SPECIFICATION OF GRASSES
Landscaping is a vital part of building and urban design that can define the character of an area and promote social wellbeing for its inhabitants. Successful integration of landscaping can be achieved through careful design and good contract documentation, including specification using a master specification system such as NATSPEC, the National Specification System. The provision of landscape documentation in the form of drawings and specifications is a common requirement for development approvals and building certificates, where changes to external areas and landscaping are proposed. While it is expected that the documentation includes information to fulfill the application requirements, the presentation and quality of the documentation can vary significantly and impact project outcomes. In some projects, there is a heavy focus on drawings as the primary communication tool, with the specification being a secondary document. In others, there may be no specification at all.
28 / SPECIFICATION OF GRASSES
The specification is a written document that defines the required quality of the end product and its component products. It is important to note that the specification works in conjunction with the drawings and the two should not conflict each other.
seeds, grow cells or tube stock required? Does Council mandate selection of native drought-tolerant grasses only? What preparation, fertilisation, establishment and maintenance procedures are suitable for the project?
In the absence of a specification, important details such as material quality, performance requirements and execution methods may be ambiguous and unintentionally left to the contractor. Any discrepancies between expectations for the quality of work and the end product may not become apparent until the later stages of the project, giving rise to disputes and delays. There is also no guarantee that relevant standards and regulations have been considered by both the designer and contractor if they are not mandated in the contract documents, usually the specification.
The extent of documentation depends on the type and scale of the project. Specifying only the type of grass could be sufficient for minor works. On larger scale projects, additional details such as the topsoil mixture, fertiliser, and establishment and maintenance procedures would be prudent. Adding detail to your specification helps convey the desired level of quality to meet client expectations.
After considering location, use, site conditions, availability, sowing rates and timing of application, designers can use the specification to document design decisions and selections, and convey them to the contractor. Are grasses in the form of rolls,
To complete the contract documentation, it may be appropriate to consult a specialist grower for advice on a suitable grass and application method for your project. Specialists can also offer advice on the topsoil mixture and fertiliser type. Again, the recommended uses and application rates may vary for different mixes and products and should be documented in the specification. For example, the
