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• After aeration and overseeding, high-use or worn lawn areas should be top-dressed in <br /> spring or fall for greatest improvement. <br /> • General lawn should be top-dressed with pure compost or a compost-sand mixture, <br /> 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, to improve both drainage and soil fertility. Use a weed-free <br /> mature compost from a reputable supplier, screened to 3/8 inch minus particle <br /> size. Dragging or raking after application can help get compost down into the <br /> aeration holes and break up aeration cores and compost clumps. <br /> • Take soil plugs annually to verify that the compost is being incorporated into the soil <br /> profile below the aeration depth by earthworms and other soil biota, rather than <br /> accumulating on the surface where it could limit water infiltration. (This is a possible <br /> problem in cases of low soil biota due to overuse of fertilizers or pesticides, poor <br /> drainage, or conditions of acidic or compacted soils. Correct these problems to <br /> improve compost incorporation.) <br /> D. INTEGRATED PEST (WEED, INSECT, AND DISEASE) MANAGMENT <br /> Definition: "Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is an approach to pest control [weeds, <br /> insects, and diseases] that uses regular monitoring to determine if and when treatments are <br /> needed, and employs physical, mechanical, cultural, and biological tactics to keep pest <br /> numbers tow enough to prevent intolerable damage or annoyance. Least-toxic chemical <br /> controls are used as a last resort." <br /> Daar, Olkowski & Olkowski: IPM Training Manual for Landscape Gardeners, 1992 <br /> D.1. Weed Control for Trees. Shrubs. Vines, and Groundcovers <br /> • Weeds in planted areas, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, or pavement shall be removed or <br /> killed weekly as the weeds emerge. Weeds shall be removed (not just killed) if they <br /> are larger than 2 inches (5 cm) in height or diameter. Dispose of weeds off- site. The <br /> cost of all weed control work shall be included in the contract price for landscape <br /> maintenance. Regular maintenance of the mulch layer will help minimize weeds in <br /> shrub and groundcover areas. <br /> • Contractor is strongly encouraged to use Integrated Pest Management techniques for <br /> controlling weeds. Techniques include mulching, pulling, allowing plantings to grow <br /> densely and shade ground, heat and hot water controls. If herbicides must be used, <br /> choose the least toxic available and spot apply on weeds. Pre-emergent herbicides <br /> are not allowed - maintaining a thick mulch layer combined with mechanical weeding <br /> is as effective. <br /> 457 <br /> Ad. <br />