ROADSIDE / LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION HANDBOOK Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Bureau of Design Publication No. 450 2003 Edition
INTRODUCTION - Roadside Development, also known as Landscape Development, is an integral part of all highway construction projects. The necessity of re-vegetating bare soil areas created during construction is of prime importance in preventing soil erosion that can lead to water pollution on or off the construction right-of-way. The application of various types of seed and soil supplements is a major factor in controlling soil erosion. Planting trees, shrubs, and other ground cover plants at various locations within the right-of-way helps to create a more pleasing, functional and harmonious landscape that imparts an aesthetic and beautifying property to the construction scarred roadsides and the surrounding environs. Plants are also major construction items in the development of environmental mitigation areas such as wetland creation, wildlife habitat replacement, and stream relocations. Many of these mitigation areas are required to be monitored beyond the end of the construction to verify that the plants are growing and providing the desired mitigation. PENNDOT and consultant construction inspectors receive little or no formal training in how to inspect roadside development construction operations. These work operations are found in the Section 800 series of Publication 408 Specifications, and on Roadway Construction Standard Drawing RC-91M. This handbook is developed to provide a handy reference, office/field guide to assist the Project Inspector in using criteria that will help to determine whether landscape plants and other materials as well as installation operations are acceptable. The handbook should also help to eliminate the often subjective nature of approving plants and other landscape material prior to installation and their ultimate acceptance at the end of the construction project. The handbook is divided into various Sections that correspond to the Section 800 series of Publication 408. Benefits derived from using this handbook may include: Instill respect for using proper landscape materials and construction methods. Raise the expectations for landscape planting survival and seeding establishment. Promote the timely and proper training of inspection personnel. Encourage landscape contractors to police their industry ranks in providing the proper size and quality of plants and other landscape material. Encourage proper planting operations that are necessary for a successful completion of the Landscape Plan and plant survival. Encourage cooperation between project inspectors, district, and central office roadside personnel. Chinese proverb: "A journey of a thousand miles, begins with the first step"
ROADSIDE DEVELOPMENT INSPECTION GUIDE SECTION 801 STOCKPILING TOPSOIL OR TOPSOIL MIXTURE SECTION 802 TOPSOIL FURNISHED AND PLACED SECTION 803 PLACING STOCKPILED TOPSOIL OR TOPSOIL MIXTURE
Table of Contents Page Section 801 - Stockpiling Topsoil & Topsoil Mixture..............3 1.0 Topsoil...................................................................3 2.0 Topsoil Mixture............................................................3 3.0 Topsoil Collection..........................................................3 4.0 Topsoil Mixture Collection...................................................4 5.0 Glossary..................................................................5 Section 802 - Topsoil Furnished and Placed......................6 1.0 Top Soil..................................................................6 2.0 Glossary..................................................................7 Section 803 - Placing Stockpiled Topsoil and Topsoil Mixture.....8 1.0 Material..................................................................8 2.0 Placing Stockpiled Topsoil...................................................8 3.0 Placing Stockpiled Topsoil Mixture............................................8 4.0 Glossary..................................................................9
Section 801 Stockpiling Topsoil or Topsoil Mixture Material collected within the Project Site - 1.0 Topsoil: Existing, acceptable friable loam (surface soil) found within the project right-of-way. Topsoil material that is reasonably free of subsoil, clay lumps, brush, roots, weeds, other objectionable vegetation, stones, other foreign material larger than 50 mm (2 inches) in any dimension, litter, and/or other material unsuitable or harmful to plant growth. 2.0 Topsoil Mixture: Existing, shredded/slashed, top-growth vegetation and soil collected (stripped) from within the project right-of-way. Material is derived from designated vegetation under 100 mm (4 inches) in caliper that is shredded/slashed by special equipment during clearing and grubbing operations to create material with a maximum rough size of 300 mm (12 inches) long and 50 mm (2 inches) in diameter. The vegetative slashings can include crushed or shredded branches, stems, bark, leaves, seeds and roots. This material is collected and then collected and mixed with the top 200 mm 300 mm (8 to 12 inches) of under-laying soil. 3.0 Topsoil Collection: After clearing and grubbing operations Direct designated topsoil removal (collection) operations where topsoil can be collected for future use. Ensure that topsoil removal does not contain undesired subsoil material. Verify that topsoil is not removed in wet or frozen condition. Approve location of stockpile for the collected topsoil. Stockpile should be located in an area where it will not conflict with other construction activities or require movement to another location. Approve stockpile size and shape of pile. Direct the temporary seeding and mulching of the stockpile to avoid potential loss of material from erosion. Verify the proper measurement of stockpiled material following Section 203.4(a)2. 3
4.0 Topsoil Mixture Collection: During clearing and grubbing operations Direct designated topsoil mixture removal (collection) operations where material is desired for future use. Approve location of stockpile for the collected topsoil mixture. Stockpile should be located in an area where it will not conflict with other construction activities or require movement to another location. Approve self-powered, land clearing shredding/slashing equipment. Equipment to demonstrate the ability to process vegetation material to the desired size and as specified. Verify that processed material meets the specified maximum rough size of 300 mm (12 inches) long by 50 mm (2 inches) in diameter. Direct collection of the organic vegetation slashings with the top 200 300 mm ( 8-12 inches) depth of soil under-laying the designated slashed vegetation. Direct transport to approved stockpile area for future use. Approve stockpile size and shape of pile. Ensure designated material is not compacted at the stockpile. Verify that the stockpile is periodically watered to keep slashed vegetation moist and not allowed to dry out. Verify the proper measurement of stockpiled material following Section 203.4(a)2. 4
5.0 Glossary of Terms - Clay Mineral soil particles comprised of fine sized (0.002 mm and smaller) hydrous aluminum silicates and other material that becomes plastic when moist and hard when fired. Particles are smaller than silt. A clay soil will contain from 20 to 30 % clay particles. Friable A soil that is easily crumbled or pulverized. Loam A soil consisting of readily workable, friable mixture of varying proportions of clay, silt, sand and organic matter that drains well yet retains sufficient moisture to keep plants alive and growing. A larger percentage of clay in the soil will make the soil less friable. Optimum Moisture Content The point at which a soil will not absorb any more water. Organic Matter Material derived from living plant or animal organisms (decayed or alive) containing carbon compounds. Organic matter adds nutrient value to the soil and improves workability by modifying the soil texture. Organic matter in clay soils makes them more porous, faster draining and better aerated while giving added body to sandy soils by delaying the too fast drainage of the soil. Sand Loose, granular mineral material that results from the disintegration of rocks with particles smaller than gravel (0.2 to 0.02 mm) but coarser than silt. A sandy soil will contain 85% or more of sand with a maximum of 10% clay. Silt - Mineral rock particles usually 0.02 to 0.002 mm in diameter. A silty soil will contain 80% or more of silt and less than 12% clay. Stockpile A collection point for material stored in one area and generally kept for future use. Topsoil Natural surface layer of soil that includes varying proportions of clay, silt, sand and organic matter packed together to form a semi-rigid, sponge-like mass capable of growing and sustaining vegetation. Topsoil is considered the best growing medium for crops and other vegetation. Topsoil Mixture Vegetation matter derived from cutting, crushing, shredding or slashing of small diameter vegetation. The slashed material is collected with the under-laying soil and will contain a seed bank of the various cut top-growth material. This process is used to help re-vegetate areas with the same material that was collected. Vegetation Slashings Downed vegetative material derived from using special land clearing equipment designed to shred, crush, cut and otherwise clear and grub ground surfaces covered by light woods or brush. 5
Section 802 Topsoil Furnished and Placed 1.0 Topsoil An acceptable, friable loam reasonably free of subsoil, clay lumps, brush, roots, weeds and other objectionable vegetation, stones and other foreign matter larger than 50 mm (2 inches) in any diameter, litter, and other material unsuitable or harmful to plant growth. Natural surface soil consisting of not less than 2% and not more than 10% organic matter as determined by AASHTO T-194 parameters. Acceptable gradation analysis of soil particles: 100% passing 50 mm (2 inch) sieve 75 % passing 4.75 mm (No.4) sieve 60% passing 2 mm (No.10 ) sieve The sand, silt and clay particles passing the 2 mm (No. 10) sieve should be within the following ranges: Sand - 5 to 70%, Silt - 10 to 70%, Clay - 5 to 36%. Verify that the topsoil presented for use is obtained from outside the project right-of-way where the soil quality has proven the ability to grow crops. Verify acceptance of the quality of the topsoil source, depth of topsoil to be removed and method of removal prior to Contractor s operations. Require certification of topsoil following Section 106.03(b)3. Verify the re-conditioning of areas where topsoil was removed following Section 105.14. Verify that the areas to receive topsoil have been graded to the desired project soil surface elevations. Ensure that stones 50 mm (2 inches) or larger in dimension and any foreign material have been removed from the topsoil placement area. This operation may require mechanical raking or other approved methods. Verify at the prepared areas, the proper placement, spreading and compaction of the placed topsoil material at the specified 100 mm (4 inches) uniform depth. Acceptable allowance is 40 mm (1-1/2 inches). Instruct the removal of over depth topsoil unless other wise agreed upon in writing. Topsoil should not be placed in a wet or frozen condition. Note: Topsoil can be applied in a moisten condition but should not be in a overly wet, sodden condition. Verify that the proper weighted rollers are used for compacting the topsoil to the desired depth. 6
Verify the number and size of the hauling vehicles delivering topsoil to the project areas following Section 109.01(b). 2.0 Glossary of Terms - Clay Mineral soil particles comprised of fine sized (0.002 mm and smaller) hydrous aluminum silicates and other material that becomes plastic when moist and hard when fired. Particles are smaller than silt. A clay soil will contain from 20 to 30 % clay particles. Friable A soil that is easily crumbled or pulverized. Loam A soil consisting of readily workable, friable mixture of varying proportions of clay, silt, sand and organic matter that drains well yet retains sufficient moisture to keep plants alive and growing. A larger percentage of clay in the soil will make the soil less friable. Organic Matter Material derived from living plant or animal organisms (decayed or alive) containing carbon compounds. Organic matter adds nutrient value to the soil and improves workability by modifying the soil texture. Organic matter in clay soils makes them more porous, faster draining and better aerated while giving added body to sandy soils by delaying the too fast drainage of the soil. Sand Loose, granular mineral material that results from the disintegration of rocks with particles smaller than gravel (0.2 to 0.02 mm) but coarser than silt. A sandy soil will contain 85% or more of sand with a maximum of 10% clay. Silt - Mineral rock particles usually 0.02 to 0.002 mm in diameter. A silty soil will contain 80% or more of silt and less than 12% clay. Topsoil Natural surface layer of soil that includes varying proportions of clay, silt, sand and organic matter packed together to form a semi-rigid, sponge-like mass capable of growing and sustaining vegetation. Topsoil is considered the best growing medium for crops and other vegetation. 7
Section 803 Placing Stockpiled Topsoil and Topsoil Mixture 1.0 Material See Sections 801 and 802 of this Inspection Guidebook. 2.0 Placing Stockpiled Topsoil Verify that the topsoil is removed from the project stockpile(s) using an acceptable method that does not contaminate the topsoil with foreign material including subsoil, stones, litter, rubbish, etc. Follow inspection guidelines for placing the stockpiled topsoil from Section 802 Topsoil Furnished and Placed of this Guidebook. Verify the number and size of the hauling vehicles delivering the stockpiled topsoil to the project areas to receive this material following Section 109.01(b). Verify the return of any unused material to the stockpile and that the stockpile is uniformly re-shaped and conditioned following Section 105.14. 3.0 Placing Stockpiled Topsoil Mixture Verify that the surface preparation for placing the topsoil mixture has been completed as specified and prior to bringing the material from the stockpile. Preparation to include: Surfaces to be scarified and loosened to a depth of 150 mm ( 6 inches) lateral to the slope face. Loose soil to be moistened to the optimum moisture content. Avoid excessive runoff of water from this operation. Debris and any other foreign material 50 mm (2 inches) or larger in any dimension to be removed. Verify the topsoil mixture is placed and compacted to a 150 mm (6 inch) depth after compaction. Application tolerance is 25 mm (1 inch). Verify that the specified sheepsfoot roller is used to bond the topsoil mixture to the soil prepared soil surface and provides a firm, stable, rough textured surface. If areas can not be accessed with the desired sheepsfoot roller, verify and approve the use of another roller type having a mass (weight) not over 180 kg/m (120 lbs/ft) width of the roller. Rolling is a necessary step to help incorporate and bond the material to the loosened soil surface to encourage rooting and seed bank germination from the collected material. 8
Verify that the topsoil mixture is not placed in a wet or frozen condition. Note: Topsoil can be placed when moist but should not be placed in an overly wet, sodden condition. Verify the number and size of the hauling vehicles delivering the stockpiled topsoil mixture to the project areas to receive this material following Section 109.01(b). Verify the return of any unused material to the stockpile and that the stockpile is uniformly re-shaped and conditioned following Section 105.14. 4.0 Glossary of Terms - Stockpiled Topsoil: Existing, acceptable friable loam (surface soil) found within the project right-of-way, collected and stockpiled for future use. Stockpiled material is reasonably free of subsoil, clay lumps, brush, roots, weeds, other objectionable vegetation, stones, other foreign material larger than 50 mm (2 inches) in any dimension, litter, and/or other material unsuitable or harmful to plant growth. Stockpiled Topsoil Mixture: Existing, shredded/slashed, top-growth vegetation and soil collected (stripped) from within the project right-of-way and stockpiled for future use. Material is derived from designated vegetation under 100 mm (4 inches) in caliper that is shredded/slashed by special equipment during clearing and grubbing operations to create material with a maximum rough size of 300 mm (12 inches) long and 50 mm (2 inches) in diameter. The vegetative slashings can include crushed or shredded branches, stems, bark, leaves, seeds and roots. This material is collected and then collected and mixed with the top 200 mm 300 mm (8 to 12 inches) of under-laying soil. 9
NOTES
ROADSIDE DEVELOPMENT INSPECTION GUIDE SECTION 804 SEEDING AND SOIL SUPPLEMENTS SECTION 809 SODDING
Table of Contents Section 804 - Seeding and Soil Supplements...4 1.0 Seed Type-Formulas Metric Unit...4 English Units...5 2.0 Pulverized Agricultural Limestone...6 3.0 Commercial Fertilizer...8 4.0 Slow Release Fertilizer...9 5.0 Seed...11 6.0 Inoculant...12 7.0 Herbicides...13 8.0 Water...13 9.0 Application of Seed & Soil Supplements...13 9.1 Tillage...13 9.2 Application of soil supplements...14 9.3 Application of Inoculant...14 9.4 Application of seed...14 9.5 Hydraulic seeding... 15 9.6 Rolling...15 9.7 Herbicides...15 9.8 Liability and Compliance...16 10.0 Maintenance of Area...16 Page 2
11.0 Glossary of Terms...16 Section 809 - Sodding...17 1.0 Sodding Materials...17 12.1 Sod...17 12.2 Lime...18 12.3 Fertilizer...18 12.4 Water...18 13.0 Installation of Sod...18 13.1 Site Preparation...18 13.2 Sod Placement...19 13.2 Maintenance of Sodded Area...20 14.0 Glossary of Terms...21 3
Section 804 - Seeding and Soil Supplements 1.0 Seed Type-Formulas (Metric Units) 4
1.0 Seed Type-Formulas (English Units) 5
2.0 Pulverized Agricultural Limestone - Check product labels for correct percentage (%) of oxides, calcium carbonate, & fineness. Verify that the limestone product provides an Effective Neutralizing Power (E.N.P.) of not less than 64. Limestone products with E.N.P. values less than 64 should be rejected. Check delivery invoices/shipping documents. Verify quantity & limestone type delivered to the project. Quantity calculation: For the specified limestone application rate of 435 kg / 1,000 m2 (800 lbs/1,000 s.y.) and limestone delivered in bags weighing 50 lbs, there should be 16 bags of limestone delivered for each 1,000 s.y. of project lime area. The applied limestone material is to be incorporated into the top 2 inches of the soil being amended if applied dry in a separate operation. Limestone can also be applied as part of a hydroseeding operation. Gather / count empty limestone bags to verify that the specified quantity has been used on the project. Agricultural Limestone Information: % Total Oxides 50 (total calcium oxide and magnesium oxide equivalent) % Calcium Carbonate equivalent - % by mass (weight) 89 % Fineness - minimum % by mass (weight) material passing No. 20 sieve 95 material passing No. 60 sieve 60 material passing No. 100 sieve 50 Pulverized agricultural limestone is the most common material used to neutralize soil ph. Limestone consists either of calcium carbonate (calcitic limestone) or calcium/magnesium carbonate (dolomitic limestone). By maintaining a proper soil ph, you can increase the effectiveness of fertilizers and herbicides which do not work as well in excessively acidic soil. Many beneficial soil microorganisms do not thrive in strongly acidic soils either. Different liming materials have different acid neutralizing capabilities. Determination of soil ph is a measurement of the acidity or alkalinity of a soil. The ph scale ranges from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline). At ph 7, the soil is neutral, neither acidic or alkaline. Plant growth and plant nutrient availability from a soil are strongly influenced by soil ph. Most grass and other types of plants grow best between ph values of 6.0 to 7.2. While some acidic loving plants such as rhododendron, holly, azalea, etc. grow better in lower ph values from 5.2 to 5.5. 6
Most Pennsylvania soils are naturally acidic. In an effort to maintain an optimum soil ph for our roadside plantings, we amend our soils with lime that will help to neutralize soil acidity during vegetation establishment. PENNDOT s lime application rate has been selected to provide a general benefit to most soils throughout PA without requiring extensive project site ph soil tests. Formula L (hard & red fescues) and Formula D (mainly tall fescues) prefer a ph of 6.0 to 6.5 while Formula B (mainly Kentucky bluegrass) prefers a ph of 6.5 to 7.2. At present, liquid lime is not approved for PENNDOT projects. Agricultural limestone products are regulated by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Liming Material Act of March 17, 1978 P.L. 15, No. 9. Agricultural limestone materials sold in the Commonwealth should have affixed on the outside of each package a plainly presented label or tag, or in the case of bulk sales, a delivery slip with the following information: 1. Name and principal office address of the manufacturer or distributor 2. Brand or trade name of the material 3. Identification of the product as to type of the agricultural liming material 4. Net weight of the agricultural liming material 5. The minimum % calcium oxide and magnesium oxide and/or calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. Sample Limestone Label 7
3.0 Commercial Fertilizer The specified commercial fertilizer is applied prior to or during the initial seeding operations. Verify fertilizer provided for general seeding and sodded areas is a dry formula of 10-20-20 analysis. Verify that the specified application rate of 80 kg / 1,000 m2 (140 lbs / 1,000 s.y.) is applied. Quantity calculation: For the specified application rate of 140 lbs per 1000 s.y. and a fertilizer bag weighing 50 lbs, then three bags should be delivered for each 1,000 s.y. of seeded area. Check any other specified fertilizer analysis product to be provided on the project. Check invoice/shipping documents for correct quantities and types. Gather/count empty fertilizer bags to verify specified quantity has been used on the project. The applied fertilizer material is to be incorporated into the top 2 inches of the soil being amended if applied dry in a separate operation. Fertilizer can also be applied as part of a hydroseeding operation. Understanding Fertilizer Terms A complete fertilizer is one that contains nitrogen (N), phosphate (P), and soluble potash (K). The three numbers listed for 10-20-20 analysis are the percentages of the three major elements in the bag. In a bag of fertilizer with the analysis 10-20-20, there is 10% nitrogen, 20% phosphate, and 20% soluble potash by mass (weight). If the bag is 80 lbs, then the 10% nitrogen present in the bag is 8 lbs, the 20% phosphate is 16 lbs, and the 20% potash is 16 lbs. The remaining 40 lbs of material in the bag is inert material. Generally, a quality fertilizer is guaranteed to be 10% total nitrogen (N) with 35% or more of the total nitrogen being water insoluble nitrogen (WIN) and is also known as slowrelease nitrogen. To determine the total % of nitrogen you must know the analysis and the percentage of WIN. This information will be listed on the bag. Divide the % of WIN by the total % of N, then multiply by 100. (Example: The WIN amount in an 80 lb bag of 10-20-20 analysis fertilizer, with 4% WIN would be 4% divided by 10 x 100 or 40% of the total nitrogen present in the bag. This equates to 3.2 lbs of the 8 lbs of nitrogen is insoluble or slow release nitrogen). 8
4.0 Slow Release Fertilizer Dry Formulation Slow release fertilizer is a separate fertilizer application performed after germination of the seeded areas and prior to project completion. Direct the application of this fertilizer to the grassed areas seeded with Formula B, D, L and W. Do not approve application of this fertilizer during July or August when cool season grasses are generally dormant (not actively growing) or during periods of prolonged drought. 38-0-0 Ureaform Total Nitrogen (TN) Cold Water Insoluble (WIN) Nitrogen (WIN) Activity Index (AI) Urea Nitrogen 38.0% Minimum 25.0% Minimum 40.0% Minimum 3.5% Minimum 32-0-0 to 38-0-0 sulfur coated urea with a 7 day dissolution range of 20% - 30% 31-0-0 IBDU Water Insoluble Nitrogen (WIN) Coarse grade (0.7 to 2.5 mm) 27.0% minimum Other fertilizer analysis as indicated. Check labels, invoices, & shipping documents to verify correct quantities & products. Gather/count empty slow-release fertilizer bags to verify specified quantity has been used on site. Verify that the proper application rate is applied using approved equipment. Generally, this material is provided in 50 lb bags. See sample calculation for number of bags needed for each fertilizer type in Section 3.0. 38-0-0 Ureaform 32-0-0 to 38-0-0 Sulfur Coated Urea 31-0-0 IBDU 30 kg /1,000 m2 (50 lbs / 1,000 s.y.) 35 30 kg /1,000 m2 (59 50 lbs/1,000 s.y.) 35 kg / 1,000 m2 (61 lbs / 1,000 s.y.) 9
Sample - Granular Nitrogen Fertilizer Label 10
5.0 Seed Determine if the correct seed formula is being used. Check labels, invoice and shipping documents for type being used. Seed is to be pre-tested for purity and germination analysis by the PA Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry. Use premixed seed formulas. Check seed for seed inspection tag, stamped, dated, and signed by PA Department of Agriculture inspector. Inspection tag to be sewn or stapled to the outside of the seed bag. Do not use seed, unless it has been inspected and sampled as specified, or sampled as an individual seed species lot and mixed to the desired formula on the project under PENNDOT supervision. Do not use seed from non-sealed containers or seed that has been stored with herbicides. Verify that seed test date does not exceed 9 months. If seed test date is beyond 9 months, the seed will need to be re-tested for the desired specified criteria. Gather/count empty seed bags to verify specified seed quantities have been used for the various seed formulas. Verify that any designated certified seed has been provided. Certified seed types are Crownvetch, Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Creeping Red Fescue, Chewings Fescue, Hard Fescue, and Birdsfoot Trefoil. Sample - Certified Seed label 11
Sample Seed Label 6.0 Inoculant - Commercial product containing a nitrogen-fixing bacteria culture used to treat leguminous seeds that enhances germination and growth. The inoculant is used with Seed Formulas C & W. Crownvetch is the leguminous seed in Formula C and Birdsfoot Trefoil is the leguminous seed in Formula W. Verify inoculant is appropriate for use with the selected seed type. 12
Gather/count empty inoculant packaging to verify specified quantity and type have been used on site as recommended by the inoculant manufacturer. Check expiration date of product. Do not approve inoculant for use if material is past the expiration date on the container. 7.0 Herbicides - 8.0 Water - Do not approve herbicide if it is not furnished in the manufacturer s labeled container. Gather/count empty herbicide packaging to verify specified quantity and product have been used. For controlling broadleaf weeds in areas seeded with Formula B or D. Verify the use of Type 1, Class C herbicide listed in Specification No. H-16 of the PA Department of General Services. Type 1 2, 4-D Formulations Class C Liquid amine salt formulations (Dimethylamine) Verify the use and source of relatively clean water, free of debris. 9.0 Application of Seed and Soil Supplements - 9.1 Tillage - Topsoiled Areas, 1:3 (3:1) and flatter, verify that the top 50 mm (2 inches) of the designated soil to be seeded has been loosened by disking, harrowing, or by another acceptable method to help the seed lodge in better contact with the soil. Glazed, crusted, or over compacted soil surfaces should also be tilled or scarified prior to seeding. Non-Topsoiled Areas, 1:3 (3:1) and flatter, tillage is only performed when directed. Verify that all surface irregularities and depressions are filled and leveled. Ensure that all metal objects and stones larger than 50 mm (2 inches) diameter and any other debris that will be detrimental to mowing operations have been removed prior to the seeding operation. 13
9.2 Application of Soil Supplements - Check labels of limestone and fertilizers to verify correct products are being used Check for correct application rate. 9.3 Application of Inoculant - Only required for Seed Formulas C & W. Verify proper inoculant for the seed type used. Verify inoculant is not applied to soon and becomes inactive. Seed must be re-inoculated if not sown within 24 hours of adding the inoculant. Verify that 4 times the normal inoculant amount is used if the inoculated seed is to be sown in a hydraulic seeder. If the inoculated seed is held in a slurry with fertilizers for more than 1 hour before use, the inoculant must be re-applied or the leguminous seed must be sown separately. 9.4 Application of Seed - Check seed bags with specifications to verify proper formula is used. Check the inspection date on the seed bags to verify the test seed date of the seed. Verify seeding is accomplished within the desired calendar dates established for each seed formula. Formula B, D, and L March 15 to June 1 and August 1 to October 15 Formula C Ryegrass portion: March 1 to October 15 Crownvetch portion: Anytime except Sept. and Oct. Formula E March 15 to October 15 Formula W April 15 to June 15 and August 16 to September 15 The seeding dates can be extended if project conditions warrant. Verify what specified full treatment or 50% partial treatments will be used and schedule the time to finish the seeding within the next specified seeding dates. Periodically check the seeding equipment and verify the specified seed application rate is being used and that the seed is being evenly distributed. Formula B 11.5 kg / 1,000 m2 (21.0 lbs / 1,000 s.y.) Formula C 5.00 kg / 1,000 m2 ( 9.0 lbs / 1,000 s.y.) 14
Formula D 11.5 kg / 1,000 m2 (21.0 lbs / 1,000 s.y.) Formula E 5.5 kg / 1,000 m2 (10.0 lbs / 1,000 s.y.) Formula L 13.0 kg / 1,000 m2 (24.0 lbs / 1,000 s.y.) Formula W 5.5 kg / 1,000 m2 (10.5 lbs / 1,000 s.y.) Other Special Provision Formulas as specified Check seed application technique to be used on the project. Helicopter Hydroseeding Broadcast Drill Hand Seeding Hydraulic Seeder (Hydroseeder) Broadcast Typical Seeding Methods Drill 9.5 Hydraulic Seeding (Hydroseeding) Operations - 9.6 Rolling - If hydroseeding is the sowing technique used; the limestone, fertilizer, and seed can be mixed together in the hydroseeder tank and applied to the soil surface in one operation. Rolling should not be used on a steeply sloped site. Rolling is desirable for lawn type turf areas that will be well maintained by mowing. Many roadside seeding applications will not need to be rolled. Determine the need for rolling the project seeding areas. Verify weight of roller does not exceed 100 kg/m (65 lbs/ft.). Verify that rolling when applicable is performed after seeding is applied. Do not approve rolling if soil is wet or frozen. 9.7 Herbicides - Check labels, invoices, shipping slips to verify correct product is used. 15
Verify herbicides are used only when and where specified. Verify that the herbicide is prepared in accordance with manufacturer s mixing directions and that the proper application rate is used. Verify pesticide applicator s PA Department of Agriculture license is current and that he is licensed to apply the designated herbicide. Verify the proper application equipment is used. 9.8 Liability and Compliance Conduct any necessary testing or sampling. Direct re-application of seeding and soil supplement construction operations necessary to establish the desired vegetative surfaces. 10.0 Maintenance of Area - Verify that maintenance mowing is preformed as indicated or directed throughout the entire project length until final acceptance. Coordinate any maintenance needs and directions with the District Roadside Specialist. Verify that noxious weed plant growth (defined by law) within the project limits is controlled by approved herbicides or cutting. 11.0 Glossary of Terms - Certified Seed Seed that is certified by the seed grower to be the seed type and variety requested and that it has been grown, collected, conditioned, cleaned and inspected under regulated seed grower industry methods. Hydraulic Seeder Mechanical equipment designed to blow seed, fertilizer and mulch products either separately or in combination in a water based slurry onto soil surfaces. Hydraulic seeder or hydraulic seeding is the proper generic terms used for this equipment and the application operation. Hydroseeder and hydroseeding are the more commonly used terms. Soil Supplements Material such as pulverized agricultural limestone, commercial fertilizer and slow release fertilizer that is added to the soil to be seeded. The supplements help to amend various soil properties to enrich the soil and promote better grass establishment. 16
Section 809 - Sodding 12.0 Sodding Materials - 12.1 Sod - Verify that the sod being used conforms to the current edition of the Turfgrass Producers International s Guideline Specifications to Turfgrass Sodding. Check delivery/shipping invoices. Every shipment of turfgrass sod should be accompanied by an invoice or sales slip indicating whether the material is of a single grass variety, a blend or a mixture. The invoice will also label the quality of the turfgrass sod. Check sod against the following guidelines: Certified Turfgrass Sod cultivated of two or more approved Kentucky bluegrass varieties. A bluegrass blend is a blend of 2 or more varieties of Kentucky bluegrass. The names of the varieties and percentage of the original seed blend is available from the sod producer upon request. Contains not more than 10% of other fine turf grass species. Entirely free from weeds, as defined in the Pennsylvania Seed Act of 1965 and amendments. Grown in a cultured mineral soil. Certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture or the Department of Agriculture of the state from which the sod is obtained. Rectangular machine sections 300 mm (12inches) to 600 mm (2 feet) to 1800mm (6 feet) long, with a uniform soil thickness of approximately 20 mm ( 3/4 inch) excluding top growth and thatch. Do not accept broken sections or sections having torn or uneven ends. The strength of the sod is tested by holding a piece of sod by it s narrow end and raising it overhead without the sod tearing or falling apart. Grass height, maximum 40 mm (1-1/2 inches). Soil/root zone in well-moistened condition. Fresh turfgrass sod will be moist not hard and dry. The grass blades will be dark green and cool to the touch. Relatively free of thatch up to 15 mm ( 1/2 inch) uncompressed thickness acceptable. Net grown sod may be approved for use. Verify that a representative sample of the sod meets the desired specifications. 12.2 Lime - See Section 2.0 of the Section 804 Guideline. 12.3 Fertilizer - See Section 3.0 of the Section 804 Guideline. 17
12.4 Water - See Section 8.0 of the Section 804 Guideline. 13.0 Installation of Sod - Verify by checking shipping invoice or sales slips that sod has been placed within 36 hours after having been cut at the sod farm supplier. Verify that the sod is kept in temporary storage and kept moist and protected from drying by sunlight or wind if contractor cannot install when or as specified. Sod should be unrolled as soon as possible after delivery to the project site. The uniformity of the sod for texture, mowed height, and overall quality can be determined by placing several pieces of sod on the ground and looking for extreme variations and any visible weeds. 13.1 Site Preparation - Verify that any specified soil preparation or topsoiling has been completed to the required depths prior to sod installation. 2.2 Sod Placement - Stones and other foreign debris 50 mm (2 inches) or larger should not be present Sod bed should be at proper depth so that the top of the sod will be flush with the surrounding finished grade. Verify that the soil surface to be sodded is thoroughly moistened to point of round-off prior to planting. Verify that all soil supplements have been properly applied. Verify that sod is placed when moisture and temperature conditions are suitable. Do not permit sod cutting or placement of sod when temperature is lower than 0 º C (32º F). Do not permit placement of frozen sod. Verify that sod is placed by hand, with tight joints, no overlap, and in straight lines with rows placed parallel to and tight against each other. Verify that the sod is adequately watered to full depth saturation point to close joints and ensure close contact between the sod and the under lying soil. Initial watering is incidental to the sod installation. Verify that the sod is tamped to obtain a smooth, even sod surface, free from bumps and depressions. Transverse joints are to be staggered. 18
Pitchforks and other tools that could damage the sod are not permitted for use in laying the sod. Do not approve any sod that is dumped from vehicles. Sod must be carefully handled and unloaded from the delivery vehicles. Verify that the sod is rolled, if necessary to smooth out installation and that the roller weight is no more that 100 kg/m (65 lbs./ft.) of width. Direct this operation when necessary. In ditches and on slope areas,1:3 (3:1) or greater, verify that each strip of sod is staked securely using at least one wood stake for each 0.2 m 2 (2 square feet) of sod. Wooden stakes should be 13 mm x 25 mm ( 1/2 inch x 1 inch) and with a length 200 mm (8 inches) to 300 mm (12 inches). Stakes should be driven flush with the sod surface, with the wide face parallel to the slope contour. 3.0 Maintenance of Sodded Area - Verify that site is properly maintained until the project has been accepted. Maintenance measures may include repeated watering, mowing and repairs or replacement of sod in areas that fail to show a uniform growth of grass, or are damaged in any way. Direct additional watering to keep sod alive after the initial installation. Subsequent watering to keep grass alive until final acceptance of the project is paid for separately. Do not permit maintenance mowing of the sodded area until the sod has firmly rooted in place. Maintenance mowing is the mowing necessary to keep the area looking neat and to keep the turfgrass sod at a desired height of approximately 40 mm (1-1/2 inches). Direct mowing operations on a regular schedule as necessary during the growing season until final acceptance of the project. The initial mowing is considered incidental to the sod installation while subsequent maintenance mowing is paid separately. 19
4.0 Glossary of Terms Certified Turfgrass Sod A superior sod grown from certified, high quality seed of known origin or from plantings of certified grass seedlings or stolons. The sod is inspected and certified by the PA Department of Agriculture to assure satisfactory genetic identity and purity, overall high quality and freedom from noxious weed plants at the time of harvest. The sod must meet the published PA Department of Agriculture standards for certification. The turfgrass sod is a living grass product that is grown and harvested with a living root mass system that can be transported and transplanted onto a prepared soil area to quickly establish a grassed surface. Cultured Mineral Soil Soil that is amended to provide a good quality textured soil with the desired proportions of clay, sand, shale and organic matter as a growing medium for turfgrass sod production. Kentucky Bluegrass - A cool-season grass with dark green, medium texture leaf blades that forms a strong uniform sod via rhizomes (roots). Bluegrass thrives in sunny locations but goes into summer dormancy in excessively hot, dry conditions without irrigation. It has medium drought tolerance. This grass is the primary grass type grown for lawns. Net Grown Turfgrass Sod Turfgrass sod grown in a soil reinforced with a net material that allows the roots to intertwine into the net material. Thatch Accumulated, un-decomposed and usually compacted grass clippings that have built up in the sod and can adversely prevent the absorption of water, fertilizer and air to the roots of the sod. Turfgrass - Widely adapted grass surface lawn formed by turf-type producing grasses such as bluegrasses, perennial ryegrasses, fine fescues, or tall fescues. Turfgrass withstands moderate foot traffic and recovers quickly from occasional abuse. Sod - The grassed, upper layer of the ground surface containing grass top-growth (grass leaf blades), the grass root system, and the soil in which the roots grow. Turfgrass sod and sod is used interchangeably in this document. 20
NOTES
ROADSIDE DEVELOPMENT INSPECTION GUIDE SECTION 805 MULCHING
Table of Contents Page 1.0 Mulch..............................................................4 1.1 Seeded Areas.....................................................4 Hay................................................................4 Straw:..............................................................4 Wood Fiber..........................................................4 Pellet Mulch:.......................................................5 1.2 Planting and Other Areas............................................5 Tanbark.............................................................5 Shredded Bark.......................................................5 Washed Gravel:......................................................5 Sewage Sludge Compost:..............................................5 Wood Chips.........................................................6 2.0 Mulch Binders......................................................6 Recycled Cellulose Fiber...............................................7 Wood Fiber.........................................................7 Nonasphaltic Emulsion.................................................7 Polyvinyl Acetate.....................................................7 Recycled Cellulose Fiber/ Wood Fiber Mixture.............................7 3.0 Mulch Control Netting..................................................8 Plastic Netting.......................................................8 Coconut Coir........................................................9 2
4.0 Weed Barrier and Weed Control Mats.................................9 4.1 Weed Barrier Mat-.................................................9 4.2 Weed Control Mat-................................................10 5.0 Staples............................................................10 6.0 Wood Stakes.......................................................10 7.0 Bonded Fiber Matrix (BFM)........................................11 7.1 Polymer or Hydrocolloid Binder Matrix-..............................12 7.2 Gypsum Binder Matrix.............................................12 8.0 Application of Mulching Materials...................................13 8.1 Mulching Seeded Areas............................................13 8.2 Mulch Control Netting.............................................14 8.3 Bonded Fiber Matrix..............................................14 8.4 Mulching Planted Areas............................................15 8.5 Mulch Maintenance...............................................15 9.0 Glossary of Terms................................................16 3
1.0 Mulch Mulch is a protective covering spread on the ground to help conserve soil moisture, maintain even soil temperatures, prevent soil erosion, control weeds and eventually, if biodegradable material is used, decompose to enrich the soil. The recommended mulch depths will vary from product to product. Mulch must be free from foreign material, coarse stems, mold, substances toxic to plant growth, and mature seed bearing stalks or roots of prohibited and noxious weeds, as defined by law. 1.1 Seeded Area Either one or a combination of the following will be accepted: Check labels, shipping slips, and/or invoices to verify that the specified mulch is being used on the project seeded areas. Count number of bales, bags or delivery vehicles (for loose mulch material) delivered to the project. Verify that the mulch application rate follows the specifications. Hay: Timothy hay, mixed clover and timothy hay, or other acceptable native or forage grasses, well-cured to less than 20% moisture content, by mass (weight); usually delivered in bound bales with an average weight of 30-45 lbs. Straw: Either wheat or oat straw, reasonably free of visible seed, well cured to less than 20% moisture content, by mass (weight); usually delivered in bound bales with an average weight of 30-45 lbs. Wood Fiber: Delivered to site in plastic wrapped (net wt. 60 lb) bags Count number of bags delivered to site. Wood fiber is specially prepared, biodegradable, air-dried wood fibers manufactured from 100% wood chips or bark from lumber mill processing operations. Tinted with nontoxic, green dye and containing an organic tackifier approved for use with wood fibers; manufactured to be applied with hydraulic seeding equipment; and meeting the following requirements: Moisture Content Organic Matter (Oven-Dried Basis) Water Holding Capacity (Grams of Water per 100 Grams of Fiber) 15% Maximum 95% Minimum 1000 Minimum Tackifier Content (Mass / Weight) 2.5% to 3.5% 4
Pellet Mulch: A biodegradable, water-absorbing, paper-based pellet that when wetted loses its pellet shape, breaks down and adheres to other pellets, forming a thin, protective mulch mat. Delivered in 50 lb. bags. Meeting the following requirements: Paper Content 85% Fertilizer 5% Polyacrylate 2 to 5% Moisture Content 5 to 8% Pellet Dimensions Absorption Potential 3 mm (1/8-inch) diameter, 6 mm to 19 mm (1/4 to 3/4-inch) length Minimum, 3 times dry weight 1.2 Planting and Other Areas Check labels, shipping slips, and/or invoices to verify that the specified mulch is being used on planting areas. Generally delivered by loose bulk load; verify delivery vehicle size and volume of material. Verify that application rate follows the specifications. Tanbark: Fibrous, shredded, ground or chunked, aged tanbark. Free from insect life, not decomposed, and between 6 mm to 50 mm (1/4 -inch to 2 inches) in any dimension. Shredded Bark: Shredded, chunked or ground pieces of predominantly aged, but not decomposed, hardwood or pinewood tree bark. Free of excessively fine particles and having a general size range of 6 mm to 50 mm (1/4-inch to 2 inches) in any dimension. Washed Gravel: Uncrushed, washed, No. 67 Coarse Aggregate, less than 50 mm (1-inch) in size and having 90% - 100% pass the 19 mm (3/4-inch) square sieve openings. See Pub 408 Section 703.2, Table C for other size and grading criteria. Sewage Sludge Compost: A blend of secondary, dewatered sewage sludge and wood chips, composed for at least 21 days and cured from 30 to 60 days at a PA 5
DEP permitted site. Free from foreign material and substances toxic to plant growth, non-burning, weed free, screened, and meeting the following requirements: Minimum of 50% Organic Matter - (Oven-Dried Basis) Minimum of 100% Water Holding Capacity Particle Size -10 mm (3/8-inch) to 80 mm (3 inches) ph- 6.0 minimum Heavy Metals and Toxic Compounds (Based on Sewage Sludge Content) Maximum PPM Cadmium 25 Chromium 1,000 Copper 1,000 Lead 1,000 Mercury 10 Nickel 200 Zinc 2,500 PCBs 3 Verify that certified laboratory analysis was submitted with each shipment. Wood Chips: Chipped or ground wood material produced from predominantly live or non-decayed trees, logs, or brush including leaves or post-consumer lumber. General chip size range of 15 mm to 50 mm (1/2-inch to 2 inches) in any dimension and free of excessively fine stringy particles. Chips produced and stockpiled during clearing and grubbing operations or aged chips, at least 6 months old, from lumber mill operations of the desire size and free from foreign debris should also be accepted. Spent Mushroom Soil Compost: Compost material from organic substrate used in mushroom production that has been steam sterilized, then composted for a minimum of 90 days in well managed windrows and on a properly surfaced and protected composting pad and blended with ground brush (yard waste), recycled wood and/or composted bark. Meets the following requirements: Moisture content 60% Maximum Particle size 10 mm (3/8-inch) to 80 mm (3 inches) ph 5.5 to 8.0 Soluble salt concentration 20 ds Maximum Organic matter 40 % Minimum (oven dry basis) 6
Trace elements Man-made foreign matter 2.0 Mulch Binders Meet US EPA Part 503 limits Less than 1% by mass (weight) Mulch Binder Product containing a tackifier (organic or polyacrylamide polymer sticking agent) that is applied over mulch surfaces such as straw or hay to keep the loose mulch in place so that it will not be blown off the seeded soil surface. The application of the mulch binder is an incidental construction operation to the application of the specified straw or hay mulch. Check labels, shipping slips, and/or invoices to verify specified mulch binder is being used and that it meets specifications. Recycled Cellulose Fiber: Specifically prepared, biodegradable, shredded paper particles, composed of recycled newsprint or other recycled wood cellulose fiber. containing a surfactant and nontoxic, green dye. Product is specially manufactured to be applied with hydraulic seeding equipment and meet the following specifications: Moisture Content Organic Matter (Oven-Dried Basis) Water Holding Capacity 17% Maximum 80% Minimum 900 Minimum (Grams of Water per 100 Grams of Fiber) Wood Fiber: (see Section 1.1 - Wood Fiber) 7