SOIL PREPARATION/GRADING: A site analysis shall be accomplished by contractor to determine soil amendment capabilities and requirements. In soils where it is established that structure or rock content are not conducive to standard preparation, a clean fill material of approximately 2 - 3" depth shall be incorporated and amended into existing soil. All planting areas excluding slopes shall be amended with 3 cubic yards nitrified wood shavings, 150# agricultural gypsum, and 50# phosphate fertilizer per 1,000 square feet. These amendments are then roto-tilled to a depth of 4 - 6", removing all rocks and debris larger than 3" in diameter. A 1 1/2 - 2% slope for finished grades shall be accomplished to direct surface drainage away from structures and toward drainage swales and catch basins. If it is determined that additional conditioners are necessary to establish a soil PH in the range of 6.0 - 7.5, an additional charge for materials will be billed to the owner accordingly.

SUB SURFACE DRAINAGE: Install solid or corrugated drain line with 3" diameter and a slope of 1%. Install 6" catch basins with sumps in drainage swales at approximately 25' on center, or in isolated bed areas installed by contractor exceeding 50 square feet, or in areas where concentrated run off is expected. All pipe fittings are glued and taped with 10 mill pipe wrap and drain line extended to street gutter through standard 3" curb cores.

GAS/110 ELECTRICAL: Gas lines and 110 volt wiring and permits shall be installed per local codes.

PLANTING: Planting of trees, shrubs vines and ground covers shall be accomplished using standard practices and consist of planting pits 1 1/2 times the width and 75% as deep as the root ball of the plant. A planting back fill of 50% compost and 50% native soil, and Agriform or equal time release fertilizer tablets shall be utilized for all container plantings. Trees larger than 15 gallon size will be double staked if necessary, and will be an additional charge to owner, however thinning and pruning during the first year is recommended over staking. Container stakes shall be removed by owner after first growing season. Aeration tubes shall be installed in locations with poor drainage soils for all trees 15 gallon size and larger. Root barriers shall be installed on all trees known for surfaced root growth habits and within 5 feet of patios or hardscape areas and will be an additional charged to owner. Vines on stakes installed against fences and walls, 5 gallon size and larger, will be attached with approved adhesive devices or other methods. Plants and species shall be certified stock, healthy, vigorous and well rooted, and of common origin excluding exotic tropicals, with average shape and size and locally available unless otherwise noted.

Construction Specifications

Construction features are in many cases a large part of the landscape budget. They are also something that cannot be easily altered at a later date. Therefore we at Landcare Systems have taken the approach that the extra effort now, can go a long way down the road. Take colored concrete for example. By minimum industry standards and manufacturers recommendations, to reduced color blotching, increase integral strength, and insure even curing and drying, all concrete patios should receive a fresh consistent sand base, include reinforcement, and be cured after placement with an approved clear or colored sealer, not water! "Other curing methods can result in surface discolorations." It's in the directions, see for yourself! Are you willing to take that chance? If you're considering a contractor who isn't offering you the basics, where else might they be cutting corners?

All measurements, dimensions and square foot quantities are approximate and variations up to 5% will be acceptable. All construction materials and procedures shall conform with industry standards, local codes and ordinances. Bold printing indicates specific material and details of interest.

GENERAL CONDITION: Includes design, planning, mobilization, delivery, machinery, clean up, trucking and hauling. Soil and debris generated from excavation will generally be hauled away at completion of soil prep and site grading.

CONCRETE: Flat work/mow curbs - Excavate as necessary and install 2" sand base with an expansion index no greater than 25%, 3/8" rebar at 24" on center both directions, 3 1/2" - 4" slab thickness consisting of a 2,000 P.S.I., 3/8" pea gravel, 6 sack pump mix with "Fibermix" crack reducer additive. Mow curbs at 6" width by 4" depth, 1 run #3 rebar continuous. Expansion felt will be installed for concrete slabs in excess of 10 foot width when adjacent to structures or other concrete slabs. "Perfect Seal" joint filler available with individual quote. Score lines or control joints shall be installed at approximately 10' directions each way. Slabs shall be set with approximately 1% fall for broom finish and 2% fall for textured or aggregate finished concrete. Colored concrete shall be 1 - 2# per sac "Davis" integral color unless otherwise noted. All concrete shall be broom finish and receive a clear or colored concrete sealer/curing agent as per manufacturers recommendation. Forming, grading and finishing detail may influence price. Stamped or textured finishes available.

MASONRY: Block retaining/seating walls - Free standing walls up to 3' height shall consist of 6" block with 6" x 10" concrete footings with 1 run #3 rebar continuous. Slope retaining walls up to 3' shall consist of 6" block with a maximum footing of 12" x 24" with 2 runs #3 rebar and vertical reinforcement at 24" on center. Wall caps to consist of 8" x 4" block. Wall heights are determined by number of rows or "courses" of block set and footings will generally be covered with 2 - 4" of soil. Where elevations vary more than 8", a step in the wall will occur to maintain height. All walls shall be grouted solid with concrete and contain 1 run #3 rebar every 16" for horizontal reinforcement and cement coated on both sides to top of footing. Stucco coated walls will match texture and color of house unless otherwise noted. Perforated drainpipe, drain rock and a water proof membrane shall be applied to the soil side of slope retaining walls. Wall quotes reflected are for straight runs and angled or radius runs may influence price.

Brick, natural stone or tile paving/bands/mow curbs - Shall consist of existing or new 3" concrete base with reinforcement and sub base as per concrete specifications. Units may be directly set into base or attached to base with motor or thin set mortar. Natural colored mortar joints with flush finish and spacing shall consist of 1/2" for brick or tile and a maximum of 2" for natural stone unless otherwise noted. Porous stone, brick and tile to receive penetrating sealer.

CARPENTRY: Patio covers, arbors, decks, screens, fences, gates, benches, walls and header boards - All lumber in contact with soil surface shall be rough redwood or pressure treated lumber rated for ground contact. Members that are set below ground level shall also receive an additional waterproofing membrane. Patio covers, arbors, deck and bench boards are generally smooth or "surfaced" lumber, redwood or Douglas fir, select #2 or better construction common grade, unless otherwise noted. Members of all other structures are generally redwood or cedar, rough cut and rated for exterior use. Surfaced Douglas fir or redwood and their connectors and fasteners will receive primer and paint or be treated with a semi transparent sealer, while all other materials shall be natural unless otherwise noted. All connectors, nails, screws, hinges, latches or other fasteners shall be galvanized, coated or non-corrosive metal.