2010 Construction and Material Specifications - Ohio Department of ...

661.10
661.10 Planting Beds. One month before cultivation, treat all planting beds
that are to be developed in areas of existing turf with pre-emergent and postemergent
type herbicides. Use a State-licensed pesticide applicator to apply the
herbicide according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Before planting, top dress all planting beds with a minimum of 2 inches (50
mm) of backfill mix, then cultivate it to a depth of 6 inches (150 mm) using a
plow, disc, or roto-tiller.
661.11 Backfill Mix. For all plantings, use backfill mix consisting of the
following:
A. One part excavated soil.
B. One part sphagnum peat moss, shredded pine bark, or EPA rated Class IV
compost.
C. One part sand.
D. A slow release commercial fertilizer (0-20-20 or equal) added at a rate of 5
pounds per cubic yard (3 kg/m 3 ) to the backfill mix.
Do not use backfill mix in a frozen or muddy condition. Mix backfill on the
project site.
661.12 Planting.
A. Planting Trees & Shrubs: Set each plant in the center of the planting hole,
plumb, and straight at a level such that the top of the root structure (i.e., trunk flare
or root collar) is 1 inch (25 mm) above the surrounding soil. Prior to backfilling
the hole, remove all twine, bags, and roping. For trees shipped with wire baskets
supporting the root structure, remove the top two-third of the wire basket from root
balls. Remove all rot-proof burlap. Remove or fold down the top one-third of
standard (biodegradable) burlap. Great care must be taken to not separate the soil
of the root ball from the plants root system. Circling roots shall be cut or removed
prior to planting.
Backfill the planting hole with the backfill mix. Fill the hole gradually and
settle the backfill with water to the top of the root structure. Do not place backfill
mix in direct contact with the trunks or stems. Add backfill mix around the root
structure so that the edges of the root structure are covered by a minimum of 12
inches (300 mm).
Do not plant groundcovers, vines, or perennials closer than 12 inches (300 mm)
to tree trunks and shrub stems or within 6 inches (150 mm) of the edge of planting
beds.
Locate Trees and Shrubs as specified in the plan.
B. Planting Seedlings, Groundcovers, Vines or Perennials: For planting
seedlings, groundcovers, vines, or perennials in a planting bed see 661.10. Prior to
planting seedlings, groundcovers, vines, or perennials in existing turf, remove all
grass and weeds by scalping an area that has a minimum diameter of 12 inches
(300 mm). Plant seedlings or perennials in the center of the scalped area using a
spade or planting bar.
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