Planting Specifications

This section should help you to read and create planting specifications

What is a specification?

A written document accompanying your plans and details which describes how work is to be undertaken and what the final results should be.

Who are they for?

• The construction team

• Businesses quoting on the job

• Sometimes the council or engineers

Planting specifications

Writing Specifications

Clarity

Use plain English. Your objective is to have the person reading it understand what you are trying to communicate.

Define

If you use terms that might not be understood by your audience, include a section of definitions.

Accuracy

Say what you mean. Make sure you have made a desirable choice specific to this site.

Succinctness

Say it once and in one place.  Every time you repeat yourself is a chance for contradiction.  It also means more to alter later if something changes in the project. Keep it succinct and to the point.

Number

Numbering your items makes it easy to communicate with other people.

Structure

Create a logical structure for the document.

Writing Style

Use the present tense

Positive

Write in the positive not the negative where possible. Describe what the finished quality should be.

Session Outline

• What is a specification?

• Writing a specification

• Activity: Write a specification

Resources

Plant Specifications Database - James Urban

Presentations

Activity

Write a specification document including the topics: Soil, mulching and plant installation