Cultivate and rake over finished planting areas leaving them in an orderly condition. On level
ground or slight slopes, a shallow basin a little larger than the diameter of the tree ball shall be
left around each tree. At no time should topsoil be mounded to cover the trunk of the tree. The
trunk flare shall always be visible. Final soil level, except for the shallow basin, shall be
flush with the surrounding sidewalk grade to prevent potential tripping hazard.