GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

Landscape Dept.,
Section 1

SECTION 1 : LANDSCAPE

1.0 SCOPE

1.1 The scope of this Specification includes the preparation of planting areas and the
supply, planting, protection and maintenance of trees, shrubs, vines, groundcover
plants and grass of the species and size shown on the drawings. This section shall
be read in conjunction with all other relevant sections of the Specification.

1.2 The above list may not be fully inclusive of soft landscape items. This specification is
deemed to cover all soft landscape content.

2.1 Levels, Reference Points and Setting Out

2.2.1 The works are to be set out from primary datum levels and setting out points indicated
on the drawings or from information provided by the Engineer.

2.2.2 The Contractor shall submit his proposals for setting out and controlling the alignment
of the Works, to the Engineer and obtain his approval prior to the start of construction.
The Engineer shall supply to the Contractor details of the value and location of all
temporary benchmarks and reference points he establishes.

2.2.3 Should the Contractor dispute the original ground levels shown on the Drawings, he
shall agree these with the Engineer before disturbing the original ground.

2.2 Related Works

2.2.1 Carefully examine all of the Contract Documents for requirements which affect the
work of this section.

2.2.2 Where materials used in this section (e.g. concrete and reinforcement) have been
specified which effect the work of this section.

2.2.3 Materials that have not been individually specified shall be of first class quality and the
minimum standard acceptable shall be the relevant British or ISO Standard where
applicable.

2.3 Quality Assurance

2.3.1 Samples : Before beginning primary work of this section, provide mock-ups of
representative installation at locations acceptable to Engineer and obtain Engineer‟s
approval. Protect and maintain approved mock-ups throughout the contract to serve
as criteria for acceptance of this work. Acceptable mock-ups may be incorporated
into finished work.

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2.3.2 Products to be new unless otherwise specified

2.3.3 Where a choice of manufacturer or source of supply is allowed for any particular
product, the whole quantity required to complete the work must be of the same type,
manufacturer and/ or source unless otherwise approved. Produce written evidence of
sources of supply when requested by the Engineer.

2.4 Submittals

2.4.1 Product Data: Submit manufacturer‟s product data, installation instructions, use
limitations and recommendations. Provide certifications stating that materials comply
with requirements.

Such submittals shall include, but not be limited to the following:

Data
(a) Manufacturers certified analysis of all standard products, including fertilizers
(b) A certified analysis by an approved laboratory for non-standard products
(c) Certificates confirming the origin, size and age of all plant materials
(d) Health certificates for all imported plant material

Schedules
(a) Schedules showing programme of implementation for each type of landscape &
irrigation work. If necessary, revised planning schedules shall be submitted with
documentation of reasons for the revision.

2.4.2 Verification Samples: Samples of all materials to be used in this contract shall be
submitted for approval. Three approved samples of each plant shall be provided.
The approved samples shall be the quality standard for the material and its
placement.

2.4.3 Provide large scale shop drawings for installation of all soft landscape work to include
plans and details as required.

2.5 Project Conditions

2.5.1 Weather: Perform work only in dry weather unless approved by the Engineer.

2.5.2 Guarantee on imported plant material

2.6 Substrates

2.6.1 Proceed with work only when substrate construction and work is complete.

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Landscape Dept.,
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2.7 Rubbish

2.7.1 All rubbish and litter as it accumulates within the project boundary, shall be cleared
and removed daily. The areas shall be kept in a clean and tidy condition with all
driveways, paths, edges, kerb, gutters and gullies swept and kept clear of debris at all
times. All rubbish and debris shall be removed from site.

2.8 Nursery

2.8.1 The Engineer shall establish and maintain a suitable holding nursery on or adjacent to
the site within the first month of the contract period. It shall be protected from
construction works, shaded from sun and wind and shall be provided with an
adequate supply of irrigation water.

2.9 Horticultural Supervisor

2.9.1 The written approval of the Engineer shall be obtained for the Contractor‟s proposed
Horticultural Specialist.

2.9.2 The written approval of the Engineer shall be obtained for any temporary or
permanent replacements.

3.0 PRODUCTS AND MATERIALS

3.1 Soil

3.1.1 Desert sweet soil shall be imported from an area designated by the Horticultural
Section of Dubai Municipality either Habab Burrow Pit or Khawanij Burrow Pit.

3.2 Compost

3.2.1 Compost shall be approved heat treated-local-factory compost free from any
deleterious matter.

3.4 Fertilizers

3.3.1 General fertilizer shall be organic slow release compound fertilizer: 18-18-5 + Fe for
shrubs and trees, and 18-18-5 + Fe + trace elements for grass areas.

3.3.2 Slow release fertilizer tablets shall be: 20-10-5 + chelated trace elements Iron, Zince
and Manganese, 21 gram tablets and shall be Sierratabs or equal and approved.

3.3.3 Fertilizer shall be furnished in unopened standard containers with the name, weight
and guaranteed analysis of the contents clearly marked.

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Landscape Dept.,
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3.3.4 When a mixed fertilizer is specified, the first number shall represent the minimum
percentage of soluble nitrogen, the second number shall represent the minimum
percentage of available phosphoric acid and the third number shall represent the
minimum percentage of water soluble potash.

3.4 Planting Medium

3.4.1 Planting medium shall consist of homogenous mixture of soil, compost and fertilizers
as specified.

3.4.2 Compost shall be provided at the following rates:

Palm Pit 1½ bag per pit (applied later)
Tree Pit 1 bag per pit
Shrub Pit ½ bags per pit
Grass/ground cover bed ½ bags per m2
Vine Pit ½ bags per pit
Shrub bed ½ bags per m2
Bedding plants 1 bag per m2
1 bag shall contain 25 kg of compost

3.4.3 Peat moss shall be provided at the following rates:

Tree pits 60 Lts per pit
Shrub pits 30 Lts per pit
Grass / Ground covers 15 Lts per Sq. Mtr.
Bedding plants 30 Lts per Sq. Mtr.

3.4.4 Peat moss shall be provided at the following rates:

Tree Pits 60 Ltrs. Per pit
Shrub Pits 30 Ltrs. Per pit
Grass / Ground Covers 15 Ltrs. Per Sq. Mtrs.
Bedding Plants 30 Ltrs. Per Sq. Mtrs.

3.4.5 General fertilizer shall be provided at the following rates:

Palm Pit 175gms per pit (applied later)
Tree Pit 100gms per pit
Shrub Pit 50gms per pit
Shrub Beds 100gms per m2
Grass/ground cover bed 100gms per m2
Bedding Plants 100gms per m2

3.4.6 Slow release fertilizer tablets shall be provided at the following rates:
Palms / Ornamental trees 1 tablet of 21gms for every 10mm of trunk diameter
Shrubs 1 tablet of 21gms for every 300mm of height

3.4.7 Organic soil amendment shall be mixed with planting medium in strict accordance with
the manufacturers instructions. The components and ratio of organic to mineral parts
that have to be mixed with the sweet soil shall be determined by X-ray diffraction and
infra-red spectrophogrametrics analysis of specified soil mix components by an

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Landscape Dept.,
Section 1

approved laboratory. The results shall be submitted to the Engineer for his approval
prior to the mixing of the planting medium.

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Landscape Dept.,
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3.5 Plants

3.5.1 General

(a) All plants shall be of the size specified in the Plant Schedule at the time of delivery to
the site and shall be obtained from an approved source. Trees shall have a minimum
caliper (measured at 500mm above ground level)of 15mm. Shrubs and ground
covers shall be twin or multistemmed. All plants shall be supplied as specified and the
Contractor is expected to obtain stock from outside the UAE if it is not available
locally. Plants shall be true to and supplied under Latin names. Synonyms must be
checked with the Engineer.

All plant stock shall be well-balanced and well formed, sound vigorous, healthy and
free from disease, sunscald, abrasion, harmful insects or insect eggs and with a
healthy, unbroken root system filling their containers but not root-bound.

Unless otherwise specified only nursery-grown plants will be used. All plants shall be
container grown. Samples from all plant materials shall be available for approval by
the Engineer. All planting shall be certified free of pests, viruses, etc.

(b) The Tender must be based, without exception, upon plants that are specified. If
plants are subsequently found to be unobtainable, alternatives may be submitted,
stating how they differ from the specification. Such substitution may not be
acceptable and submission of further alternatives may be required. Approval in
writing shall be obtained for any substitution.

(c) Nomenclature of trees and plants shall conform to the scientific names given in:

i. Royal Horticulture Society, “Director of Gardening”

ii. Hortus 3
iii. Exotica

Alternative names can be checked in these books. All plants must agree with the
botanical description in these books. Hortus 3 and Exotica are the only authorities for
plants that are not listed in the RHS Directory.

(d) All trees and particularly palms forming avenues or formal planting lines shall be
selected to be of the same size and appearance all to the approval of the Engineer.

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Landscape Dept.,
Section 1

3.5.2 Palms

(a) Palms shall be balled and burlapped unless container grown palms are available

(b) Offshoots will not be acceptable. They shall have a vigorous root system, crown of
new leaves, proper color of leaves of an adult palm and sufficient hardiness.

(c) Prior to transporting for transplanting, all suckers, flowering and fruiting parts and
approximately thirty percent of fronds shall be removed. The remaining fronds shall
be sprayed with an anti-dessicant 24hours prior to lifting. The fronds are to be lifted to
enclose and protect the growing tip, wrapped in hessian and securely tied in position,
the roots shall be balled and the hessian tied. The root ball is to be held secure using
wire mesh and hessian materials to contain the soil and retain maximum soil moisture.

(d) The Engineer shall take whatever steps he deems necessary and to the approval of
the Engineer to ensure the verticality of all palms. Verticality shall be maintained
within a tolerance of 1:25.

(e) All palm trees other than Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera shall be guyed.

Palm trees within hard landscape areas shall be guyed underground using large
section hardwood dead man anchors (min. 2 Nos. per palm tree) laid across the root
ball on both sides of the palm trunk and secured in placed by duckbill anchors to a
method approved by the manufacturers of the anchors and to the Engineer‟s
approval.

Palm trees in soft landscape areas shall be guyed with a minimum of 3 Nos. stainless
steel wire guys attached to a rubber clad wire around the tree located beneath the first
fronds and secured to the ground by steel pegs. The guys shall have integral
turnbuckles for tightening the guy wires.

No additional payments shall be made for providing guys, stakes or any other
necessary anchorages.

3.5.3 Grass Stolons

Grass stolon springs shall be 75 to 150mm length with three to six buds. Stolons shall
by Cynadon dactylon “Tiffway” variety.

3.6 Tree Stakes + Ties

3.6.1 All stakes shall be double stakes of timber, straight, free of projections and pointed at
one end. The stakes shall be pressure impregnated with non-injurious wood
preservative to be applied at least two weeks before use.

3.6.2 Stakes shall be 60 x 60mm section; the length below ground to be one metre
minimum and the length above to be 1.8m, unless otherwise approved by the
Engineer.

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3.6.3 Tree ties shall be proprietary adjustable rubber tree ties fixed to stakes to
manufacturers recommendations, all to the approval of the Engineer.

3.7 Temporary Planting Screens

3.7.1 Whenever planting in an exposed position liable to adverse wind conditions,

windbreaks shall be provided until such time as the planting is firmly established and
shall be 1750mm high plastic shelter net of 75% density supported on a galvanized
steel circular frame of adequate diameter so as not to disturb the growth of the plant.
Such frames with hessian screens are to be provided to protect trees liable to suffer
harmful effects of irrigation spray.

3.8 Coarse Sand

3.8.1 Coarse sand shall consist of clean washed sand to the Engineer‟s approval with a
particle size as follows:
Sieve size opening Percentage Passing
2.36mm 100%
1.18m 60%
600 m 15%
300 m 30%

3.8.2 „Black‟ sand shall not be accepted

3.9 Anti-Dessicant

3.9.1 Anti-dessicant shall be an emulsion type, film forming agent designed to permit
transpiration but retard excessive loss of water from plants.

3.10 Mulch

3.10.1 Bark mulch shall be coarse textured bark chippings to Engineer‟s approval, spread at
a depth of 50mm.

3.10.2 Gravel mulch shall be 2-5mm dia. Locally occurring washed water rounded gravel,
color light red/brown.

3.11 Pruning Paint

3.11.1 Pruning paint shall be waterproof, antiseptic, adhesive, elastic and free of kerosene,
coal, tar, creosote and other substances harmful to plants.

3.12 Planting Protection Fence

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Landscape Dept.,
Section 1

3.12.1 Planting protection fence shall consist of pressure treated timber posts, 1600 x 75 x
75mm at 2500 mm centers with straining posts to corners and at 15000mm centers,
three strands of black plastic coated 4mm steel wire stapled with galvanized steel
staples to posts and tensioned with galvanized steel ratchet tensioners, as detailed
and located on drawings.

4.0 WORKMANSHIP

4.1 Soil Grading and Preparation for Ground Cover

4.1.1 Subsoil shall be excavated to achieve tolerances specified for finished level of soil and
when reasonably dry and workable, graded to smooth, flowing contours with all minor
hollows and ridges removed. Non-cohesive, light subsoils shall be loosened with a
three tine ripper, 300mm deep at one metre centers.

4.1.2 All perennial weeds shall be treated with herbicides and the period of time
recommended by the manufacturer shall be allowed to elapse before grading. All
weeds, rocks and other debris shall be removed and disposed off. Finished ground
level adjoining buildings shall be kept 15mm below the level of damp-proof course.

4.2 Handling and Transportation of Plants

4.2.1 Plant materials shall be lifted or moved in such a manner that the roots are not
disturbed. Plant materials shall be lifted or moved by handling the container and not
the above ground portion of the plant.

4.2.2 Root systems of all plants shall not be allowed to dry out at any time and shall not be
exposed to excessive or artificial heat or to freezing temperatures.

4.2.3 During transportation, all plants shall be packed adequately to ensure protection from
climatic or physical injuries. Tarpaulins or other covers shall be placed over plants
when they are transported by trucks or in open freight cars. All plants shall be treated
with anti-dessicant prior to transportation.

4.2.4 Immediately prior to lifting, palm trees shall have their fronds reduced in length by
30%, sprayed with anti-dessicant and tied up with 3 layers of hessian to enclose the
growing tip. The roots shall be pruned and the root ball protected with three layers of
hessian tied up with wire and kept moist constant with wet shingle, moss, straw or
other suitable material.

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Landscape Dept.,
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4.3 On-Site Acclimatisation and Storagte

4.3.1 All plant materials other than palms shall be delivered to site for acclimatization within
the first six months of the contract period, unless approved otherwise by the Engineer,
and protected against drying at all times. Palm trees shall be planted directly on
arrival on site. If palms have to be held for longer than twelve hours before planting
they should be „heeled-in‟ in trenches which are kept moist at all times.

4.4 Plant Timing

4.4.1 Planting shall take place before 1000 hours and after 1630 hours but can be carried
out at other times if approval is given by the Engineer.

4.4.2 Prior to planting all grading and ripping, paving, laying of services and other building
work shall be complete, the irrigation system shall, wherever possible, be operational
and soil brought to field capacity and all areas to be planted shall have been soiled
and allowed to settle over a period of one month.

4.5 Planting Medium

4.5.1 Specified soil additives shall be mixed with soil at the rates specified. The soil shall
be mixed mechanically by an approved method to create homogenous mixture.
Application rates for ameliorants shall be checked and approved by the Engineer prior
to mixing each batch.

Organic soil amendment shall be mixed with planting medium in strict accordance with
the manufacturer‟s instructions. The components and ratio of organic to mineral parts
shall be determined by X-ray diffraction and infra-red spectrophogrametrics analysis
of specified soil mix components by an approved laboratory. The result shall be
submitted to the Engineer for his approval prior to the mixing of the planting medium.

4.6 Planting

4.6.1 Planting Sequence

(i) The sequence of planting shall be as follows:

(a) Grade soil as specified

(b) Stake out the outline of planting areas and individual tree and shrub locations
for approval by the Engineer.

(c) Excavate planting areas and individual pits to the sizes specified. Excavated
sub-soil shall be removed from site and shall not be mixed with the planting
medium or used to form berms around the plants.

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(d) Fill planting pit with irrigation water and ensure the water can drain away. In
case of poor drainage a percolation test shall be carried out and drainage
holes augered if required.

(e) Backfill pit/beds after having been tested for drainage with approved planting
medium in layers not exceeding 300mm and water compact. Allow for
compaction / subsidence of overfilling by 100mm. Once placed the growing
medium shall be covered with plastic sheeting and clearly marked to prevent
disturbance until planting commences.
During backfilling place slow release fertilizer tablets 25-30cm deep. For
trees the tablets should be located approximately 1.0m from the trunk or
adjacent to drip emitters.

(f) Prior to planting tree stakes shall be driven into tree pits

(g) At the time of planting a hole shall be made into the pit/bed large enough to
take the plants root ball. The planting hole shall be thoroughly watered prior
to planting.

(h) Plants shall be carefully removed from containers. Plastic pots shall be split
with a knife and plants removed with all the soil intact around the roots. Care
shall be taken not to damage the roots or foliage of the plants. The plant
shall be placed upright in the hole. Care shall be taken to ensure that the
collar line (line of contact between soil and stem) is at the same level as the
surrounding ground.

(i) Fill around the plant with planting medium in layers of 150mm, each layer
separately firmed to eliminate all air pockets until final soil level is reached.

(j) Trees shall be tied to the tree stakes with tree ties as specified. At least two
pairs of ties per tree shall be used but other ties shall be provided if
necessary to keep the stem straight. If a leader stake is required this shall be
20mm round softwood stake slotted inside the tree tie loops.

(k) A circular watering basin slightly larger than the planting hole shall be formed.
During and after planting the plants shall be thoroughly watered.

(l) After planting the area surrounding the plant shall be restored to finished
grade and excess soils and rubbish disposed of properly.

(m) Immediately after planting all plants are to be pruned in accordance with
accepted horticultural practices or as directed by the Engineer. Pruning shall
consist of carefully cutting back any damaged, dead or diseased branches
and the removal of any weak or malformed growth, with the aim of forming
each type of stock to the standard shape for its species. All pruning cuts
greater than 20mm shall be treated with a pruning paint as specified.

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(n) An aluminium label clearly marked with the Latin name shall be attached to or
adjacent to every tenth tree, every twelfth shrub and every fifteenth ground
cover.

(o) Check all plants one week after planting for signs of wind shake and
loosening due to soil subsidence; firm and make good as necessary.

(p) The Engineer shall not add compost and fertilizer to palm pits at the time of
planting and until so instructed by the Engineer.

(ii) Percolation Test Procedure:

(a) One day prior to the test the pit/bed shall be filled with water

(b) A marker bar is placed in the bed before the test is performed

(c) The pit/bed is half filled with water and the level is indicated with tape on the
marker bar.

(d) The test is monitored over a period of one hour. If the water level drops by
20 mm or more within that time, the pit/bed passes.

(e) If a pit/bed fails the percolation test, boreholes shall be augured (2 Nos. / tree
pit or 10 m spacings in the planting beds).

(f) Tests should be repeated at each 5m depth of borehole until the test is
passed.

(g) After augering, the boreholes shall be capped with wire gauze

(h) Percolation tests shall be carried out at a rate of 1 test per 50 plants. The
Engineer may instruct additional tests as on exploratory basis in the event of
unsatisfactory percolation being evident.

4.6.2 Grass Stolons

(i) The procedure for planting grass stolons shall be as follows:

(a) Prior to beginning planting operations the irrigation system must be

completely operational ensuring 100% coverage.

(b) Bring the water content of the area to be planted to field capacity and allow
water to percolate until standing water disappears.

(c) Apply complete fertilizer at the rate of 0.25kgs nitrogen per 100 square
meters prior to planting stolons.

(d) Cultivate to a depth of 200 mm

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(e) Keep dry dormant stolons refrigerated 0-3o C, until the area to be planted is
prepared. Do not exceed two weeks of refrigeration. Soak stolons in water
after removing from cold storage and prior to planting.

(f) Do not exceed two days of storage on job site. Stolons are to be kept moist,
shaded and ventilated during such storage.

(g) Plant during the time of the year when day time temperature does not exceed
38°C and night time temperature are not below 15o C. Mean temperature
should exceed 26oC. Water within 15 minutes of planting at 38oC, 30 minutes
at 28oC, 60 minutes at 21oC, and 120 minutes at 16oC.

(h) Sow at 6 bushels per 100 square meters

(i) Plant utilizing a disc to cut in stolons and followed by a cultipacker roller, or
other technique approved by the Engineer.

(j) Water as necessary to keep the stolons bed moist until germination. Once
grass is up, begin lengthening intervals between irrigation.

4.7 Mulch

4.7.1 Mulch in nominated areas generally shall be bark mulch. Bark mulch shall be hand
spread immediately after planting to a minimum depth of 50mm.

4.8 Mowing Strips

4.8.1 The Engineer shall include the cost of a 150mm mowing strip around all posts,
bollards etc., placed within the general area of grass comprising 150mm depth of
Grade 20 SRC concrete trowelled smooth.

4.8.2 The Engineer shall include the cost of a 200mm light brown concrete block mowing
edge (blocks laid header course) along all margings between grass and planting. The
concrete blocks shall be laid to smooth flowing lines on 25mm cement mortar on 300
x 100 concrete strip foundation to Engineer‟s approval.

5.0 COMPLETION AND MAINTENANCE

5.1 Substantial Completion

5.1.1 At the date of Substantial Completion, all plants shall be in their specified position and
condition.

5.2 Failure of Plants

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5.2.1 Any plants that are found to be missing, defective or not in good condition at any time
during the contract and maintenance period shall be immediately replaced by the
Contractor.

5.3 Plant Establishment Period

5.3.1 The Plant Establishment Period shall run for a period of two calendar years from the
date of Substantial Completion of the whole of the Works.

5.3.2 The Contractor shall maintain insurance of relevant items as required by the
Contractor throughout the Plant Establishment Period.

5.3.3 The Contractor shall carry out maintenance of the planting, strictly in accordance with
the Operations and Maintenance manuals as approved by the Engineer. The
Contractor is to provide all required labor, plant and materials to comply with the
approved procedures. During the Plant Establishment Period, the Contractor shall
make adequate provision for irrigation and/ or operate the irrigation system as
required and maintain same for handover to the Engineer on completion of the Plant
Establishment Period, comprehensively overhauled and in perfect working order.

5.3.4 The Contractor shall include the cost of fully training personnel employed by the
Engineer for the duration of the Plant Establishment Period.

5.4 Operations and Maintenance Manual

5.4.1 The Contractor shall compile a comprehensive Operations and Maintenance Manual
which will include the following:
(a) Pesticide/ fungicide/ herbicide applications – including safety application rates
and procedure, schedule of pesticides/ fungicides/ herbicides.
(b) Irrigation Land Drainage and Storm-water Drainage – including water
application rates and maintenance procedures.
(c) Fertilization - including fertilizer descriptions, application rates and program.
(d) Salinity Control – including leaching methods and leaching program
monitoring.
(e) Turf Grass Management – including mowing procedure, replacement of turf
glass by stolons and sods and routine management procedures; aerification,
top dressing, vertical mowing thatch removal, rolling and over-seeding.
(f) Propagation and seasonal replacement (max. every 3 months) of all flowers.
(g) General Maintenance – including pruning, stakes and ties, bermwork,
replacement and cleanup, protective fencing etc.,
(h) Equipment inventory, maintenance procedures and full manufacturers
maintenance manual.
(i) Personnel

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5.4.2 The manual shall be submitted to the Engineer by the Contractor for approval three
months prior to the date for Substantial Completion of any part of the Works and must
be approved prior to the commencement of the Plant Establishment Period. Ten
bound copies of the manual in A4 format shall be presented to the Engineer.

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