03-26-2003 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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Wet Meadow and Upland Zone Planting Both the wet meadow and upland zones will be planted using nursery -grown seedlings (plugs). The shrubs and trees will be container grown stock. Care for and organize the plants. Keep seedlings watered well and shaded prior to planting. Sub - divide the plants by soil moisture requirements. Separate the species that need to be planted close to the water's edge (wet meadow forbs, grasses and shrubs) and those for the uplands. Organize the flats of plants by zone and randomize the combinations of cell packs in each flat ahead of time. Make sure that both wildflowers and grasses are mixed well. Plant the plugs. Tn avoid planting in straight rows, plant clumps of 3 to 6 plants of the same species with a spacing of 18 inches on center between plants. Plant grasses or sedges every 3', for root structure, then interplant with forbs (wildflowers). To plant through erosion fabric, use scissors to cut the fabric, then dig or use a bulb auger and drill to make a hole. Plant so that the surface of the root ball matches the existing soil surface. Take care to avoid leaving an air space under the roots. Tamp the soil lightly, replace the erosion control fabric over the bare soil and water the area thoroughly. To plant through mulch, move the mulch aside, then dig or drill the hole. Plant so that the surface of the root ball matches the existing soil surface and be sure not to mix mulch in with the soil when packing around the root ball. After planting replace the mulch, but take care not to bury the plug. MAINTENANCE Site maintenance is very important for the first few years but will decrease as the plants become established. Maintenance includes watering, weeding (by hand or selectively with herbicides), replanting if needed and maintaining and removing the wavebreaks. It is important to maintain the planting in a timely manner to prevent plant mortality and keep the work manageable. Aquatic Zone: Replant plants. Wave action will occasionally loosen and float some of the aquatic plants before they become established and they will need to be replanted. If the aquatic planting area is checked on frequently in the first month after planting, the "floaters" are often caught in the wavebreaks and can be replanted immediately. Push the roots into the soil and stabilize with rocks. Remove Wavebreaks. Wavebreaks will be removed in the fall after the first growing season. Depending on plant establishment, they may need to be reinstalled the following spring.