Maintain whole of landscape works for the specified period from the date of practical completion of 'Landscape Works' to handover to council, the ‘on maintenance” period.
All work is to be performed in accordance with all applicable laws, ordinances and regulations required by authorities having jurisdiction over such work and are to provide for all inspections and permits required by Federal, State and Local Governments and Authorities in procuring and transporting materials.
Unless otherwise specified, current relevant Australian Standards are to be observed.
Ensure site is maintained in a safe, and as far as practicable, clean and tidy condition.
Airborne dust is to be kept to a minimum.
Ensure that no spillages or discharges of oil, fuel or other pollutants occur during servicing, refuelling or works operations.
Driving of vehicles within council parks and reserves is to be minimised.
Parking and driving of vehicles within TPZ is prohibited.
Unless absolutely necessary to carry out works, the driving of plant and equipment in the following areas is to be avoided:
turfed areas
irrigated areas
landscaped areas
tree root zones
Council infrastructure areas.
Access to open space areas for specific works is to be coordinated with the Superintendent.
Contractor is to rectify, at their own expense, any damage to:
turfed areas, including compaction and wheel ruts
shrubs, plants and trees
footpaths
medians
kerb and channel
any other council or public property caused by maintenance operations or the movement of vehicles or plant.
Council upholds a no net loss of vegetation philosophy, and all plants that are damaged beyond rectification (as assessed by Project Arborist) are to be replaced at a minimum ratio of 1:1.
If a tree is deemed to be of high value to council (as per council’s tree retention value rating system) and is removed in error or damaged beyond the point of rectification, council may request a ‘no net canopy loss offset’. This offset considers the area of the tree canopy and number of new trees to achieve the same area of canopy within a given timeframe.
Inspect lawns, garden beds and mass planting areas for weeds and rectify as required to prevent seeding, germination and competition.
Weeds within tree basins are to be removed by hand.
Retaining mulch levels within tree basins assists in keeping weed growth to a minimum.
Stream banks, damp exposed areas and other weed prone areas are to have appropriate weed control measures enforced.
Hand weeding should be part of an integrated approach to weed control, particularly if there is a possible risk to waterways or damaging desirable plant species.
Avoid herbicide residue leaching into nearby waterways.
Eradicate weeds using an approved herbicide.
Adhere strictly to manufacturers application instruction, rates and safety procedures.
Herbicides are to be applied outside normal operating areas, but not during extreme temperature or high wind periods.
Watering is to be delayed for the recommended period after application.
See the following tables for further information on approved chemicals (subject to change)
Table 9: Approved chemical list
Table 10: Approved chemical list - Insecticides
Table 10: Approved chemical list - Surfactants and chemical dyes.
Immediate notice is to be given to Superintendent when evidence of significant insect attack or disease amongst plant material is found.
If pests and diseases are identified, affected portions are to be removed from the plant and disposed of off site.
Chemical methods are to be secondary control measures where pruning is not successful. Where required, spray with non-toxic organic pesticide, fungicide, or both, at the discretion of the Superintendent/Arborist.
Approval is to be obtained from Superintendent 5 days prior to the use of pest and disease control chemicals.
Adhere strictly to manufacturers application instructions, rates and safety procedures.
Pesticides are to be applied outside normal operating hours.
Pesticides are not to be applied during extreme temperature, high wind or rain periods.
Irrigation is to be delayed for the recommended period after application.
See the following tables for further information on approved chemicals (subject to change)
Table 9: Approved chemical list
Table 10: Approved chemical list - Insecticides
Table 10: Approved chemical list - Surfactants and chemical dyes.
Table 9: Approved chemical list - Herbicides
Application
Active ingredient
Product (or equivalent)
Non-selective control of annual and perennial weeds
Glyphosate
Round up
Non-selective control of annual and perennial weeds
Glyphosate
Weedmaster Duo
Selective broadleaf weed control in turf and lawns
MCPA, Dicamba – Dimethylamine salt
Kamba M
Selective post-emergence control of Nutgrass and Mullumbimby couch in turf
Halosulfuron – methyl
Sempra
Non-spray, selective control for invasive weeds
Picloram as potassium salt
Vigilant
* Note: Approved chemical list sourced from Sunshine Coast Council Health and Safety team, and is subject to change
Table 10: Approved chemical list - Insecticides
Application
Active ingredient
Product (or equivalent)
Non-toxic, natural caterpillar control
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
Nature’s Way Caterpillar Killer – Dipel
Controls caterpillars and other pests on fruit, vegetables and ornamentals
Spinetoram
Yates Success Ultra Insect Control
Low toxicity, organic control for mites, aphids, thrips, mealybugs and whitefly
Potassium salts of fatty acids
Yates Nature’s Way Insect and Mite Killer Natrasoap
* Note: Approved chemical list sourced from Sunshine Coast Council Health and Safety team, and is subject to change
Table 11: Approved chemical list - Surfactants and chemical dyes
Application
Active ingredient
Product (or equivalent)
Spray adjuvant – used to minimise drift and to promote wetting, spreading and sticking.
Vegetable oil
Synertrol Horti Oil
Liquid marking dye – mixed with pesticides to assist in identification of sprayed areas
Rhodamine B
Marker Dye
* Note: Approved chemical list sourced from Sunshine Coast Council Health and Safety team, and is subject to change
Mass planted areas, trees and palms are to be sufficiently watered to maintain adequate soil moisture during the specified maintenance period. This should be achieved using low pressure with adequate volume.
Generally every two to three days in summer.
Generally every three to four days in winter.
Allow soil surface to partially dry out between watering.
Watering shall be increased during periods of wind, drought and/or where soils have low moisture retaining characteristics.
Rates may be decreased during periods of high rainfall.
Ensure moisture is maintained in planting media in sufficient quantities to promote plant growth and minimise stress after installation.
Watering is to be prioritised for early morning or night application to lessen evaporation.
Water used for plant establishment and maintenance is to have:
a pH of between 5.5 – 7.5
total soluble salts less than 1000 mg/L
no phytotoxic substances.
See Table 12: Minimum watering schedule – Establishment Period for further guidance.
Table 12: Minimum watering schedule – Establishment Period
Container
Minimum frequency
Week 1-4
Minimum frequency
Week 5-8
Minimum frequency
Week 9-12
Until end of establishment period
Seeding
5.0 L per m2
daily
10 L per m2
every second day
10 L per m2
two days per week
At the contractors discretion, to achieve acceptance criteria.
Turfed areas
5.0 L per m2
daily
10 L per m2
every second day
10 L per m2
every second day
At the contractors discretion, to achieve acceptance criteria.
Planted areas
< 25L
10 L per plant daily
10 L per plant two days a week
10 L per plant once a week
At the contractors discretion, to achieve acceptance criteria.
Planted areas
≥25L
20 L per plant daily
20 L per plant two days a week
20 L per plant once a week
At the contractors discretion, to achieve acceptance criteria.
Planted areas
Mass plantings (≥2 per m2)
20 L per m2 daily
20 L per plant two days a week
20 L per plant once a week
At the contractors discretion, to achieve acceptance criteria.
Newly planted trees (100 L container and above) - 50 L per plant, ex-ground 100 L
September to February
4 X per week
3 X per week
3 X per week
2 X per week
Newly planted trees (100 L container and above) - 50 L per plant, ex-ground 100 L
March to May
3 X per week
2 X per week
2 X per week
1 X per week
Newly planted trees (100 L container and above) - 50 L per plant, ex-ground 100 L
The planting establishment period commences at the date of practical completion (on maintenance) and continues until council accept the project ‘off maintenance’.
Unless otherwise specified, mass planted areas are to have a minimum establishment period of 3 months.
Unless otherwise specified, tree and palm plantings are to have a minimum establishment period of 12 months.
After planting and up to receipt of a Certificate of Practical Completion, the contractor is to carry out watering and maintenance as is necessary to keep the plants in good health.
During the maintenance and defects liability period, the Contractor is to provide maintenance in accordance with the Maintenance section of this document.
Where specified, the Contractor is to maintain existing grass encompassed within the landscape area in accordance with the Maintenance section of this document.
Rubbish and fallen limbs are to be removed prior to the commencement of mowing activities.
Summer: weekly to a maximum height of 40 mm (dependent on species):
higher cut grasses are more stress tolerant.
high density grass plants reduce germination of weed seeds.
Winter: as required
Mowing frequency is to be scheduled to ensure that overall grass height does not exceed 100 mm at any time, unless unforeseen weather conditions alter mowing frequency.
No more than 1/3 of leaf is to be removed during mowing activities.
Mowing is not to occur under wet conditions.
All hard surfaces are to be blown down after mowing and edging activities.
In high profile areas and sports fields, grass clippings are to be removed from site, or dispersed as instructed by superintendent.
Edging is to be carried out at the same time as mowing.
Maintain at maximum mowing height of 40 mm.
Trim grass where it intersects with adjoining materials, including garden edges, pathways and other hard surfaces, as well as under fences, around trees and other infrastructure.
Ensure machinery does not damage vegetation or adjoining material.
Top dress with 10 mm layer of appropriate top dressing soil which will complement the sub-soil profile. Where possible, it is preferable to use a mixture of clean, washed river sand with an organic range of 7–15%. Beach sand is NOT to be used.
If more than 15 mm of top dressing is needed, level is to be built up in 10 mm increments, allowing the sward to develop before applying the next layer.
Fertilise immediately after application of top dress material, as per soil nutrient analysis.
All tree pruning, maintenance, pest and disease control, etc. is to be undertaken under the guidance and supervision of a council approved Arborist.
Prior to commencing any pruning operation, evaluate trees for their natural growth habit and relationship to the total landscape.
Pruned trees are to be left in an aesthetically pleasing condition.
Trees are to maintain a shape and character appropriate for the species and the environment.
Tree pruning may be required to:
enhance tree health and structure
reduce failure risk
meet specified clearance requirements
meet traffic visibility requirements
improve form
encourage growth direction in young trees.
Pruning is to be undertaken by a qualified Arborist in a manner that minimises damage to trees, in accordance with AS 4373:2007 – Pruning of amenity trees.
Where damage occurs to trees as a result of the actions of the contractor, the contractor will be held responsible for the repair or replacement of tree or palm stock.
All wood chip produced from council works shall remain council property and is to be delivered to sites as nominated by the Superintendent.
Dead timber, dead trees and large diameter trunks are to be removed from site by the contractor and delivered to council green waste dumps as directed by the Superintendent.
Wood chips added to stockpile sites must be clean and free of weed seed, disease and fungal pathogens.
Contaminated or infected materials must be taken directly to a tipping site or disposed of as approved by the Superintendent.
Mulch containing woody weed materials or palm fronds must be kept separate from clean mulch stockpiles.
Hollowed branches and sections of trunk may be required to be left on site to provide habitat for local fauna, as directed by the Superintendent.
Where native wildlife is found to be nesting within sections of trunk or branches, the Contractor is to stop work immediately and contact the Superintendent for direction.
Where directed by the Superintendent, valuable logs must be recycled and collected for milling purposes. In these situations, the Contractor will be required to meet with the Superintendent to coordinate the transportation of the timber. Timber is to be cut to applicable lengths and handed over to log truck for transportation.
Vertical mulching is a technique used to partially alleviate soil compaction within the critical root zone of trees, and should be used to improve nutrient cycling and soil aeration.
Holes approximately 1.0 m deep by 75 mm - 100 mm diameter excavated using an auger or hydro-vacuum.
Backfill holes with mixture of compost/mulch/river rock (20 – 40 mm).
Replenish mulched areas to maintain a consistent depth of 75 mm–100 mm.
Mulch used is to match originally specified material.
Mulch is to be raked to an even surface to the level of the surrounding finish.
Spread mulch so that after settling it is smooth and evenly graded toward the base of plant stems, forming a shallow dish drain with the aim of preserving soil moisture, providing essential soil nutrients and suppressing weed growth.
Mulch is not to be closer than 100 mm from the plant stem/trunk.
Where trees or palms fail or die during the “on maintenance” period, it is the contractor’s responsibility to replace those plants as soon as practicable.
If severe damage or vandalism occurs due to the actions of the public, replacement plants will be provided by council and installed by the contractor.
Approval is required by council prior to purchasing and planting of replacement trees or palms.
Replacement trees or palms are to be the same size and type as described in the contract.
All trees, plants and turfed areas are to be healthy, weed and pest free and showing signs of growth.
At the end of the ‘on maintenance’ period, plant material which:
has not shown significant signs of growth
has not established sufficient root hold
has deteriorated
has failed
or in council’s opinion requires replacement, is to be replaced with new stock by the Contractor.
Mulch levels are to be topped up to a minimum depth of 100 mm prior to handover.
Upon handover to council, the site is to have no litter or dumped waste.
‘On maintenance’ period
The pre-determined period after practical completion of a project, when the contractor is responsible for making good any faults is to be:
For tree and palm plantings, a minimum establishment period of 52 weeks.
For mass planted areas and turfed areas, a minimum establishment period of 12 weeks.
Practical completion
At practical completion, the contractor must supply technical specifications and information, including but not limited to certifications and operational manuals:
See Table 13: Practical completion technical information requirements for further information.
Table 13: Practical completion technical information requirements
Technical information
Example
Certification
Inspections, final approvals and documentation.
‘As constructed’ drawings and specifications (ADAC format)
Is to detail the location of any sub-surface services (e.g. drainage, electrical).
Operational manuals
Inspection/maintenance details including parts and service manuals, and manufacturer’s guarantees.
Construction and/or maintenance tools
Including non-standard maintenance tools for bolt tightening and replacement parts.
All required signage
To be installed prior to hand-over of the asset, where applicable.
Manufacturer’s guarantees/warranties
Including any other documents or items, including quality management compliance and accreditation.
On maintenance period – the period of time between practical completion of the project and the handover of project to council, during which the contractor (or developer in the case of external projects) has specific responsibilities for the maintenance of plant material and repair of faults. The ‘on maintenance period’ is synonymous with defects liability period and establishment period.
Off maintenance – after the ‘on maintenance’ period, the assets and infrastructure are inspected and, following approval, they become ‘off maintenance’. Council is then responsible for maintenance of the assets and infrastructure.
Practical Completion – the culmination of most construction contracts is commonly known as ‘practical completion’ of the building works. Practical completion generally means the works are completed to all relevant statutory requirements in accordance with the contract triggers. The release of any retained funds, the risk of loss or damage to the works passes from the contractor to the employer and the contractor is no longer liable for liquidated damages. The defects liability period begins on practical completion.
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Sunshine Coast Open Space Landscape Infrastructure Manual (LIM) DISCLAIMER
Disclaimer
Information contained in this document may change without notice and you should use the current material available from Council’s website and not rely on material previously printed or stored by you.
All figures and diagrams are intended to be used as an aid to design and include Council’s preferred elements but they are not intended to be prescriptive and may need to be varied as dictated by site specific factors. While Council has exercised reasonable care in preparing this document, it does not warrant or represent that it is accurate or complete. The Council will not accept responsibility for any loss, damage, cost or expense that you may incur as a result of the use of or reliance upon any material contained in this document.
This document is produced to convey general information and is not intended to constitute advice whether professional or legal. Any reference to legislation in this document is not an interpretation of the law. It is to be used as a guide only. Consult relevant authority websites for current documents, revisions and amendments.
Where a particular product or supplier is profiled in this document, Council is NOT nominating this product or supplier as the selected choice. Product/supplier information has been provided to allow users to source products which contain the correct elements required for Council embellishments. Each product profiled states ‘or equivalent’ which means that different products may be supplied provided they satisfy the identified performance criteria, recommended standards, equal access guidance and product specifications.
Product design, manufacture and installation requires appropriately qualified people to provide site specific solutions to ensure the embellishment is appropriately adapted to local conditions and data.
This document does not override requirements stipulated in a development approval. Project specific variations may be appropriate as a result of site, environmental or other constraints. Any variations to these standards must be approved in writing by council prior to commencement of variation works. Components of this document may be used within a contract document but users should undertake their own investigations to confirm the information is suitable for this purpose.
Drawings contained in this document are NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION.
Details in this document are deemed to be the minimum standard and the user may wish to apply a higher standard subject to approval by council.
Acknowledgements
Council wishes to thank all contributors and stakeholders involved in the development of this document.
Copyright
Sunshine Coast Regional Council (Council) supports and encourages the distribution of its material however, copyright protects this document. Council has no objection to this material being reproduced but only if council is recognised as the owner of the copyright and this material remains unaltered.
