active infestations are included in this program.

Exclusions - This program covers all disease and Insect activity on all existing shrubs and palms. All native trees or transplanted trees over 20’ in overall height will require special consideration and are therefore excluded from this program.

D. Specialty Palms

Considering the investment in Specialty Palms such as Phoenix varieties ( i.e. Dactylifera, Canary Island Date etc.), the proposed Tree / Shrub program includes a comprehensive quarterly fertilization and root / bud drench for potential disease and infestation.

E. Irrigation

The irrigation system must be fully operational prior to any application. Also, proper irrigation timing and frequency are critical to reducing the potential for fungus/disease and weed problems. Based on this, the contractor will be responsible to manage settings of irrigation timers.

F. Warranty

If a plant or tree dies from insect or disease damage while under this tree/shrub care program, it will be replaced with one that is reasonably available. Exclusions to this warranty would be pre-existing conditions, nematodes, borers, locusts, Wax Myrtle trees and Wax Myrtle shrubs, Photinia, insects such as Asian Cycad Scale and diseases such as Verticillium Wilt that are untreatable with currently available chemicals, soil contamination, drainage problems, irrigation deficiencies beyond the Contractor’s control and acts of God. In the event these conditions exist, the contractor is responsible to employ whatever cultural practices can be reasonably performed to extend the life of the affected material.

SCOPE OF WORK

SECTION 5 - BEDDING PLANTS

A. Introduction

Contractor recognizes that bedding plants are intended to highlight and beautify high profile areas and should be selected for color, profusion and display. Therefore, all newly planted beds will have a minimum of 1/3 of the plants in bloom at the time of installation. Contractor will also obtain prior approval of plant selection from the Contract Representative before installation.

B. Preparation

Schedule - All annual beds on the property will be changed four (4) times per year during the months of January, April, July and October.

Soil Change Out - Annually, prior to or in conjunction with the Spring change out, existing soil will be removed to a depth of 6” in all annual beds and replaced with clean growing medium composed of 60% peat and 40% fine aged Pine Bark.

Bed Prep - All beds will be cleaned and hand or machine cultivated to a depth of 6” prior to the installation of new plants. A granular time-release fertilizer and a granular systemic fungicide will be incorporated into the bedding soil during the cultivation process. A 2” trench where the edge of the bed is adjacent to turf or hardscape will be created to hold mulch and soil in place.

C. Installation

At the time of installation, root balls of all plants will be split to allow for better root development. Plants are to be installed utilizing a triangular spacing of 9” O.C. between plants leaving 1/4 “ of root ball above finished grade. All beds will then be covered with a ½” to 1” layer of Pine Fines after planting.

D. Maintenance

Daily or at each service visit:

· Removal of all litter and debris.

· Beds are to remain weed - free at all times.

· All declining blooms are to be removed immediately.

· Inspect for the presence of insect or disease activity and treat immediately.

Weekly:

· Seed heads are to be removed as soon as they appear.

· “Pinching” will result in healthier, more compact plants.

General:

· Prolific bloomers such as Salvia require that 10% to 20% of healthy blooms are to be removed weekly.

· Pre-emergent herbicides are not to be used in annual beds.

· Follow-up applications of fertilizer, fungicide and insecticide are provided as needed.

D. Warranty

Contractor guarantees the survivability and performance of all annual plantings for a period of 90 days. Any plant that fails to perform during this period will be replaced at the contractor’s expense. Failure to perform includes any bedding plant that dies due to insect damage or disease, lack of proper maintenenance or any plant that requires replacement due to over or under irrigation provided Irrigation Maintenence is a part of this agreement. Exclusions to this warranty would be freeze, theft, vandalism, pre-existing conditions or acts of God.

SCOPE OF WORK

SECTION 6 - BED DRESSING

A. Schedule

Bed dressing will be replenished in all bedding areas during the month of April and will be completed within a three week time period.

B. Installation

Preparation - Prior to application, areas will be prepared by removing all foreign debris and establishing a defined, uniform edge to all bed and tree rings as well as a 1” to 2” deep trench along all hardscape surfaces to include equipment pads, in order to hold the mulch in place.

Depth – Unless otherwise stated, Bed Dressing should be installed to maintain a 2” thickness in all areas, including tree saucers in lawn areas unless otherwise directed by the Contract representative.

General - All mulch installation is to be performed by supplemental crews.

SCOPE OF WORK

SECTION 7 - PALM TRIMMING

A. Specifications

§ All palms under 12’ CT will be trimmed as needed by the detail crew during the regular detail rotationas outlined in General Services.

§ Washingtonia Palms in excess of 12’ CT will be trimmed two times per year in the months of February and August.

§ All Palms other than Washingtonia, in excess 12’ CT will be trimmed once per year in the month of August.

§ Trimming shall include removal of all dead fronds, loose boots and seed stalks.

§ Trim Palms so that the lowest remaining fronds are parallel to the ground. “Hurricane” cuts are only to be done at the direction of the Owner.

§ When trimming, fronds are to be cut close to the trunk without leaving “stubs”

§ All Palm Trimming will be performed by supplemental crews

SCOPE OF WORK

IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE

A. Frequency of Service

Contractor will perform the following itemized services under “Specifications” on a monthly basis. Every attempt will be made to perform the inspection during the same week each month.

B. Specifications

§ Activate each zone of the system and check each home on that valve.

§ Visually check for any damaged heads or heads needing repair.

§ Clean, straighten or adjust any heads not functioning properly to ensure proper coverage of irrigation system.

§ Report any valve or valve box that may be damaged in any way or not working.

§ Leave areas in which repairs or adjustments are made free of debris.

§ Contractor will provide a written report of the findings by zone and house number.

C. Qualifying Statements

Repairs - Repairs that become necessary and that are over and above the routine maintenance contract will be done on a time and material basis. Request for authorization for repairs in excess of TBD will be submitted to the Contract Representative for approval. A description of the problem, its location and estimated cost will be included. All repairs must be approved by the Contract Representative prior to initiating any work.

Service Calls - Service Calls required between scheduled visits will be billed on a time and material basis. Contractor will provide a 24 hour “Emergency” number for irrigation repairs when such repairs are necessary during evening and weekend hours. When not an emergency, request for authorization must be submitted in written form to the Contract Representative for approval. A description of the problem, its location and estimated cost should be included. All repairs must be approved by the Contract Representative prior to initiating any work.

General - Contractor will visually inspect irrigation system weekly while performing routine maintenance. Damage resulting from contractor’s crews working on the property (i.e., mower and edger cuts) will be repaired at no charge to the owner within 24 hours of being detected.

Warranty - Contractor shall not be held responsible for any system failure caused by lightning, construction work, pre-existing conditions, freeze or other acts of God. Contractor shall not be held responsible for damage to the landscape caused by mandatory water restrictions placed on the property by the governing water management district.