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Landscape Management Guidelines

Maintenance Management Guidelines

Table of ContentsOverview of PGMS® ..................................... 1

Guiding Values ............................................. 1About the Society ...................................... 2

Introduction .................................................... 4

Methodology .................................................. 5

Specific Maintenance Program Guidelines .................................... 5

Priority Designations for Maintenance ............................................ 6

Tier One: Special Places ......................... 6Tier Two: Public Spaces ........................... 6Tier Three: Connective Spaces ............. 6

Criteria for Choosing Tier Designations ......................................... 7

Criteria for Choosing Tier One Areas ............................................. 7Criteria for Choosing Tier Two Areas ............................................. 7Criteria for Choosing Tier Three Areas .......................................... 7

Maintenance Standards based on Tier Designations .................... 8

Tier One Areas - Special Places (High Intensity Landscaping and Maintenance) ................................................ 8Tier Two Areas – Public Spaces (Moderate Intensity Landscaping and Maintenance) ....................................... 8Tier Three Areas - Connective Spaces (Low Intensity Landscaping and Maintenance) ....................................... 9

Grounds Management Best Practices ........................................10

Best Practice: Ecosystem services value included in organization’s mission and vision statement ................ 13

Best Practice: Publicizes environmental correctness to maintenance activities .............................. 12Best Practice: Implement an integrated pest management (IPM) program .............................................. 12Best Practice: Evaluating the use of alternative fuels and vehicles within maintenance operations . ................................................... 12Best Practice: Resource conservation plans have been developed ......................................... 12Best Practice: Utilizing Remote site monitoring systems........................... 13Best Practice: Incorporating events management plan with grounds maintenance strategies ....................................................... 13Best Practice: Identifying and meeting regularly with stakeholders to inform and educate .................................................. 13Best Practice: Conducting regular safe work training sessions .................... 13

Implementing and Maintaining Grounds Management Best Practices .................. 14

Landscape Maintenance Procedures Turf Care ................................. 15

Height of Cut and Mowing Frequency ..................................... 15 Aerification .................................................... 15 Irrigation ......................................................... 16Seeding, Sodding, or Re-grassing ....... 16Specifications for Repairing Turf Damage ............................. 16Hydro-Seeding ............................................ 17Sodding .......................................................... 17

Bed Maintenance: Shrub and Perennial Plant Beds ......................... 18

General Service Level ............................... 19Woody Shrub Pruning ............................... 19Perennial Plant Maintenance .................. 19Floral Plantings/Containers .................... 20Tree Rings ...................................................... 20Irrigation ......................................................... 20

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) ... 21How does IPM program work? ............... 21Fertilizers, Herbicides and Pesticides ............................................. 22

Herbicides in Turfgrass ...................... 22Herbicides in Planting Beds ............. 22Fertilizers ................................................. 22Pesticides ............................................... 23Other Nutrients and Supplements ................................. 23

Tree Care .................................................24

General Grounds Maintenance ............. 26Quality Control & Inspection Recommendations ..................................... 26Snow Removal ............................................. 26Surfaces (Hardscapes) ............................. 27Site Furnishings ........................................... 27Equipment ..................................................... 27Litter ................................................................ 27

Safety Guidelines ......................................... 28Safety Equipment ....................................... 28Work Standards .......................................... 28Safety Regulation and Procedures ........................................... 28

Appendix .......................................................... 31

Landscape Maintenance Work Timeline ................................................ 31

Spring work - To be completed dependent on snow/snow cover .......... 31Summer work - To be completed by start of September ............................... 31Fall work - To be completed until snow cover .......................................... 31Winter Work - To be completed dependent on snow/snow cover .......... 31

Landscape Maintenance Schedule by Month ..................................... 32

January........................................................... 32February ......................................................... 32March .............................................................. 32April .................................................................. 32May ................................................................... 33June ................................................................. 32July ................................................................... 33August ............................................................. 33September .................................................... 33October ......................................................... 33November ...................................................... 33December ...................................................... 33

PPE Requirements ....................................... 34

Safety Regulation and Procedures (Examples Only) .................. 37

Turf Maintenance ........................................ 37Tree Trimming and Related Chainsaw Work ............................................ 38Earth Excavations ....................................... 39

Guidance for Driving on Landscape and Walkways ........................ 40

Prohibited uses of walkways and landscaped areas: .............................. 40Allowed uses of walkways and landscaped areas: .............................. 40

State Extension Offices ........................... 42

© 2020 PGMS®

The Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS®) Overview

The Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS®) is an individual membership society of grounds professionals, representing over 1,000 industry professionals in the United States, with members in Canada and overseas. The majority of members are institutional grounds managers who work for organizations such as colleges and universities, municipalities, park and recreation facilities, office parks, apartment complexes, hotel/motels, cemeteries, theme parks, etc. PGMS® membership also includes independent landscape contractors, students, educators, and Supplier members.

PGMS® is the oldest individual membership organization for grounds professionals and advances the grounds management professional through education and professional development.

EDUCATIONThe highly acclaimed School of Grounds Management, held twice a year, offers leading education programs in four tracks: Human Resource Management, Business & Financial Management, Technical Horticulture, and Technical Non-Horticulture. PGMS® also holds other events throughout the year, many of which are at the local Branch level.

PROFESSIONALISMPGMS® advances the level of professionalism of grounds managers with its premiere program, the Certified Grounds Manager (CGM®). With CGM® certification, presentations,

GUIDING VALUES ½ Promote and advance the grounds management profession.

½ Develop and offer education and information about new processes, equipment, and management skills.

½ Provide networking opportunities that enable members to learn from peers, benchmark their own efforts, and to advance professionally.

½ Enhance the image and understanding of the profession, especially among employers, customers, other landscaping professionals, visitors, and the general public.

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requests for funds and equipment, and recommendations carry more weight.At the institutional level, the Landscape Management and Operations Accreditation program utilizes peer expertise to evaluate strategic grounds management principles and practices that produce and guide the delivery of properties to an attractive, healthy, sustainable, and high-quality state.

ABOUT THE SOCIETYThroughout its more than 100-year history, PGMS and its predecessor organization have been marked with remarkable purpose and resilience, even in difficult times. Always, there were several strong reasons for being: providing broad-based leadership in the “Green” movement, professional education, and networking with fellow professionals.

Gardeners and seed men held meetings in almost every county as early as 1898, usually at beer gardens in conjunction with flower shows, which were then very popular. In 1902 and 1903, respectively, meetings were held in the Smith and McNeil Hotel and the Grand Union Hotel in New York City. The first reading of by-laws was in the Gardener’s Chronicle, the official publication of the then fledgling National Association of Gardeners, PGMS’ direct predecessor organization. The first N.A.G. conference was held in 1905, where, according to the Chronicle, “nearly a thousand gardeners came together for mutual improvement, and not just from New York but from 18 states.”

The N.A.G. grew steadily from 1905 to 1911, and on July 22nd, 1911 in New Jersey, the organization received its official certificate of incorporation. From the beginning, it established Branches, which grew steadily. In 1911, the organization started a school garden movement and began advertising the gardening profession. In 1921, a campaign was waged to combat the signboard along the highways. Many years later, the Society gave its “Gold Medal Award” for the same effort to First Lady Ladybird Johnson.

In 1926, the Society sponsored the planting of 13 trees in Independence Square in Philadelphia in commemoration of the then 150 years of American Independence, and as living monuments to the 13 original states. In 1928, the nearby West Chester, PA Branch hosted the conference, which had 468 registrations, a record at that time. The following year, the annual conference was held in Canada, with the banquet, counting 652 in attendance, designated as “International Night.” An emotional highlight of the evening was the announcement of the International Peace Garden. Following three more years of hard work and many dollars, the garden was dedicated on July 14, 1932.

The years just prior to World War II saw a very stable organization. Following the war, attention was paid to rebuilding the Society, as the membership had been severely depleted, and members were steadily added through considerable effort.

On January 1, 1949, the first issue of the organization’s Professional Gardener publication was sent to members. Meanwhile, the Peace Garden was growing well, and the Society had purchased 2,000 roses for it, and numbers of other organizations were

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stimulated to donate money and time to help with the effort. In 1953, the national office was moved to Mineola, New York, and in 1957, a bronze plaque was erected at the Peace Garden in the Society’s name.

In 1960, the word “professional” was added to the organization’s name, and N.A.G. became the Professional Gardeners Association. In 1970, the name Professional Grounds Management Society officially replaced the National Association of Gardeners.

Another big change took place in 1976, when the office of the Executive Director was established, with that year’s President, Allan Shulder, taking on the task on a part time basis. He would later become the Society’s first full-time Executive Director in 1985.

By the early 1990s, membership topped 1,200, with members in all 50 states, Canada, and several countries worldwide and became about equally diverse between independent contractors and on-staff grounds professionals. In 2000, another change occurred with the hiring of an association management firm, the Joseph E. Shaner Company (acquired by Stringfellow Management Company in 2017), to assist the Board of Directors with the operation of the Society.

Indicative of its leadership, in 2007, PGMS became associated with the Sustainable Sites Initiatives and is working to advance sustainability in grounds management programs. In 2014, PGMS’ Landscape Management and Operations Accreditation program recognized its first accredited campus, the University of Delaware (2-star).

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The purpose of this book is to provide a quick reference resource for general landscape maintenance operations. It presents an overview for addressing situations faced by the grounds manager. This book is a compilation of maintenance practices collected from working professionals in the field to serve as a starting point for grounds managers to develop their own operating standards tailored to their individual institutions. It is intentionally general and should be personalized to the individual property based on institutional requirements, local and state ordinances, the grounds manager’s own experience and record keeping, and local expertise. Additional resources are included in the appendices.

The purpose of this book is not to produce an all-inclusive and absolute standard for Grounds Maintenance Management, nor is its purpose to rewrite or supersede any existing recognized standards. This is a living publication which will be updated regularly to include current practices and developments. Supplemental publications are being developed for specific areas of grounds maintenance and management to further enhance the practicality of this resource.

Introduction

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Methodology

Specific Maintenance Program Guidelines

In preparing this document we have utilized materials submitted by working professionals. This material has been compiled, averaged, and edited to produce a short list of minimum maintenance requirements. Some items therefore will appear to be well below many current operational standards. This is due to the fact that this document presents the average minimum of any individual item.

In all instances grounds managers should depend more on their own record-keeping and on local expertise than on any national publication. As grounds managers, we must develop and adapt guidelines, best practices, and standards to meet our institution’s needs. Since we all work for consumers, we must all know our business and be able to inform and educate these consumers. It is the Professional Grounds Management Society’s goal that this manual assist the grounds manager as an educational and reference tool by providing a broad-based national view of Grounds Management.

Maintenance Management Guidelines cannot address every special situation or unique program in the green industry; therefore, the following material will not include specific references to specialty areas such as golf courses, prescription athletic turf, interior landscaping, etc., as each of these areas have highly specialized requirements. The guidelines listed below will deal with “average grounds conditions.”

In most grounds maintenance operations, the most frequently repeated expression is “... or as needed.” In using this term, we find no specification related information. Most grounds management operations substitute a reference to frequency, size, type or variety, in order to distinguish routine operations. This document will use primarily the latter type of specification reference.

In most grounds operations, several levels or types of maintenance are being performed in different areas. These are normally referred to as (a) high maintenance, (b) medium maintenance, (c) low maintenance. For the purposes of this document we will be using a combination of areas falling into the (a) and (b) categories.

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Priority Designations for MaintenanceIn order to use the resources in the most efficient manner, all areas of an organization should be given a priority designation for landscape maintenance.

These designations are known as: Tier One (T1), Tier Two (T2), and Tier Three (T3). The intent of Tier designations is to concentrate resources in the most visible and high-profile areas of an institution, and to reduce the need for resources in outlying areas.

TIER ONE Special PlacesThese are high visibility areas. In Tier One areas have maintenance performed at the highest levels possible. Tier One areas are designed with a richer palette of plants with more complex arrangements. Tier One areas have the goal of always being outstanding in appearance.

TIER TWO Public SpacesThese are general and heavier used areas. In Tier Two areas, maintenance is completed at normal standards level in all areas. Tier Two areas are designed with a simpler palette of plants with more simple arrangements. Tier Two areas have the goal of being clean, simple, and tasteful in appearance.

TIER THREE Connective SpacesThese are open spaces, service areas, or natural areas. In Tier Three areas have maintenance completed at near normal standards level in most areas. Tier Three areas are designed with a very simple palette of plants or no plants at all with very simple arrangements. Tier Three areas would have the goal of being functional, simple, or natural in appearance.

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Criteria for Choosing Tier DesignationsThe following guidelines are used when selecting which areas will receive T1, T2, or T3 designations:

CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING TIER ONE AREAS ½ Intense use by Community as gathering places or destination points

½ Historically or architecturally significant buildings or sites

½ Significant areas of interface between the Organization and the public (Theaters, visitor areas, major administration areas, gathering places, or destination points) or other unique features or landmarks

CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING TIER TWO AREAS ½ Most visible locations as well as locations surrounding primary event locations.

½ Passive use the Organization and the public, such as open space and pedestrian circulation links between areas

½ Academic or administrative buildings without historical or architectural significance but in prominent or visible locations

½ Interface between Organization land and the public is moderate such as borders

CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING TIER THREE AREAS ½ Service buildings or service spaces such as loading docks

½ Natural areas

½ Open space with little to no actual use by stakeholders

½ Areas of little to no interface with the public

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Priority designations are evaluated each year to reflect changes in the organization and reductions or increases in landscape maintenance budgets.

Maintenance Standards based on Tier DesignationsTIER ONE AREAS - SPECIAL PLACES (High Intensity Landscaping and Maintenance)

½ Walks, plazas, and steps are kept free of dirt and debris

½ Lawns, shrub beds, and building areas are kept free of litter

½ Walks and bed lines have clean edges

½ Leaves are removed promptly

½ Shrub, perennial, and annual Beds are kept weed free

½ Perennials, annuals, trees, and shrubs are fertilized at ideal rates

½ Trees and shrubs are treated for disease and insect problems

½ Ground wood mulch is top dressed annually

½ Trees have little to no dead wood

½ Trees are pruned for aesthetic reasons

½ Lawns are fertilized at ideal levels

½ Lawns are kept free of broadleaf weeds and annual grasses

½ Lawns are kept at appropriate height for species of grass.

½ Lawns are aerified at ideal rates

½ Lawns are repaired/renovated promptly

½ High number of ornamental trees and shrubs

½ High number of annual and perennial beds

½ Complex foundation plantings

TIER TWO AREAS – PUBLIC SPACES (Moderate Intensity Landscaping and Maintenance)



½ Walks and bed lines are edged annually

½ Leaves are removed regularly

½ Shrub and perennial beds are kept moderately free of weeds

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½ Perennials, trees, and shrubs are fertilized at moderate rates

½ Select Trees and Shrubs receive insect and disease control.

½ Shredded Mulch is top dressed every year

½ Trees have little or some deadwood

½ Specimen trees are pruned for aesthetic reasons

½ Lawns are fertilized at moderate rates

½ Lawns are on a broadleaf weed control program

½ Lawns are kept at appropriate height for species of grass.

½ Lawns are aerified every year

½ Moderate number of ornamental trees and shrubs

½ Moderate number of perennial beds and annual beds

½ Moderate amount of foundation plantings

½ Moderate amount of brick paving

TIER THREE AREAS - CONNECTIVE SPACES (Low Intensity Landscaping and Maintenance)



½ Walks and bed lines are edged if mulched

½ Leaves are removed as needed

½ Shrub beds are kept mostly weed free

½ Trees and shrubs receive minimal or no fertilization

½ Trees and shrubs receive minimal or no insect and disease control

½ Shredded mulch may be replaced every two years

½ Trees are only pruned for safety or health reasons

½ Lawns may be fertilized at low rates

½ Lawns may be on a broadleaf weed control program

½ Lawns, when mowed, kept at appropriate height for species of grass.

½ Lawns may be aerified every other year or as needed.

½ Minimal number of ornamental trees and shrubs

½ Minimal or no foundation plantings

½ Few annual containers, little to no perennial or annual beds

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Grounds Management Best Practices Joe Jackson, CGM

The growing focus and movement towards environmental sustainability is having a tremendous impact on grounds management practices. Many property owners and organizations have adopted policy statements and are implementing operational procedures that emphasize sustainable goals and objectives. They are also taken into consideration the local and global impacts of the products and services being delivered. The challenges facing grounds management and the ongoing transformations to address sustainability expectations are running parallel to changes that are exponentially occurring across all disciplines that address the modern built environment. This imperative becomes evident when assessing the requirements for LEED certification, SITES rating, STARS rating, PGMS accreditation or other similar “green industry” performance-based evaluation programs.

Critical to the fulfillment of the sustainability goals affixed to any particular sector that has a grounds component is the effective and responsible management of its various functioning parts. The introduction of many new and innovative sustainability features are now surfacing as a regular part of the landscape palette. The management of these new as well as older and existing landscaped sites requires strategies from a different maintenance paradigm. Landscape features such as roof gardens, living walls, rain gardens, bioswales and naturalistic sites are becoming increasingly commonplace on the list of grounds sites needing special maintenance consideration.

This environmentally responsive outcome is expected to be achieved without compromising the attractiveness, quality, health or safety attached to landscape sites. Clearly, meeting today’s grounds management challenges that are being highly driven by the environmental sustainability movement is necessitating grounds management strategies and practices that will deliver superior results. A routine and general approach to standard grounds maintenance practices would be insufficient to this challenge. What will be needed are the understanding, acceptance and implementation of grounds management “best practices”. Those practices that when properly employed will produce a consistent, responsive and sustainable product to the property owner with increased accuracy and efficiency.

Three important factors come into play when developing best practices:

1. Performance based practices should come from industry standards.

2. The practice should quantitatively demonstrate sufficient improvements in quality, efficiency, cost, and/or cycle time.

3. Best practices are to be determined by knowledge transfer that is captured, adopted and assigned to an analytical pool.

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Utilizing an environmental management system (EMS) concept typically assure regulatory compliance, reduce liability, identify waste-minimization opportunities and to basically manage the environmental impacts of a business’s activities. Infusing a grounds management template in the EMS model helps grounds organizations in a structured way with their business decisions about maintaining or improving regulatory compliance, increasing efficiency in nonregulated environmental performance outcomes (such as use of energy, water and materials), promoting sustainable practices, increasing employees environmental awareness and morale, standardizing and integrating management procedures and also for projecting and promoting a positive image to business customers, stakeholders and the public.

Generally, in the “green industry” and particularly in the grounds management business, best practices have taken on different shapes and meanings. A number of individual activities, policies, procedures and programmatic approaches can be responsive and compliant to a single best practice. Exactly what those particular action steps are will likely differ depending on the type, structure and mission of the organization.

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BEST PRACTICE Ecosystem services value included in organization's mission and vision statement

RATIONALE A Mission and Vision Statement should be developed with concise wording on the value of ecosystem services and how the protection and conservation of natural systems will fit into the overall organization’s mission and vision.

BEST PRACTICE Publicizes environmental correctness to maintenance activities

RATIONALE Educating the organization’s customers on the environmental correctness of maintenance activities can eliminate misconceptions and conflicts. Internal and external media outlets should be used for this purpose along with the publication and dissemination of information specifically on grounds maintenance activities.

BEST PRACTICE Implement an integrated pest management (IPM) program

RATIONALE Developing and implementing an IPM program that takes a holistic approach to pest management using economic and environmentally responsive methods along with total plant health care monitoring procedures should be viewed as a stewardship necessity for grounds managers.

BEST PRACTICE Evaluating the use of alternative fuels and vehicles within maintenance operations

RATIONALE The organization should be committed to exploring all opportunities within its fleet and equipment operations that will contribute to the reduction of the organization’s carbon footprint.

BEST PRACTICE Resource conservation plans have been developed

RATIONALE Projects and plans specific to the ground’s operations should be developed with the primary goal of saving water, minimizing land degradation, reducing chemical use and labor cost.

A few examples of best practices that have been successful for grounds professionals who are members of The Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS®) are:

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BEST PRACTICE Utilizing remote site monitoring systems

RATIONALE Database systems utilizing iPads in the field to record and update maintenance records for tree inventories and for troubleshooting while checking irrigation systems and other landscape maintenance activities will save time and help with making accurate data driven decisions.

BEST PRACTICE Incorporating events management plan with grounds maintenance strategies

RATIONALE Collaboration with organizers of grounds events on timing and location that offers the least negative impact on the maintenance of green and open spaces contributes to the sustainability of the landscape.

BEST PRACTICE Identifying and meeting regularly with stakeholders to inform and educate

RATIONALE Identifying all stakeholders, i.e. students, faculty, staff, employees, visitors, etc. and determining ways to survey and obtain engagement on different levels will provide valuable feedback on the organization’s total performance.

BEST PRACTICE Conducting regular safe work training sessions

RATIONALE Methods and measures to monitor employees’ compliance in the field to all safety standards and to encourage the reporting of any safety concerns should be mandatory.

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Implementing and Maintaining Grounds Management Best PracticesWith best practices identified and the accompanying action steps being implemented as determined to bring about compliance, the process is still less than complete when modeling an EMS concept. This implies that for the organization to be in total conformity, they should have clear procedures to verify and qualitatively and quantitatively display the effectiveness of the action steps.

Ultimately, the overall effectiveness and appropriateness of the best practices to an organization’s mission and purpose will be determined by top management. Proper and well documented data on the various best practices should be available for management review so that their performance and adequacy can show to be beneficial and rightly responsive to both internal and external conditions.

Being able to prove and systematically show that an organization is meeting its responsibilities in the most accountable and sustainable manner is critical in today’s business climate. The search for and implementation of effective best practices are being vigorously pursued by organizations to add value to the services that they are providing to customers and stakeholders.

A monitoring and reviewing component is important and must meet at least the following requirements:

½ Documented procedures for regularly monitoring and measuring the action steps of the facility operations and activities that significantly impact the best practices.

½ Documented procedures for tracking and recording information on the performance and progress of action steps towards meeting the intentions of the best practice.

½ Documented procedures for periodically reviewing and evaluating the organization’s compliance with the best practices.captured, adopted and assigned to an analytical pool.

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Landscape Maintenance Procedures Turf CareA healthy, well-maintained lawn area requires less maintenance. Healthy, well-maintained turf promote deeper root systems. Deeper root systems have better access to nutrients and water in the soil. Additionally, healthy, well-maintained turf provides shade to the soil which prevents weeds from germinating, thereby reducing the need for weed control measures.

HEIGHT OF CUT AND MOWING FREQUENCY ½ Turfgrass will be cut at a height consistent with its type, use and environment.

½ Use mulching blades to return the clippings and their nutrients to the soil.

½ Areas should be cut at least once every (5) working days or as needed to maintain height.

½ Exceptions may be made if turfgrass is under stress due to lack of soil moisture, conditions are too wet to cut, or turfgrass and soils have been treated with chemical control products and are not able to be cut for a certain amount of time.

½ String trimming and trim mowing will be conducted within 24 hours of mowing. • Scalping of the lawn should be avoided. • No string trimming around the base of tree trunks.

½ Clippings will be removed from sidewalks, walkways, and roadways.

½ Clumps of clipping in turf will be raked and removed or blown to spread across the lawn.

½ Late winter/Early Spring, excess anti-skid material will be removed from turf along walkway and road edges.

AERIFICATION ½ Most turfgrass areas should be aerified at least (1) time per year.

½ Some areas may require more frequent aerification to help minimize or reduce thatch, maintain and/or rebuild soil structure, maintain areas that are more prestigious and visual lawn areas of campus, and maintain areas that are more prone to compaction.

½ All aerification should be done either in the late spring/early summer and/or late summer/early fall. These times may vary depending on the weather and situation.

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IRRIGATIONWhen and where possible, allow lawns to go through natural dormancy cycles (i.e., allowing grass to go brown in summer). It is normal for cool-season lawn grasses to go dormant when temperatures rise, and water becomes less plentiful in summer. They green up again when temperatures cool and rainfall becomes more abundant. Watering lawns in summer not only depletes an increasingly precious resource, it places undue stress on the grass plants.

½ Areas should be irrigated based on: • Frequency of use rainfall, temperature, season length, demands of plant material,

and to water in chemical control products.

½ Irrigation for beds, containers, tree, shrubs and lawn establishment will be determined based on weather conditions and time of year.

½ Irrigation system should be tested at the beginning of each month, while active, for correct operation. All deficiencies or leaks should be repaired at this time.

SEEDING, SODDING, OR RE-GRASSING ½ Areas that require seeding, sodding, or renovation will be addressed before bare

spots are evident. Remove weeds before seeding. If extensive, apply selective chemical weed killers as required. Newly seeded areas will be watered, based on weather conditions, to assure establishment.

½ Where substantial thin lawn remains, mow, rake, aerate if compacted, fill low spots, remove humps, cultivate soil, fertilize, and seed.

½ Apply a seed bed mulch, if required, to maintain moist condition.

½ Turfgrass along sidewalk edges damaged from snow removal and anti- skid control products will be addressed prior to commencement each year. Other areas will be addressed throughout the growing season on a priority basis.

½ Turfgrass edges along sidewalks will be monitored for unevenness along sidewalks and will be graded to no less than (1) inch below the edge of the sidewalk and other features on campus.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR REPAIRING TURF DAMAGE ½ Have utilities marked at least 3 working days before repair work begins if necessary.

½ Loosen top 1 to 3 inches of soil with a tilling machine.

½ Remove any unwanted debris with, i.e. soil clods, grass, stones or rocks.

½ Add topsoil stay ½ inch below sidewalk edge.

½ If area takes more than 3 inches of soil tamp area to prevent settling.

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½ Add soil if needed and rake off to meet desired grade.

½ Apply seed at a rate of 8 to 10 lbs. per 1000/ft. sq.• Make sure proper seed is being used for the job and area.

½ Rake area to obtain a light covering of soil over the seed.

½ Roll area with a lightweight roller to promote more seed to soil contact.

½ Fertilize with a granular starter fertilizer at 1lb. of N per 1000/sq. ft.

HYDRO-SEEDING ½ Apply Penn Mulch or Hydro Mulch to cover area

• Use Penn Mulch if the area is less than 100 ft. sq.

½ Cover area so that 30% to 40% of the soil is covered with Penn Mulch.• Use Hydro Seed for larger areas or to do multiple areas.

½ Any undesired areas covered with mulch should be cleaned up right away i.e. sidewalks, light posts, post and chain, buildings.

½ Install post and string around areas larger than 500 sq. ft. or areas prone to foot traffic.• If using T posts, call your utility marking company must be done prior to

installing posts

SODDING ½ Sod should be ordered so that delivery occurs early in the morning the day of

installation.

½ Areas to be sodded should be prepared as for seeding with final grade based on thickness of sod to be laid.

½ Prior to sodding, areas to be sodded should have an application of 16-20-0 (or similar starter-type fertilizer applied at a rate of one-pound actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet).

½ Sod should be laid from back to front to avoid treading on newly laid sod.

½ Lay sod starting with straight panels, then curved panels and those to be cut around objects.

½ Always cut out openings for sprinkler heads.

½ Seams should be staggered to promote more uniform growth and strength. Abut, but do not overlap sod panels.

½ Roll the newly laid sod immediately following installation and water as soon as possible afterward.

½ Install post and string around areas larger than 500 sq. ft. or areas prone to foot traffic.• If using T posts then a PA One Call must be done prior to installing posts.

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Bed Maintenance: Shrub and Perennial Plant BedsNative plants in the landscape help to maintain or restore the original web of life that evolved in a particular place - the animals, microbes, and associated plants that belong to the soils and climate of that site.

½ “Right plant, right place” - selecting native and noninvasive exotic landscape plants and lawn grasses that will thrive under local temperature and climate patterns.• Choose from plants that were originally found within the local bioregion or plants

native to other parts of North America and not known to be invasive in the place where they will be planted

½ While we may choose to use exotics in our landscapes, we need to be aware that there is a risk that they may escape from cultivation and crowd out native species or do other harm to the natives in ways we cannot foresee. Invasive organisms are exotic plants, animals, and insects that have been shown to spread to natural areas and disrupt the local trees and plants.

½ Choose non-native, noninvasive plant species appropriate to the ecology and climate in which they will be planted.

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GENERAL SERVICE LEVEL ½ Weeds - Beds and ground cover shall be maintained weed-free to the fullest extent

possible.

½ Dead Plants - All dead plants will be removed immediately, when noticed and replaced during the next planting season (spring or fall). For plants considered a fall planting risk, replacements will be installed during the next spring planting season.

½ Edging and Mulching - Beds should be evaluated annually to assess need for edging and mulching. Typically, beds will be edged yearly and mulched on a 2-year rotation. Mulch should be 2 - 4” in depth, and a 1” buffer should be maintained around trunks of trees or shrubs.

½ Leaf Removal - Leaves fully removed from beds before Christmas, as weather allows. At the very latest, leaves will be fully removed from beds by the end of the winter season.

WOODY SHRUB PRUNING ½ All woody shrub swill be evaluated annually to assess need for pruning. Pruning

should be undertaken to maintain design intent and promote optimal plant growth and health.

½ Most other shrubs and trees will be pruned for structure and vigor on a 2-3-year rotation. Some plants (e.g., roses) may need to be pruned multiple times during the growing season. Most pruning will be accomplished during the winter and early spring.

½ Plants should be pruned in a manner that retains access to sidewalks, ramps, entrances, signs and lights.

½ Dead wood should be removed as soon as it becomes apparent.

½ Hedges will be evaluated annually for pruning needs.

PERENNIAL PLANT MAINTENANCE ½ Perennial plants, including broadleaf perennials, grasses, bulbs, and groundcovers,

will be maintained to promote optimal health, vigor, and display value. Deciduous broadleaf perennials will usually be cut back to the ground in late autumn or early winter, though some may be left standing to provide seasonal interest.

½ Ornamental grasses will usually be cut back in late winter. Evergreen perennials and groundcovers will typically be cut back in late winter or early spring. To promote bulb naturalization, perennial bulb foliage will be retained after flowering and will be cut back only after yellowing has become evident.

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FLORAL PLANTINGS/CONTAINERS ½ Normally, extensive or unusual floral plantings are part of the design. Often,

multiple plantings are scheduled for at least two blooming cycles per year, year-round interest in some areas.

½ Maximum care is necessary.

½ All dead plant material removed and replace within the season of removal.

TREE RINGS ½ Tree rings should be mulched when bare soil is apparent.

• Mulch should be of a depth of 2” and not touch the trunk of the tree. A buffer should be maintained around the base of the tree trunk.

½ Tree rings should be edged on a 2-year rotation or to maintain a clean aesthetic appearance.

½ Rings should be of a uniform circular shape. Tree ring radius should be 12” for every 1” of trunk diameter with a minimum radius of 28” and maximum of the trees dripline.

½ For large trees under planted with turf, a 3-5” ring of bare soil should be maintained around the base of the trunk. If herbicide is required to control weeds in this area, special care should be taken not to apply spray to trunk of tree.

IRRIGATION ½ Areas should be irrigated based on: frequency of use rainfall, temperature, season

length, demands of plant material, and to water in chemical control products.

½ Irrigation for beds, containers, tree, shrubs and lawn establishment will be determined based on weather conditions and time of year.

½ Irrigation system should be tested at the beginning of each month, while active, for correct operation. All deficiencies or leaks should be repaired at this time.

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Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. Your IPM program uses current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to minimize pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. Historical data, such as rainfall, wind, temperature, types of plants, disease outbreaks, and past pesticide use, is also analyzed and consulted and informs our decision making.

HOW DOES IPM PROGRAM WORK? IPM is not a single pest control method but, rather, a series of pest management evaluations, decisions and controls. In practicing IPM, PGMS® recommends a six-tiered approach. The six steps include:

½ Acceptable pest levels - The emphasis is on control, not eradication. We first work to establish acceptable pest levels, called action thresholds, which are pest and site specific, and apply controls if those thresholds are crossed.

½ Preventive cultural practices - Selecting varieties best for local growing conditions and maintaining healthy crops is the first line of defense.

½ Monitoring - Regular observation is critically important.

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½ Mechanical controls - If a pest reaches an unacceptable level, mechanical methods are the first options. They include simple hand-picking, barriers, traps, vacuuming and tillage to disrupt breeding or propagation.

½ Biological controls - Natural biological processes and materials can provide control, with acceptable environmental impact, and often at lower cost. The main approach is to promote beneficial insects that eat or parasitize target pests

½ Responsible use - Synthetic pesticides are used as required and often only at specific times in a pest’s life cycle.

FERTILIZERS, HERBICIDES AND PESTICIDESHerbicides in Turfgrass

½ Broadleaf post-emergence herbicides will be applied to keep a mostly weed free turfgrass stand.

½ Pre-emergent herbicides will be applied yearly or as needed in established turfgrass areas to control annual grasses and broadleaf.

½ Herbicide applications will be done at the optimum time to ensure complete efficacy is maintained.

Herbicides in Planting Beds

½ Applications of herbicides, pre and post, will need to be done throughout the growing season. Broadleaf post-emergence herbicides will be applied to keep a mostly weed free shrub bed.

½ Pre-emergent herbicides will be applied every other yearly or as needed in established turfgrass areas to control annual grasses and broadleaf. Herbicide applications will be done at the optimum time to ensure complete efficacy is maintained.

Fertilizers

½ If there are specific soil problems, soil samples should be taken to determine corrective measures.

½ Adequate fertilization applied to plant species according to their optimum requirement to ensure an even supply of nutrients for the entire year.

½ Whenever possible, use a slow-release fertilizer on all annuals, perennials, turf, trees and shrubs. Processed or aged compost or leaf mulch may be used if appropriate.

½ All turfgrass areas will be fertilized at least (1) time per year with a minimum of 1lb of Nitrogen per 1000 ft2. More applications made if possible. Starter fertilizer for newly planted areas and then one application after lawn is established.

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½ Fertilizer should be applied during spring/early summer and or fall, if possible. Application of a granular or liquid fertilizer should avoid contact with all nearby leaves, to prevent leaf burn and applied according to manufacturer’s directions.

Pesticides

½ Thresholds for use will be determined by the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan.

½ The application of insecticides, fungicides, and other control products may be pursued if IPM scouting reveals a population of, or damage caused by, a pest or disease, and if the population or damage exceeds the thresholds set.

½ If chemical control is needed, care will be taken to select the shortest-residual product that best controls the target pest/disease without affecting other organisms.

½ Finally, care will be taken to ensure that application is completed at the optimal time to control the target pest/disease. For annually recurrent problems (e.g., bronze birch borer, fire blight) an IPM prescription will be developed each year prior to pest emergence, and treatment will be applied at optimal time following regular scouting.

Other Nutrients and Supplements

½ Other nutrients and supplements may need to be applied throughout the year to help maintain a more dense and stronger stand of turf or to amend the soils in which it grows. These products will be applied based off soil test recommendations or when otherwise needed. Other chemical control products may be applied to aid in plant strength as well as help to control plant growth.

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Tree CareTrees are a critically important part of the environmental community. Because of their size, long life, and positive impact on their environment, they cannot be easily replaced. Therefore, trees should be located where they will thrive for the long-term.

½ Pruning trees should be done in accordance with ANSI A300 standards

½ Trees should be planted according to the ISA Best Practices for Planting.

½ The critical root zone of a tree (the minimum area necessary for the health of the tree) should be protected from compaction and mechanical injury of the roots. (i.e. excluding heavy equipment or vehicles, limiting foot traffic from the critical root zone) Implement the most advantageous tree protection strategies during construction projects.

½ Prioritize planting shade trees over flowering trees in new construction or in replacement plantings to increase tree canopy coverage.

½ Mimic natural systems with layered tree plantings by planting shade trees amongst existing flowering trees to increase biomass, ecosystem services and long-term benefits for your property.

½ Implement clear establishment practices for newly planted trees to include monitoring and using watering bags as needed to provide supplemental water.

All arboricultural practices should conform to the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) A300 Standards for Tree Care Operations and the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Best Management Practices: The performance parameters established by industry consensus as a rule for the measure of extent, quality, quantity, value or weight used to write tree-related specifications.

STANDARDS AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES The standards and management practices are published in parts and based on topics by the ISA and ANSI. They include:

½ Part 1 - Pruning

½ Part 2 - Fertilization

½ Part 3 - Supplemental Support Systems

½ Part 4 - Lightning Protection Systems

½ Part 5 – Management of Trees and Shrubs during Site Planning, Site Development, and Construction

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½ Part 6 - Transplanting

½ Part 7 - Integrated Vegetation Management

½ Part 8 - Root and Root Zone Management

½ Part 9 - Tree Risk Assessment

½ Part 10 - Plant Health Care

½ Part 11 – Urban Wood Products

GENERAL SERVICE ½ Focus on maintaining existing trees, especially large shade trees.

½ Minimize compaction via foot and vehicular traffic.

½ Implement the most advantageous tree protection strategies during construction projects.

½ Ensure an ISA certified arborist evaluates mature trees annually.

½ Prioritize planting shade trees over flowering trees in new construction or in replacement plantings to increase tree canopy coverage.

½ Mimic natural systems with layered tree plantings by planting shade trees amongst existing flowering trees to increase biomass, ecosystem services and long-term benefits for campus.

½ Implement clear establishment practices for newly planted trees to include monitoring and using watering bags as needed to provide supplemental water.

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General Grounds Maintenance QUALITY CONTROL & INSPECTION RECOMMENDATIONS

½ All Landscape Maintenance Personnel should inspect their areas on a daily basis throughout the work week. Supervisors should visit at least one area daily.

½ Bi-annual inspections will occur in every landscape area involving the Supervisor, Shop Lead, Groundskeeper and Area person. All needed improvements will be documented, and work orders created.

½ Director level inspections will occur quarterly. All needed work and improvements will be documented, with work orders created.

SNOW REMOVAL ½ Snow removal starts the same day the accumulations of .5 inch is present.

½ When possible, snow will not be permitted to cover transportation or parking surfaces longer than noon of the day after the snow stops.

½ Application of snow-melting compound is appropriate to reduce the danger of injury due to falls.

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SURFACES (HARDSCAPES) ½ Sweeping, cleaning, and washing of walkways and surfaces should be done so

that at no time does an accumulation of sand, dirt, leaves, graffiti, mold, mildew, or weeds in cracks distract from the looks or safety of the area.

SITE FURNISHINGS ½ Benches, trash cans and other site furnishings should be cleaned at the end of

winter and throughout the year.

½ Bollards should be in place and locked, if applicable.

½ Repairs should be made whenever safety, function, or appearance is in question. • This includes but is not limited to, Post and Chain, Trash barrels, Bike racks,

Benches, Railings, Signs, Maps, Etc.

EQUIPMENT ½ All landscape maintenance equipment must be returned in the condition it was

found in. Failure to return equipment can result in disciplinary action.

½ All handheld power equipment must be secured when traveling in the bed of a truck or utility vehicle to prevent rollover and breakage.

½ No faulty equipment should be returned and put way without being reported. It must be repaired, disposed of properly and/or replace.

LITTER ½ Minimum of once per day, more in high trash areas, five days a week. Receptacles

should be plentiful enough to hold all trash usually generated between servicing without overflowing.

½ Stickers and posters are to be removed from trees, light poles, signs, bus stops, etc.

½ Report and clean all graffiti. Paint graffiti may need to be referred to the appropriate crew.

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Safety GuidelinesThis section is intended to provide guidance for supervisors and individual employees for the purpose of providing examples of safety standards for routine phases of operations. This section is not intended to eliminate any and all potential risk to individuals involved. Each worker, and especially supervisors, must exercise common sense, through evaluation, and good judgment regarding all working situations.

SAFETY EQUIPMENTAll safety devices, guards, covers or other features required at the time of manufacture shall be used at all times. No attempts should be made to operate any tools and equipment without these devices.

These items are examples only; other situations will be addressed on individual, as needed basis.

WORK STANDARDS ½ All employees will carry out their duties in accordance with safe practices, training

standards, and directions given to them by supervisory personnel as relates to standard safety practices.

½ Employees are expected to perform their assigned tasks in an effective and efficient manner and maintain a consistent and safe pattern throughout the work schedule.

½ Work attitude and safety is extremely important in a position that deals with the general public on a daily basis. Work attitude must be positive and contribute to the total work force. All employees must take an equal share in each task that is assigned to them including safety.

½ Failure to meet these general guidelines or job performance judged by the organization to be sub-standard or unsafe in comparison to the work of an “average” employee, could because for lack of advancement or other disciplinary action.

SAFETY REGULATION AND PROCEDURESAll equipment and supplies are to be used in a safe and proper manner. In the event of an accident, the supervisor should be notified as soon as possible. In the case of a serious accident, a fellow worker shall proceed with the employee to the emergency facilities and then contact the supervisor. Each employee is required to familiarize himself with all safety equipment, its location, and proper function.

All facilities must be equipped with sufficient fire extinguishers and first aid kits using the proper ingredients so as to conform with the structural and operational requirements of applicable codes.

½ Seat Belts - All vehicles and equipment having ROPS (Rollover Protection Structure), shall be fitted with seat belts for all available seats; operators and passengers are required to use them at all times.

½ Tires - When repairing demountable rim wheels, inflation cage must be used. Tubeless tires must never exceed 10 lbs. over recommended inflation pressure when mounting. Rubber lubricant should be used in mounting all tires.

½ Lubrication - Pressurized lubricating equipment should never exceed 100 PSI. All grease fittings must be wiped clean before charging with fresh grease.

½ Hydraulic Lifts - Must be locked before working under them. When raising a vehicle on a hydraulic lift, the vehicle must be positioned properly and locked to prevent it either rolling or falling off before raising the lift from the floor.

½ Vehicle Equipment and Stationary Engines - While in the shop for service, none of the above titled equipment shall be started or moved by anyone. No vehicles or equipment shall be brought into or taken out of this area without specific instructions.

½ Equipment Hydraulics - Prior to working under a dump truck, backhoe, or front- end loader, where the body of the truck or the loader bucket is in an elevated position, care should be taken to put in safety devices to prevent the body or loader bucket from coming down. All hydraulic equipment should be blocked to prevent drifting or accidental release.

½ Welding - Anybody using gas or electric welding equipment must use either welding goggles or the prescribed type of face mask. The area must be properly ventilated. All metal fabrication or burning shall be done in the designated welding area. When welding on vehicles or equipment. an asbestos blanket will be used to cover gasoline or diesel fuel tanks. When welding near a fuel tank it must be drained of all fuel, flushed out, filled with water and covered with an asbestos blanket. No attempt should be made to repair damaged fuel tanks. Upon the completion of all welding or burning tasks, the acetylene and oxygen lines must be bled down.

½ Spray Painting - This work must be performed in a properly designated area. Naked lights and smoking are prohibited. All sanding and grinding must be performed in the same area. Before commencing work in this area, check and make sure the ventilating system is working. Close doors. All persons engaged in this area must wear a respirator of the prescribed kind.

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½ The Mechanic - The steamer is to be placed in operation by a mechanic only. The mechanic will check for fuel, lubrication, detergent and correct operating pressure. The mechanic will also shut the equipment down after each cleaning job. Only authorized persons may operate this equipment. They must clean up the area before leaving.

½ Shop Area - All parts that are replaced shall be placed in the scrap pile. Rebuildable parts shall be sent to the designated area for processing. All vehicles that must be raised above floor level shall be supported by tripod stands of the proper size. Hydraulic or screw jacks for this use are prohibited. One wheel, front and/or rear must be chocked before performing work on a standing vehicle. Only an approved solvent shall be used.

½ Shop Tools - Safety Glasses or prescribed face masks and hearing protection shall be worn when operating all power tools, grinders, saws, drills, sanders, etc. Any impact tools, cold chisels, punches, drift pins, etc., which have curling metal on the head must be ground smooth before using. Any tool (hand or power operated) thought not to be safe, must be brought to the supervisor’s attention immediately. Immediately after completing a job, all grease, oil and other debris must be cleaned up and disposed of as directed.

½ Road Service - All mechanics should carry hard hats and safety vests when on road calls and use when applicable. No disabled vehicle or equipment shall be pushed or towed any farther than is necessary to free traffic flow. All towing should be accomplished by the properly prescribed equipment in accordance with the state and local laws.

½ Carbon Monoxide/Exhaust Fumes - No engines shall be run in the shop area unless they are hooked up to the exhaust system or the ventilation is such as to prevent any buildup of these toxic fumes.

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AppendixLANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE WORK TIMELINEThe work listed is in addition to routine maintenance conducted on a daily/weekly basis and does not include all projects which are scheduled or emergency repairs which must be addressed.

Spring work To be completed dependent on snow/snow cover

½ Apply Fertilizer with crab grass control by Mid-April

½ Repair worn/damaged turf areas.

½ Repair all winter damage• from snowplows and salt• From snow loads

½ Complete by first week in May• Clean, edge and mulch all beds • Fertilize lawn areas• Turn on and repair irrigation system• Thatch and over seed lawn areas

½ Flower/container planting

½ Mow all lawn areas and weed whack.

Summer work To be completed by start of September

½ Mow all grass-weekly

½ Repair construction damage not repaired

½ Clean parking lots

½ Repair worn/damaged turf areas.

½ Stripe crosswalks and parking lots

½ Weed all beds and walkways

Fall work To be completed until snow cover

½ Pick up leaves

½ Seed weak spots in lawns

½ Plant trees/shrub

½ Trim ornamental Grasses

½ Flower/container planting

Winter Work To be completed dependent on snow/snow cover

½ Tree Work campus-wide• Leaf clean up; • Blow out irrigation system• Ornamental grass/perennials

cut back

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LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE BY MONTH (Typical for Landscape Department and Weather Dependent)

January

½ Snow Removal - as needed

½ Remove litter/debris and empty trash cans from all areas

½ Maintain all paved areas and parking lots in a clean condition

½ Intercession tree work on main campus and dorm areas

February




½ Tree work campus-wide

March


½ Tree work campus-wide



½ Preparation for Commencement (bed clean-up, mulching)

½ Repair winter damage

½ Prune

April

½ Preparation for Commencement



½ Replace missing plant material

½ Spring flowers out

½ Repair damaged turf areas

½ Treat turfgrass

May

½ Preparation for Commencement

½ Mulching



½ Mow all lawn and grass areas

½ String trim/weed whack

½ Weeding shrub/flower bed maintenance

½ Turn on irrigation systems

½ Planting containers/summer flowers

½ Repair damaged turf areas

June

½ Remove litter/debris and empty trash cans from all areas.





½ Planting

½ landscape projects/repair damaged turf areas

July






½ Landscape projects

½ hedge trimming;

August


½ Maintain all paved areas and parking lots in a clean condition.




½ Hedge trimming

½ landscape projects

½ Prep for Student arrival

September






½ landscape projects

½ Fall Flower Planting

October






½ Plant trees

½ Leaf Clean up

½ Plant Bulbs

November

½ Remove litter/debris and empty trash cans from all areas.

½ Maintain all paved areas and parking lots in a clean condition.

½ Leaf clean up

½ Blow out irrigation system

½ Ornamental grass/perennials cut back

½ Snow removal - as needed

December



½ Continue leaf clean up

½ Snow removal - as needed

½ tree work campus wide

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PPE RequirementsSafety shoes, high visibility vest and safety glasses should be required for all landscape task.

ADDITIONAL PPE IS REQUIRED FOR THE FOLLOWING TASKS

Task(s) or Work Area(s) Potential Hazard(s) Additional PPE Required

Blower operationFlying particles, noise, contact with motorized equipment

• Hearing protection

Chainsaw operation

Flying particles, falling objects, cuts, noise, contact with motorized equipment

• Hard hat• Hearing protection• Work gloves• Cut resistant leg

protection

Chipper operation

Flying particles, noise, entanglement, cuts, falling objects, contact with motorized equipment

• Hard hat• Hearing protection• Long pants

Cutting, welding and brazing

Burns, flying particles, falling objects, cuts

• Welding hood with proper shading

• Welding clothing & welding gloves

• Respiratory protection (as required)

Dig holes (planting trees, no-excavation work)

Flying particles, falling objects, noise, cuts, contact with motorized equipment

• Hard hat if overhead hazard exists

• Hearing protection if powered

• equipment is used

Fertilizer application (solid and liquid)

Chemical splash, flying particles, inhalation

• Safety goggles• Respiratory protection

and chemical resistant gloves based on label requirement

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Install/remove equipment attachments (ex. snow blades, mower

deck, etc.)

Cuts, falling objects• Work gloves• Hard hat if overhead

hazard exists

Landscape equipment operation– tractors, skid

loader, mini excavator, fork truck etc.

Falling objects, noise, flying debris, contact with motorized equipment

• Hearing protection• Hard hat if overhead

hazard exists

Lawn mowing- riding Flying particles, noise • Hearing protection

Lawn mowing- walk behind Flying particles, noise • Hearing protection

MulchingCuts, falling objects, contact with motorized equipment

• Hearing protection (if power equipment is used)

Operating aerial lift, boom lift or bucket truck

(tree operations)

Crush hazard, contact with objects, fall

• Hard hat• Fall protection (or work

positioning harness for tree operations)

Utility vehicle operation Crush hazard, contact with objects, fall



Pruning shrubbery (with hand equipment) Flying particles, cuts • Work gloves

Pruning shrubbery (with power equipment)

Flying particles, noise, cuts, contact with motorized equipment



Pesticide ApplicatorsChemical splash, flying particles, noise, inhalation

• Refer to container label for PPE requirements. Rubber boots, coveralls and nitrile gloves are required for use above and beyond manufacturer’s recommendations.

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Sign / barricade installation

Falls, flying particles, cuts, contact with motorized equipment, vehicle traffic

• Class 2 safety vest Hard hat if overhead hazards exists Fall protection – when required.

Snow blowing, snow plowing

Flying particles, slip, vehicle traffic

• Hearing protection• Hard hat if overhead

hazard exists

Trash and debris removalFlying objects, cuts, material handling, vehicle traffic

• Hearing protection if using motorized equipment

• Class 2 safety vest

Tree trimming/climbing

Eye hazard, falling object, cuts, fall, contact with motorized equipment, abrasions

• Hard hat• Hearing protection if

using power tools• Fall protection system

- work positioning rope, saddle and lanyard

Weed trimming- string/ blade

Flying particles, noise, cuts and lacerations

• Hearing protection• Long pants

Work zone traffic control Contact with motorized vehicle

• Hard hat• Class 2 safety vest• Stop/ go paddle or flag

Air Spading Flying particles, noise, puncture

• Hearing protection• Long pants• Hard hat w/ face shield• Dust mask

Leaf Vacuum OperationFlying particles, noise, contact with motorized equipment

• Hearing protection

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Safety Regulations And Procedures (Examples Only)TURF MAINTENANCEMowing and trimming equipment should be recognized as a potential hazard. Operators should use extreme caution both for themselves, other crew members, the public, and any adjacent object.

½ Areas to be cut should be policed for loose debris, trash, etc., prior to cutting. Any object missed in this initial check should be removed ahead of the machinery. This will involve shutting down the machine, removing the object, and resuming operation.

½ Operating speeds should normally not exceed a moderately fast walking pace in order to allow the operator to continuously scan all immediately adjacent areas, including front, rear, and sides.

½ Operators should never leave the machine while it is running.

½ Neither operators nor mechanics should perform any adjustments or maintenance on mowing or trimming equipment when the cutting unit is engaged or operating. If inspection of this unit under load is necessary, proper precautions must be taken (eye protection, hand protection, etc.).

½ Other trimming equipment with exposed cutting units, such as line trimmers and edger, should be accorded the same respect and safety precautions as standard cutting units. Line trimmers must be operated with the cutting head kept well away from all persons and objects: The cutting action of such units is only accomplished at the outside one-inch of the cutting diameter; forcing the machine to cut inside this diameter will cause not only damage to the machine, but may wrench or twist the unit out of the operator’s control.

½ Steep Slopes - The guideline for steep slopes is any area which, when traversed on foot, creates a situation where a normal walking gait is interrupted.• The key to safe operations on a hillside is to keep the center of gravity of the

machine, person, or tool balanced over its base and operate in dry conditions. Any operator questioning the area to be cut, should verify his or her actions with their supervisor prior to proceeding. Mow hills when grass is dry.

• Especially on steep slopes, as well as other areas, all appropriate safety devices on the equipment (guards, cages, roll bars, seat belts, etc.) shall be employed at all times.

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TREE TRIMMING AND RELATED CHAINSAW WORKThis area involves several hazards; the most obvious of which are the position and height of materials being cut and the operation of the cutting equipment. In addition, associated activities such as stacking, loading, drag hauling of felled or cut material, must be approached with extreme caution.

½ No one may operate power saw cutting equipment unless authorized by a supervisor. Supervisors must be assured through both discussion and observation that the employee has had sufficient training and experience in order to undertake the assigned activity. If supervisors have any question as to the proficiency of an individual, they should eliminate the crew member from that portion of the work.

½ All operators should be familiar with and be able to demonstrate standard operating and safety techniques of all power saw equipment. These will include:• Adjustment• Start Up• Various Standard Cutting Techniques• Normal Saw Shut Down• Emergency Shut Down

½ All ground cutting operations shall be accomplished by raising and stabilizing items to be cut; and shall be attempted only when proper safety equipment is available and when all other personnel and/or objects are cleared from the cutting area.

½ In ground cutting operations, no attempt should be made to hold or suspend cut sections by use of hands whether protected or not.

½ All aerial cutting shall be guided by the following basic procedure.• Check that the tree is in sound condition in order to support the weight of a

climber and tools. Checks should be made of general condition, bark, rotten areas, etc.

• Check all safety harnesses and lines for weak or worn spots.• In situations where safety lines can be properly placed by using a lightweight

throw line - this should be attempted first.• In situations where throw lines cannot reach the limb intersection, the use of

ladders and in some cases free climbing may be substituted. Free climbing must be authorized by the supervisor.

• Secure the main safety line over the selected limb intersection and attach the line to the safety harness. Establish position at the lowest limb to be trimmed or removed.

• A safety/ground person should maintain sight and sound contact with the climber at all times. This person is also responsible for maintaining the safety line and clearing the area of the fallen timber. Safety/ground operations is a continuous act throughout the trimming or removal operation.

39

• Once the climber is in position to the side of the limb to be cut, a request is then made for tools to be sent up from the ground.

• Once in firm, stable position the climber begins to cut limbs from the lowest point, up. Standard three-cut techniques shall be used wherever possible

• Prior to the second cut, the climber should call out in a pre-established warning word to those individuals working on the ground.

• Once limbs makes contact with the ground, a third crew member will completely clear them from the area for further ground cutting.

• No limbs or branches shall remain in the general cutting area nor be allowed to hang up in the tree.

EARTH EXCAVATIONSIn all situations where earth work is contemplated, the existence of any and all underground utilities must be established and properly located.

½ Excavations with banks or sides more than five feet high shall be stabilized to prevent moving ground or cave ins.

½ Banks less than five feet high shall be stabilized when examination of the soil indicates any possibility of instability.

½ When stabilization is necessary, the following methods may be used.• Timber Shoring• Sheeting• Open Bracing• Slope cut back to a stable condition. Stable condition shall not be more than

one-foot rise per half-foot run

½ Materials for general shoring shall be in good serviceable condition, and timbers shall be sound and free from any deterioration. They shall be designed and installed so as to provide protection to the excavation.

½ Special precautions should be taken in areas where adjacent traffic or back-filled material creates extensive vibration or compaction on the sidewalls.

½ In all excavations deeper than four feet, an adequate means of exit (ladders, steps, etc.) shall be provided at each 25-foot horizontal interval.

½ Portable trench boxes or slide trench shields may be substituted in lieu of fabricated shoring.

½ All excavated materials shall be located a minimum of two feet from the nearest edge of the excavation.

These rules and regulations shall not supersede the requirements contained in section 1926.650, 651, and 652 of OSHA.

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Guidance for Driving on Landscape and WalkwaysPROHIBITED USES OF WALKWAYS AND LANDSCAPED AREAS:

• Shortcutting to save time or avoid congested roadways• Parking• Delivering materials in most circumstances• When ground is wet, soft, or snow covered• Being under the dripline of trees• Conducting tours

ALLOWED USES OF WALKWAYS AND LANDSCAPED AREAS:• When the work requires it (for example: plowing snow, working on utilities

beneath or beside walkways)• Emergency response• Transporting equipment to buildings such as a high reach • Delivering supplies and materials directly to the work site when no other egress

exists• Via curb cuts and ramps, but not by jumping curbs

Bollards and Post & Chain – Placed to restrict access and should not be defeated by driving around or between. A work order must be initiated to remove and replace bollards or post and chain if access to “restricted” areas is required.

MEASURES NECESSARY TO REDUCE DAMAGE TO WALKWAYS AND LANDSCAPE INCLUDE:

½ Prior to access with trucks with dual wheels, box trucks, trucks pulling trailers or larger equipment, operator or contractor will check that hardscapes, turf, or landscaped areas (walkways, plazas, etc.) are capable of accommodating the vehicle (weight and width) without causing damage.

½ A work order must be submitted to inspect the area and determine if protection methods are required

½ Matting or other protection is required for access, repeat or prolonged access to walkways or landscape. Acceptable protection of walkways and landscape is dependent on work to be done and conditions. Acceptable protection would be: Double layer Plywood, Alturnamats, Steel Plates, or Geo-Fabric/Gravel Cross-Section, in that order.

½ Keep all four wheels on the walkway.

Prolonged or repeated access to walkways, hardscapes, and landscaped areas – Requires a pre and post-work inspection of the area to be accessed conducted by the requesting person to document preexisting and resulting conditions and potential damages. A work order must be submitted to initiate these inspections.

Damage incurred to walkways or landscape – Should be reported to appropriate department. Restoration costs for damage may be borne by the project, department, or contractor causing the damage.

41 42

ALABAMA Auburn UniversityDuncan HallAuburn University, AL 26849https://www.aces.edu/

ALASKAUniversity of AlaskaFairbanks State Office1751 Tanana Loop, Room 101P.O. Box 756180Fairbanks, Alaska 99775https://www.uaf.edu/ces/

ARIZONAUniversity of ArizonaState Administration Office1140 E South Campus Dr.PO Box 210036Tucson, AZ 85721https://extension.arizona.edu/

ARKANSASUniversity of Arkansas Cooperative Extension State Office2301 S. University AvenueLittle Rock, AR 72204https://www.uaex.edu/

CALIFORNIAUniversity of California80 Stone Pine RdHalf Moon Bay, CA 94018https://ucanr.edu/About/Locations/

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CONNECTICUTUniversity of Connecticut – Fairfax County67 Stony Hill RoadBethel, CT 06701https://cahnr.uconn.edu/extension

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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIAUniversity of the District of Columbia4200 Connecticut Ave NWWashington, DC 20008https://www.udc.edu/causes/land-grant/

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GEORGIAUniversity of GeorgiaCollege of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences111 Conner HallAthens, GA 30602https://extension.uga.edu/

HAWAIIUniversity of Hawaii Administrative Office3050 Maile Way, Gilmore Hall 203BHonolulu, HI 96822https://cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/ce

IDAHOUniversity of Idaho875 Perimeter Drive MS 2338Moscow, ID 83844https://www.uidaho.edu/extension

ILLINOISOffice of Extension and Outreach111 Mumford Hall (MC‐710)1301 W Gregory Dr. Urbana, IL 61801https://extension.illinois.edu/

INDIANAPurdue University Extension615 West State StreetWest Lafayette, IN 47906https://extension.purdue.edu/

IOWAIowa State University2150 Beardshear HallAmes, IA 50011https://www.extension.iastate.edu/

State Extension Offices As of February 2020

https://www.udel.edu/canr/cooperative-extension/

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KANSASKansas State University123 Umberger HallManhattan, KS 66506https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/

KENTUCKYKentucky State University400 E Main St.Frankfort, KY 40601https://extension.ca.uky.edu/

LOUISIANALSU College of Agriculture101 Efferson HallBaton Rouge, LA 70803https://www.lsuagcenter.com/portals/administration/about-us/extension

MAINEUniversity of Maine5741 Libby HallOrono, ME 04469https://extension.umaine.edu/

MARYLANDUniversity of MarylandExtension Office – College of Agriculture and Natural ResourcesSymons HallCollege Park, MD 20742https://extension.umd.edu/

MASSACHUSETTSUniversity of MassachusettsStockbridge Hall, 80 Campus Center WayAmherst, MA 01003https://ag.umass.edu/extension-outreach

MICHIGANMichigan State University520 W Front StreetTraverse City, MI 49684https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/

MINNESOTAUniversity of Minnesota411 1st Ave SEElbow Lake, MN 56531https://extension.umn.edu/

MISSISSIPPIMississippi State Extension112 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.Indianola, MS 38751http://extension.msstate.edu/

MISSOURIUniversity of Missouri800 S Marshal StMarshfield, MO 65706https://extension2.missouri.edu/

MONTANAMontana State UniversityCulbertson Hall, 220Bozeman, MT 59717http://www.msuextension.org/

NEBRASKAUniversity of Nebraska – LincolnPO Box 290 O’Neil & KIldarehttps://epd.unl.edu/

NEVADAUniversity of Nevada – RenoMailstop 404 1664 N. Virginia StReno, NV 89557https://extension.unr.edu/county-offices.aspx

NEW HAMPSHIREUniversity of New HampshireTaylor Hall, 59 College RoadDurham, NH 03824https://extension.unh.edu/locations

NEW JERSEYRutgers Cooperative Extension550 W Hanover AveMorristown, NJ 07960https://njaes.rutgers.edu/county/

NEW MEXICONew Mexico State University1780 E University AveLas Cruces, NM 88003https://extension.nmsu.edu/

NEW YORKCornell University Cooperative Extension6055 NY‐23Acra, NY 12405https://cce.cornell.edu/localoffices

NEBRASKAUniversity of Nebraska – LincolnO’Neil & KildareGreeley, NE 68842https://epd.unl.edu/

NORTH CAROLINANC State UniversityPatterson Hall2501 Founders Drive, #7602Raleigh, NC 27607https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/

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NORTH DAKOTANorth Dakota State University2718 Gateway AveBismarck, ND 58503https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/extension

OHIOOhio State University Extension Office602 7th St., #7Portsmouth, OH 45662https://extension.osu.edu/lao

OKLAHOMAOklahoma State University1440 S Cherokee StMuskogee, OK 74403https://extension.okstate.edu/

OREGONOregon State University Extension Office1134 SE Douglas AveRoseburg, OR 97470https://extension.oregonstate.edu/douglas

PENNSYLVANIAPennsylvania State University88 Chenango St.Montrose, PA 18801https://extension.psu.edu/

RHODE ISLANDUniversity of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension6 Greenhouse RdKingston, RI 02881https://web.uri.edu/coopext/

SOUTH DAKOTASouth Dakota State University Extension Office4101 W. 38th St, Suite 103Sioux Falls, SD 57106https://extension.sdstate.edu/

TENNESSEEUniversity of Tennessee State Extension Office5201 Merchant DriveNashville, TN 37211https://utextension.tennessee.edu/

TEXASTexas A&M Extension Office604 N Main St #200Weatherford, TX 76086https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/

UTAHUtah State University2001 State St., Ste. 1200Salt Lake City, UT 84190https://extension.usu.edu/saltlake/

VERMONTUniversity of Vermont Extension Office68 Catamount ParkMiddlebury, VT 05753https://www.uvm.edu/extension

VIRGINIAVirginia Tech Virginia State Cooperative Extension3738 Brambleton AveRoanoke, VA 24018https://ext.vt.edu/

WASHINGTONWashington State University Extension Office404 W Clark StPasco, WA 99301https://extension.wsu.edu/

WEST VIRGINIAWest Virginia University Extension Service29 Beechurst AveMorgantown, WV 26505https://extension.wvu.edu/

WISCONSINUniversity of Wisconsin State Extension Office311 N. Main St, #101Shawano, WI 54166https://counties.extension.wisc.edu/

WYOMINGUniversity of Wyoming1000 E University AveLaramie, WY 82071http://www.uwyo.edu/uwe

CANADAGuelph Turfgrass Institute328 Victoria Rd.S. Guelph, Ontario Canada N1H 6H8http://www.guelphturfgrass.ca/

PUERTO RICOPuerto Rico Agricultural Extension ServiceBotanical Gardens1204 Ceiba StreetRio Pedras, 00926Puerto Ricohttps://www.uprm.edu/portada/

PROFESSIONAL GROUNDS MANAGEMENT SOCIETY

2331 Rock Spring Road Forest Hill, MD 21050

443-966-3852 | [email protected]

landscape management guidelines · program utilizes peer expertise to evaluate strategic grounds...

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