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Grounds Service Standards

Winter (December – February)

  • Prune trees and shrubs
  • Pick up and disposal of branches, debris
  • Litter control 3 times per week
  • 24/7 response for grounds related emergencies

 

 

 

 

 

Photo of large snow covered trees in the wintertime at the University Hall Garden.

Spring (March – May)

  • Prune trees and shrubs
  • Edge beds as required
  • Cultivate and weed planting beds
  • Design landscape (upon request & approval)
  • Purchase and install annual plantings (academic bldgs)
  • Purchase and install perennials, trees and shrubs (academic bldgs)
  • Mulch gardens
  • Fertilize trees and shrubs
  • Rake lawn areas
  • Remove winter debris from site
  • Fertilize turf – spring/summer
  • Supply seed and over-seed turf as necessary
  • Irrigation systems to be activated
  • Sweep curbs on roadways of sand/salt
  • Litter control 5 times per week
  • 24/7 emergency response for grounds related issues
Photo of BSB field during the springtime with landscaping visible in the foreground.

Summer (May – August)

  • Prune all trees and shrubs as required
  • Edge beds as required
  • Cultivate and weed planting beds
  • Maintain interior courtyard plantings
  • Sweep and clean interior courtyards as required
  • Weekly application of soluble fertilizer to floral gardens
  • Weekly application of soluble fertilizer to courtyard gardens
  • Daily watering of annuals as required
  • Daily watering of courtyard displays as required
  • Mulch as required
  • Water gardens as required
  • Rake lawn areas and remove debris as required
  • Sweep / blow grass clippings from walks
  • Cut turf areas minimum once per week
  • Inspect lawns, trees and shrubs for insect damage and treat if required
  • Litter control 5 times per week
  • Maintain all areas in a neat, tidy condition
Photo of four students walking in front of Hamilton Hall in summer with the sun shining down on them.

Fall (September – November)

  • Cut grass once per week as required
  • Prune trees and shrubs as required
  • Water gardens as required
  • Fertilize turf with fall fertilizer
  • Cut back perennials as required
  • Remove annuals
  • Supply and plant spring bulbs
  • Weed gardens as required
  • Rake / blow and remove leaves and autumn debris
  • Litter control 5 times weekly
  • Mad-vac sidewalks and esplanade monthly
  • Maintenance of interior courtyard plantings and winter preparation
  • Water interior courtyard plantings as required
  • Sweep and clean interior courtyards as required
Photo of multi-coloured trees at the McMaster Oasis Garden in the fall.