PROTECTION OF EXISTING VEGETATION, STRUCTURES, UTILITIES, AND IMPROVEMENTS (a) The Contractor will preserve and protect all existing vegetation (such as trees, shrubs, and grass) on or adjacent to the site of work which is not to be removed and which does not unreasonably interfere with the construction work. Care will be taken in removing trees authorized for removal to avoid damage to vegetation to remain in place. Any limbs or branches of trees broken during such operations or by the careless operation of equipment or by workmen, shall be trimmed with a clean cut and painted with an approved tree pruning compound, as directed by the Contracting Officer.

(b) All existing utilities, communications facilities, and other improvements, including but not limited to conduit, pipe, wiring, or cable (hereinafter referred to as "improvements"), whether above or below ground, shall be protected by the Contractor from damage or destruction. The Contractor shall ascertain from the drawings and specifications the location of any concealed improvements at or near the site of the work. Any destruction of or damage to existing improvements, above or below ground, shall be promptly repaired, restored, or replaced at the direction of the Contracting Officer. The directions of the Contracting Officer may require complete replacement of conduits, pipes, wiring, cables, or similar improvements where original installation was made under a requirement for continuous, unspliced lengths. The Contracting Officer has the right to have the necessary corrective work performed by the Contractor at his expense, or by others and charge the cost thereof to the Contractor. If concealed improvements are encountered and they are not shown on the drawings or specifications, the provisions of the