New Jersey

Department of Transportation

Standard Specifications

for Road and Bridge Construction

2007

Division 800 – Landscaping

Section 801 – Selective Vegetation Removal

801.01 Description  

This Section describes the requirements for removing live and dead trees, both standing and fallen, shrubs, and other vegetation and debris; to produce irregular foliage lines; to create a natural transition between the artificial edge of the woods to create bays in wooded areas; to establish new vegetation limits along roadsides; and to open views.

801.02 Materials  

801.03 Construction  

801.03.01 Selective Thinning

1. Site Preparation. Notify the RE 3 days before beginning work. The Department will designate trees, shrubs, and other vegetation to be removed within the designated areas. Ensure that work is supervised by a skilled person. At least 7 days before beginning the work, submit the name and qualifications to the RE for approval.
   
   
2. Selective Thinning. Fell trees to prevent damage to adjacent vegetation, structures, utility wires, and property. Remove trees, stumps, and all debris in a manner that does not compact or disturb the soil.
   
   In open areas, remove stumps to at least 6 inches below the existing ground surface. Backfill stump holes with topsoil, as specified in 804.03.01, and fertilize, seed, and mulch the area as specified in 806.03.01. In wooded areas and on slopes of 2H:1V or steeper, cut off stumps at the existing ground surface. Treat live stumps with herbicide immediately after cutting. If suckering occurs, apply herbicides or perform mechanical operations to ensure that regrowth does not occur.
   
   Remove dead, dying, diseased, interfering, objectionable, and weak branches up to a height of 16 feet.
   
   
3. Site Clean Up. Dispose of cleared material, stumps, and resulting debris as specified in 201.03.09.
   
   Repair damage to remaining trees and vegetation as directed by the RE. Repair damaged turf areas as specified in 806.03.01.

801.03.02 Selective Clearing

1. Site Preparation. Prepare the site as specified 801.03.01.A.
   
   
2. Selective Clearing. Fell trees to prevent damage to adjacent vegetation, structures, utility wires, and property. Remove stumps of trees, shrubs, and vines to at least 6 inches below the existing ground surface. Backfill stump holes with topsoil, as specified in 804.03.01, to eliminate depressions. The RE may direct the area to be fertilized, seeded, and mulched as specified in 806.03.01. In wooded areas and on slopes of 2H:1V or steeper, cut off stumps at the existing ground surface. Treat live stumps with herbicide immediately after cutting. If suckering occurs, apply herbicides or perform mechanical operations to ensure that regrowth does not occur.
   
   
3. Site Clean Up. Clean up the site as specified in 801.03.01.C.

801.04 Measurement and Payment  

The Department will measure the area of selective thinning and selective clearing using the perimeter defined by the edge of the existing canopy.

Section 802 – Trimming and Removing Trees

802.01 Description  

This Section describes the requirements for removing trees and defective or undesirable limbs and for repairing injuries or wounds on existing trees.

802.02 Materials  

802.03 Construction  

802.03.01 Trimming Existing Trees

Notify the RE 3 days before beginning work. The Department will designate trees to be trimmed. Ensure that tree trimming is supervised by a skilled person. At least 7 days before beginning the work, submit the name and qualifications to the RE for approval.

Remove all dead, dying, diseased, interfering, objectionable, and weak branches. Do not remove healthy low branches unless directed. When removing the lower bottom branches of trees for underclearance, ensure a symmetrical appearance and minimize cuts to ensure normal sap flow.

Make clean cuts as close as possible to the trunk or parent limb, without cutting into the branch collar or leaving a protruding stub, so that closure can start. Cut branches that are too heavy to handle in multiple sections to prevent splitting or peeling of the bark. Where necessary, lower branches to the ground by ropes or equipment to prevent tree or property damage.

On trees known to be diseased, disinfect tools after each cut when there is a danger of transmitting the disease on tools.

Inspect old injuries, and trace those not closing properly and where callus growth is not already completely established.

Reuse waste material and debris resulting from trimming existing trees as specified in 202.03.07.A.

802.03.02 Removing Existing Trees

Notify the RE 3 days before beginning work. The Department will designate trees to be removed. Ensure that tree trimming is supervised by a person skilled in the work. At least 7 days before beginning the work, submit the name and qualifications to the RE for approval.

Fell trees to prevent damage to adjacent vegetation, structures, utility wires, and property. Remove trees and their stumps to at least 6 inches below the existing ground surface. Backfill stump holes with topsoil, and fertilize, seed, and mulch the area as specified in 806.03.01. In wooded areas and on slopes of 2H:1V or steeper, cut off stumps at the existing ground surface. Treat live stumps with herbicide immediately after cutting. If suckering occurs, apply herbicides or perform mechanical operations to ensure that regrowth does not occur.

Repair damage to remaining trees and vegetation as directed by the RE. Repair damaged turf areas as specified in 806.03.01.

Reuse waste material and debris resulting from tree removal as specified in 202.03.07.A.

802.04 Measurement and Payment  

The Department will determine the quantity of TRIMMING EXISTING TREES, OVER ___" TO ___" DIAMETER and TREE REMOVAL, OVER ___" TO ___" DIAMETER by the number of trees in each diameter category. The Department will measure the diameter of the tree 4-1/2 feet above the ground.

Section 803 – Preparation of Existing Soil

803.01 Description  

This Section describes the requirements for preparing existing soil for seeding.

803.02 Materials  

803.03 Construction  

803.03.01 Preparing Existing Soil

Clear the surface of the existing soil of all stumps, brush, weeds, and debris. Cultivate the soil to a depth of 3 to 4 inches to prepare a seed bed. Where depressions exceed 8 inches in depth, backfill with I-14 soil aggregate and cover with 4 inches of topsoil. Bring the entire area to a smooth grade, free from any depressions that would collect water. If necessary, use additional topsoil to fill depressions.

Dispose of waste material and debris resulting from preparation of existing soil as specified in 201.03.09.

803.04 Measurement and Payment  

The Department will make payment for ___ Soil Aggregate as specified in 203.04.

Section 804 – Topsoiling

804.01 Description  

This Section describes the requirements for preparing and placing topsoil.

804.02 Materials  

804.03 Construction  

804.03.01 Topsoiling

Store topsoil in stockpiles as specified in 202.03.03.B.

Scarify the area to be topsoiled to improve the bond between slope and topsoil. Remove from the scarified area stones 2 inches or larger in any dimension and other debris such as wires, cables, tree roots, pieces of concrete, clods, and lumps. For slopes of 2H:1V or steeper, create ridges (such as by a dozer track) in the subsoil surface parallel to the bottom of the slope.

After the RE has approved the prepared surface elevations, spread topsoil and smooth to grade to produce the required thickness. For slopes of 2H:1V or steeper, create ridges (such as by a dozer track) in the topsoil surface parallel to the bottom of the slope to hold the seed in place and to retain moisture.

Ensure that ground areas are not damaged by the delivery, handling, or storage of materials; by washouts due to drainage diversion; by workers; or by equipment. Repair such damage by grading, fertilizing, seeding, and mulching as specified in 806.03.01.

804.03.02 Borrow Topsoil

Provide borrow topsoil from off-site sources. Store borrow topsoil in stockpiles as specified in 202.03.03.B.

804.04 Measurement and Payment  

The Department will include areas designated for planting pits in the measured area for topsoiling, ___ " thick.

The Department will determine the quantity of Borrow topsoil by the average end area method as specified in 109.01.

Section 805 – Turf Repair Strip

805.01 Description  

This Section describes the requirements for regrading and repairing the area immediately adjacent to the shoulder.

805.02 Materials  

805.03 Construction  

805.03.01 Turf Repair Strip

Remove soil and vegetation immediately adjacent to the edge of existing pavement. If necessary, form a windrow adjacent to the pavement. After completing resurfacing, restore the soil and add topsoil as required. Fertilize and seed as specified in 806.03.01. Apply fiber mulch at the minimum rate of 2000 pounds per acre.

805.04 Measurement and Payment  

Section 806 – Fertilizing and Seeding

806.01 Description  

This Section describes the requirements for providing and placing pulverized limestone, fertilizer, and seed mixtures; and for preparing, seeding, and mulching wildflower seed beds.

806.02 Materials  

806.03 Construction  

806.03.01 Turf Seeding

1. Optimal Seeding Seasons. Seed from March 1 to May 15 and from August 15 to October 15. When weather and soil conditions are suitable, the RE may allow seeding at other times for soil erosion and sediment control. Notify the RE 24 hours before the seeding operation.
   
   
2. Soil Preparation. When the topsoil to be seeded has a pH value of less than 5.8, incorporate sufficient pulverized limestone to increase the soil pH value to 6.5.
   
   Recommended quantities of total oxides (calcium and magnesium) to raise the pH of a 4-inch layer of soil to approximately 6.5 as specified in Table 806.03.01-1.




Table 806.03.01-1 Recommended Quantities of Total Oxides per Soil Class (Pounds per Acre)
Soil (pH)	Loamy Sand	Sandy Loam	Loam	Silty Loam
5.7	300	600	900	1200
5.3 to 5.6	600	1035	1500	1800
4.9 to 5.2	900	1500	2100	2400
4.5 to 4.8	1200	1800	2700	3000
4.1 to 4.4	1500	2100	3300	3600


Ensure that the quantity of pulverized limestone required is in proportion to its total oxide content.

Cultivate areas to be seeded to provide a reasonably firm but friable seedbed to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. On slopes steeper than 3H:1V, the RE may reduce the depth of cultivation. Remove all vegetation, stones 2 inches or larger in any dimension, and other debris from areas to be seeded.


3. Seed and Fertilizer Application. Sow grass seed mixtures at the rate of 100 pounds per acre. Use only 1 type of fertilizer to establish turf throughout the Project Limits. At the time of seeding, apply fertilizer at the rate necessary to yield 30 pounds of nitrogen per acre.
   
   Place seed and fertilizer by either of the following methods:
   
   
   1. Hydraulic Method. Mix the seed and fertilizer in water, and then apply under pressure at the specified rates. Retreat all areas inadequately covered.
      
      
   2. Dry Method. Spread fertilizer in dry form separately from seed at the specified rates. Use mechanical spreaders to achieve even distribution. For areas inaccessible to mechanical spreaders, use hand-operated spreaders. Smooth finished seeded areas to the grades shown on the Plans.
   
   
4. Mulching. Mulch seeded areas as specified in 809.03.01.
   
   
5. Turf Establishment. Protect and maintain seeded areas. Repair damage to seeded areas caused by pedestrian or vehicular traffic or other causes.
   
   If the initial application of fertilizer was performed between January and June, repeat the fertilizer application the following September. If the initial application of fertilizer was performed between July and December, repeat the fertilizer application the following March.
   
   If a stand of grass, practically weed free and containing plants in reasonable proportion to the various kinds of seed in the grass seed mixture, is not established on areas of seeding, prepare a viable seed bed, refertilize, reseed, and remulch until a satisfactory stand of grass is established.

806.03.02 Wildflower Seeding

1. Seeding Seasons. Seed wildflowers from August 15 to October 1 and from April 1 to May 31 inclusive.
   
   
2. Bed Layout. Stake bed outlines at a maximum spacing of 25 feet using 2 x 2 x 36-inch wood stakes driven 1 foot into the ground. The staking defines the limits for seed protection from mowing, overspray of herbicides, and other potential damage.
   
   
3. Soil Preparation. Do not fertilize or seed grass mixes in the wildflower seed areas. Spray existing vegetation within the areas proposed for wildflowers during the active growing season with glyphosate at the manufacturer’s recommended rates for total control of all plant material. Where necessary, reapply glyphosate 10 days after the first application. Mow the dead vegetation as close as possible to the existing ground, and then cultivate to a depth of 1 to 2 inches.
   
   
4. Preparation of Seed Mixtures. Provide wildflower seed mixture as specified in 917.05.B. In the presence of the RE, combine the mixture with a carrier of clean, dry, salt-free sand at a volume ratio of 2 parts sand to 1 part wildflower seed mixture.
   
   
5. Seed Application. Evenly spread the prepared blend of seed and sand using a hand-operated, hand-held, broadcast spreader. Lightly drag the seeded area with a piece of chain-link fence to mix the seed into the soil surface.
   
   
6. Mulching. Mulch seeded areas within 7 days of wildflower seeding. Uniformly spread straw mulch in a layer 1 to 1-1/2 inches thick, loose measurement. Bind in place with a tackifier as specified in 809.03.01.
   
   
7. Wildflower Establishment. Protect and maintain seeded areas. Repair damage to seeded areas caused by pedestrian or vehicular traffic or other causes.
   
   If a stand of wildflowers, practically weed free and containing plants in reasonable proportion to the various kinds of seed in the wildflower seed mixture, is not established on areas of seeding, reseed, and remulch until a satisfactory stand of wildflowers is established.

806.04 Measurement and Payment  

The Department will not make payment for fertilizing and seeding areas disturbed by construction operations, beyond the specified grading limits in islands and medians, and between specified grading limits and the ROW.

The Department will not include payment for mulch under FERTILIZING AND SEEDING, TYPE ___ and WILDFLOWER SEEDING. The Department will make payment for mulching under the various Items in 809.04.

Section 807 – Topsoil Stabilization

807.01 Description  

This Section describes the requirements for providing and placing jute and excelsior mats, erosion control mulch blankets, turf reinforcement mats, and mechanically bonded fiber matrices on prepared topsoiled surfaces.

807.02 Materials  

Provide staples that are made of 12-inch lengths of No. 25 plain iron wire.

807.03 Construction  

807.03.01 Installing Topsoil Stabilization Matting

Before placing erosion control mats, ensure that topsoil is smooth, friable, and free of depressions, clods, mounds, stones, or other debris that may prevent the matting from making complete contact with the topsoil.

1. Type 1. After grading topsoil, fertilize, seed, and mulch the area as specified in 806.03.01. Lay the mats and anchor them with staples to ensure the matting is in full contact with the topsoil. Ensure that there are no voids between the topsoil and the matting. Place staples 12 inches apart across the matting and blankets at 50-foot intervals and at critical locations such as at inlets, check slots if required, overlapping joints, and ends. Drive staples at an uphill angle of approximately 30 degrees from the perpendicular surface of the slope. When jute or excelsior matting is required in swales or medians, the Contractor may install the matting in multiple widths.
   
   When laying excelsior matting, unroll the material in the direction of the flow of water. Snugly butt seams. Cut bulging seams in the matting material.
   
   When laying jute matting, unroll parallel to the primary direction of flow. Bury the uphill end 6 inches vertically in a trench, and overlap the downhill end over the next roll. Overlap side seams.
   
   
2. Type 2 Mat. After grading topsoil, fertilize and seed as specified in 806.03.01.C. Use erosion control mulch blanket instead of mulch. Lay and anchor erosion control mulch blanket as specified in 807.03.01.1.
   
   
3. Type 3 Mat. After grading topsoil, lay the mat parallel to the direction of flow on unseeded topsoil. Anchor and overlap mat as specified in 807.03.01.1. Infill the 3-dimensional matrix with topsoil to the thickness of the mat, then fertilize, seed, and mulch the area as specified in 806.03.01.
   
   
4. Type 4 Mat. After grading topsoil, fertilize and seed as specified in 806.03.01.C. Install mechanically bonded fiber matrix according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, applying at least 4000 pounds of dry product per acre. Use mechanically bonded fiber matrix instead of mulch. Use approved hydro-spraying machines with fan-type nozzle (50-degree tip). To achieve optimum topsoil surface coverage, apply to the topsoil surface from opposing directions.
   
   Mix 50 pounds of mechanically bonded fiber matrix per 125 gallons of water; confirm loading rates with the equipment manufacturer.

807.04 Measurement and Payment  

Section 808 – Sodding

808.01 Description  

This Section describes the requirements for providing and placing topsoil and sod.

808.02 Materials  

808.03 Construction  

808.03.01 Placing Sod

Before placing sod, place 4 inches of topsoil as specified in 804.03.01. Incorporate fertilizer, applied at a rate that yields 50 pounds of nitrogen per acre. Incorporate pulverized limestone, if necessary, to adjust the pH of the topsoil to 6.5 as specified in 806.03.01.B.

With each delivery of sod, submit to the RE a delivery slip, indicating the time and date of harvest and the quantity of sod, and a New Jersey Department of Agriculture certification. Within 36 hours of harvesting, deliver and lay the sod. Lay sod with staggered joints pressed closely together. Match the ends of sod strips so that the ends and sides always lie flush with each other. Press sod into the underlying soil by hand tamping and rolling to produce an even surface.

On slopes, start placing sod at the bottom. At the top of slopes, turn the upper edge of the sod strips into the soil and cover with topsoil. On slopes steeper than 3H:1V, hold sod in place with pegs driven flush with the surface of the sod. Do not space the pegs more than 1 foot apart. Use at least 2 pegs for each strip of sod.

Water until infiltration occurs through the root zone and into the topsoil zone in a manner that provides equal distribution and coverage to all areas sodded. Rewater as necessary until a firm root mass is established.

Do not place sod when the moisture content of the topsoil may adversely affect the sod. If the upper 1/2-inch of topsoil is dry, moisten the soil immediately before laying the sod.

Immediately replace sod that is dead or unhealthy.

After a firm root mass is established and before the turf reaches the height of 3 to 4 inches, mow the turf to a height of 1-1/2 to 2 inches with a machine that does not produce ruts, contribute to soil compaction, or damage the sod. Subsequently mow as directed.

808.04 Measurement and Payment  

The Department will make payment for mowing as specified in 810.04.

Section 809 – Mulching

809.01 Description  

This Section describes the requirements for providing and spreading mulch, and for tacking straw mulch.

809.02 Materials  

809.03 Construction  

809.03.01 Straw Mulching

Uniformly spread straw mulch in 3/4 to 1-1/2-inch loose layers over turf areas within 7 days of seeding. Bind the mulch in place using 1 of the following tackifiers:

1. Fiber Mulch. Mix fiber mulch with water, and apply using hydraulic pressure equipment. Apply fiber mulch as recommended by the manufacturer, except do not apply less than 400 pounds of the dry product per acre. Evenly distribute the mixture over the straw mulch.
   
   
2. Synthetic Plastic Emulsion. Apply synthetic plastic emulsion using hydraulic pressure equipment at a rate of 30 gallons (264 pounds) of undiluted material per acre. Dilute the synthetic plastic emulsion with water at a ratio of 1:15. Do not apply synthetic plastic emulsion in precipitation or in freezing weather.
   
   
3. Vegetable-Based Gels. Mix vegetable-based gels with water, and apply using hydraulic pressure equipment. Apply vegetable-based gels as recommended by the manufacturer, except thoroughly mix at least 40 pounds of the dry material with 750 gallons of water per acre. Do not apply vegetable-based gels in precipitation or in freezing weather.

When immediate protection of newly graded slopes is necessary at times other than during optimum seeding seasons, apply straw mulch with a temporary seed mixture.

Leave straw mulch in place and allow to disintegrate. If straw mulch is displaced before the grass reaches a height of 1-1/2 inches, refertilize, reseed, and remulch the area.

809.03.02 Fiber Mulching

The Contractor may only use fiber mulch during the optimum seeding seasons and with the approval of the Department. Apply fiber mulch over turf areas within 7 days of seeding. Mix fiber mulch with water, and apply using hydraulic pressure equipment. Following the manufacturer’s recommendations, apply at least 2000 pounds of dry fiber mulch per acre.

Leave fiber mulch in place and allow to disintegrate. If fiber mulch is displaced before the grass is 1-1/2 inches high, refertilize, reseed, and remulch the area.

809.03.03 Mulching Plants

Mulch the specified plant pits of individual trees or shrubs, including the saucer to its outer edge and the entire area where material is planted in beds, with a 3 to 4-inch layer of wood chips, stone, gravel, or shredded hardwood bark, as specified. For Hemerocallis and perennial beds, mulch the entire area with a 2-inch layer of wood mulch. In naturalized areas, individually mulch each Hemerocallis plant with a 2-inch layer of wood mulch. Mulch plants within 10 days of installation. Replace mulch that is displaced.

809.04 Measurement and Payment  

Section 810 – Mowing

810.01 Description  

This Section describes the requirements for mowing new and existing turf within the ROW.

810.02 Materials  

(Intentionally Blank)

810.03 Construction  

810.03.01 Mowing Seeded Areas

Mow, to a height of 3 to 4 inches, designated seeded turf areas when vegetation reaches a height of 6 to 8 inches. Use hand mowing methods and light equipment in areas where the use of heavy equipment may damage the turf or soil or cause soil compaction.

Before beginning mowing operations, pick-up and remove litter and debris in the areas of seeded turf to be mowed. Dispose of waste material and debris as specified in 201.03.09. Remove excessive cuttings as specified in 201.03.09.

810.03.02 Mowing Existing Turf

Mow, to a height of 3 to 4 inches, designated existing turf areas when vegetation reaches a height of 10 to 12 inches. Use hand mowing methods and light equipment in areas where the use of heavy equipment may damage the turf or soil or cause soil compaction.

Before beginning mowing operations, pick-up and remove litter and debris in the areas of existing turf to be mowed. Dispose of waste material and debris as specified in 201.03.09. Remove excessive cuttings as specified in 201.03.09.

810.04 Measurement and Payment  

Section 811 – Planting

811.01 Description  

This Section describes the requirements for furnishing, delivering, and installing plants.

811.02 Materials  

811.03 Construction  

811.03.01 Planting

1. Furnishing, Delivering, Installing, and Caring for Plants. Submit to the RE the current Materials Questionnaire Form for landscaping material, as specified in 106.04, 30 days before delivery with a copy to the Department’s Bureau of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Solutions.
   
   Handle and pack plants to prevent injuries during transit. Do not dump or drop plants while unloading. Protect the roots of all plants from freezing or desiccating by heeling-in, watering, covering or keeping shaded, or placing in a climate controlled building or trailer.
   
   Coordinate work to prevent delays in planting that may expose the root systems of plants to the air, sun, or freezing conditions.
   
   
2. Optimal Planting Seasons.




Table 811.03.01-1 Optimal Planting Season
Type of Plant	Season
Broad leaf and coniferous evergreen trees, shrubs, vines, and ground covers	March 1 to May 15 August 15 to December 1
Deciduous trees, shrubs, vines, ornamental grasses, and perennials	March 1 to May 15 October 15 to December 1
Container grown plant materials	March 1 to May 15 August 15 to December 1
Narcissus	October 15 to December 1
Hemerocallis	March 1 to May 15


When planting outside the optimal planting seasons, ensure that plants installed are kept watered and protected from freezing and desiccation.


3. Layout. Before planting, stake plant locations and bed outlines and obtain Department approval. Immediately notify the RE to arrange for Departmental guidance if existing conditions prevent planting at the exact locations shown on the Plans. The Department may adjust plant locations to meet field conditions.
   
   
4. Planting Beds. Spray existing vegetation within proposed planting beds during the growing season with glyphosate at the manufacturer’s recommended rates. The Department may direct the reapplication of glyphosate 10 days after the first application. Mow the dead vegetation as closely as possible to existing ground, or turn it into the soil.
   
   If the use of glyphosate is ineffective, mechanically remove existing vegetation from the bed area and cultivate to a depth of 6 inches.
   
   Cultivate perennial planting beds to a depth of 6 to 8 inches, and grade beds smooth immediately before planting. Plant Narcissus bulbs to a depth of 8 inches.
   
   
5. Excavation for Plant Pits and Beds. Before excavating for plant pits and beds, ensure that the areas conform to the specified lines and grades. On slopes steeper than 4H:1V, excavate pits no more than 5 days in advance of planting.
   
   Excavate pits for balled and burlapped plants to a minimum of 2 times the width of the root ball and no deeper than the root ball as measured from the bottom of the trunk flare to the bottom of the ball. Excavate pits for containerized plants to a minimum of 2 times the width of the container and no deeper than the actual height of the root mass within the container. Ensure that side slopes of all pits taper down from the rim of the pit to the outer edge of the bottom of the ball. Ensure that the sides of the pits are loosened and roughened to promote root penetration. Obtain RE approval before reusing topsoil from the excavated pits.
   
   For seedlings, vines, ground covers, and perennials, excavate pits to a minimum 12-inch diameter and 12-inch depth.
   
   Reuse excavation as specified in 202.03.07.A. Dispose of sod, weeds, roots, and other objectionable material as specified in 201.03.09.
   
   If the Contractor does not plan to plant excavated pits before the end of the working day, provide a plan, to the RE for approval, 5 days before planting that details the measures to ensure safety.
   
   
6. Pruning. Prune according to ANSI A 300 to preserve the natural character of each plant. Limit pruning at the time of planting to the removal of dead, conflicting, and broken branches. Do not prune the leaders of trees. Ensure that experienced personnel, using properly conditioned equipment and methods in keeping with accepted horticultural practice, perform all pruning.
   
   
7. Setting Plants. Set plants plumb and at the same depth at which they were grown in the nursery, except set trees with a trunk flare 1/2 to 1 inch above the surrounding grade to allow for settling. Set roots for the various conditions as follows:
   
   
   1. Balled and Burlapped Plants. Handle and move plants only by the ball. Either remove, or loosen and fold back the burlap from the upper 1/2 of the ball. When balled and burlapped plants are in wire baskets, remove the entire wire basket, preserving the integrity of the ball.
      
      
   2. Containerized Plants. Immediately before planting, remove the container, and make 3 vertical cuts equidistantly spaced around the perimeter of the root mass. Make each cut 1/2 inch deep from the top of the root-earth mass to the bottom.
   
   
8. Backfilling. Backfill with topsoil around the root system. Hand-tamp the topsoil and water at the rate of 15 gallons per square yard of pit area to settle the topsoil and to remove air pockets. Ensure that the topsoil is not frozen at the time of backfilling. Where necessary, backfill areas that have settled with topsoil. Form a 4-inch high compacted berm using topsoil around individual plants to a diameter equal to that of the pit. Ensure that the berm functions properly throughout the plant establishment period.
   
   
9. Watering. Water plants with sufficient frequency and quantity to ensure that the soil surrounding the root system remains moist but not saturated.
   
   
10. Staking and Guying. Immediately after planting, stake or guy trees either 1 inch or more in caliper or more than 3 feet in height. Ensure that guy wires allow for normal sway. Ensure that trees remain plumb.
    
    
11. Tree Protection. Install tree protectors to a height of 2 feet above the ground surface on all planted Malus and Crataegus species to prevent damage from bark consuming rodents.
    
    
12. Mulching. Treat all beds with a pre-emergent herbicide before placing mulch. Mulch plants as specified in 809.03.02. Neatly edge the beds to produce a smooth, flowing edge line.
    
    
13. Caring for Plants. Maintain plants in a healthy growing condition during the life of the Contract by watering, weeding, spraying with pesticides, pruning, remulching, maintaining guys and stakes, and other operations as necessary.
    
    
14. Restoration and Cleanup. Where existing turf areas have been damaged during planting operations, restore the disturbed areas as specified in 806.03.01. Dispose of debris as specified in 201.03.09.

811.03.02 Plant Establishment Period

Upon completion of all plantings, request that an inspection be made by the Department to determine if the plants are alive and healthy. The Department will inspect plantings between May 1 and October 1st. Replace plants as specified in 811.03.01 that are missing or not alive and healthy. If replacing plants outside of the optimal planting season as specified in Table 811.03.01-1, only use containerized or balled and burlapped plants that are certified as being dug dormant. The plant establishment period will begin when the Department determines that 100 percent of the plants are alive and healthy.

Ensure the plantings are cared for during the plant establishment period by keeping the plants in a healthy growing condition by watering, weeding, spraying with pesticides, pruning, remulching disturbed areas, maintaining guys and stakes, and by other operations as horticulturally necessary.

The Department will reinspect the plants approximately 1 year after the start of the plant establishment period. If the Department determines that plants need to be replaced, replant plants as specified in 811.03.01 within 3 weeks. If replanting outside of the optimal planting season as specified in Table 811.03.01-1, only use containerized or balled and burlapped plants that are certified as being dug dormant.

The Department will reinspect the plants approximately 2 years after the start of the plant establishment period. If the Department determines that plants need to be replaced, replant plants as specified in 811.03.01 within 3 weeks. If replacing outside of the optimal planting season as specified in Table 811.03.01-1, only use containerized or balled and burlapped plants that are certified as being dug dormant.

Remove stakes, guys, and guy wires within the last month of the conclusion of the plant establishment period. At the conclusion of the plant establishment period, remove and dispose of weeds, debris, and damaged plant material as specified in 201.03.09. Treat planting beds with a pre-emergence herbicide.

When the establishment period extends beyond Completion, provide the Department’s Bureau of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Solutions with the following for the remaining duration of the establishment period:

1. Highway Occupancy Permit. Obtain a Highway Occupancy Permit from the NJDOT Regional Operations permits office. Provide 2 copies of the approved permit to the Department’s Bureau of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Solutions. Include the following in the permit:
   
   
   1. Project description, location, and copy of the landscape plans, details, and specifications.
   2. Description of the establishment care work during the establishment period.
   3. Work Schedule describing when the establishment care work will occur.
   
   
2. Maintenance Bond. Provide a bond to the Department in the amount specified in the Special Provisions.

811.04 Measurement and Payment