SEEDING AND VEGETATION ESTABLISHMENT
- Topsoil
- Test for nutrients and adjust fertilizer rates accordingly
- Wait until dry before placing or working topsoil, if at all possible.
- Place topsoil to depths identified in plan as soon as possible after embankment
- Rip all areas without utility conflicts and where compaction is not required
- Apply fertilizer and then till 3” deep
- Seed and stabilize immediately after tilling
- Fertilizer
- Check that fertilizer type matches the plans. Refer to Seeding Manual for info on distinguishing fertilizer types.
- Check that fertilizer analysis and rate match soil test results (first choice) or plan (second choice)
- Seed
- Check that seed mixtures match the plans
- Check seed labels for:
- Green Approved Vendor tag
- Test date should be no older than 12 months prior to planting
- PLS weight should be smaller than bulk weight
- Seeding
- Check to ensure seed is placed uniformly, at proper depths and within specific planting period.
- Seeding
- Plant during appropriate weather and time of year. Refer to Seeding Manual for info on planting dates.
- Check for correct seeding rate, planting depth, and planting dates.
- Do not allow contractor to increase seeding rate without consulting with OES.
- Hydro-seeding must be in a separate pass from hydro-mulching
- Sodding
- Require certificate if salt tolerant sod is used
- Don’t allow sod to sit on pallets for longer than a day
- Ensure soils are watered immediately prior to laying sod
- Ensure sod is watered thoroughly immediately after installation
- Monitor watering to ensure it follows requirements of 2575
- Vegetation Establishment
- Monitor for germination, seedling emergence, and coverage. Call OES for assistance.
- Water if too dry, especially in critical areas (steep slopes, stormwater treatment systems, areas with blanket)
- Mow when vegetation is 18” high, cut back to 8” height. Do this 2-3 times for each seeding area.
- Spot-spray if perennial noxious weeds start taking over
- Review Seeding Manual for info on monitoring, establishment, and addressing problems
- Weed Spraying
- Use for perennial weeds like Canada thistle if mowing is not working
- Ask for contractor’s MN Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (Category J)
- Send herbicide label to the Roadside Vegetation Management Unit for review prior to spraying
- Require pesticide application record within 24 hours of spraying
References: Specifications 2106, 2573, 2574, 2575, 3876-3885, Seeding Manual, Schedule for Materials Control.