Categories of Turf: An Introduction

Amenity turf can range from that of an ornamental lawn, which has a relatively high maintenance input, to an area of turf that has a relatively low maintenance input such as a conservation area.

To address the range of amenity turf areas, 9 categories (graded A to J) of turf have been identified by the British Standards Institute.

The categories are defined by both the

  • minimum height settings of mowers and
  • maximum heights of growth.

The Institute of Groundsmanship has further developed these categories to produce detailed Performance Quality Standards for Amenity Turf.

Each category of turf is divided into three different standards of turf:

  • High
  • Standard
  • Basic.

This division helps to assist groundstaff and customers in being more specific about what sort of area they require.

A more realistic maintenance cost can then be determined for each category and standard of turf area.

Before any exercise can be undertaken into assessing the maintenance requirements and cost implications for a turf area it is essential that the groundstaff / customer clarifies what sort of area is required. The following diagram illustrates the different categories of amenity turf:

turf categories

Having clarified the type of amenity area that is required, the next step would be to consider the maximum length of vegetation that would be acceptable for the chosen area. Where an amenity area comprises only one category of turf, for example such as the 'Woodland Type Turf' (Category 'F'), then no choice is needed. However, where it covers a range of categories, such as for 'Recreational Turf Areas' (Categories 'C1' to 'E'), then the prescise category of turf will need to be decided upon.

Choosing a Category of Turf

Having decided upon the type of amenity area, the category now needs to be determined.

The following chart shows the maximum heights of vegetative growth for each catergory. In addition, a general guide for how frequent the turf will need to be cut to keep it within the desired performance criteria is included.

It is important to remember that there are a number of different performance criteria, not just vegetative height, that make up the overall quality standard.

maximum turf heights

Having now decided upon the category of turf, a general maintenance programme can be devised. This will need to take into account the expected usage and wear and tear that may occur on the amenity area.

The following table illustrates some possible differences that may be encountered when devising a maintenance programme for different categories of turf. The suggested frequencies are only a general indication of what might be expected; much will depend upon wear and local weather and soil conditions. The list of operations should not be treated as definitive.

Operation Category 'A' Turf Category 'D' Turf
Mower Cylinder Rotary
(Frequency of Cut) x 2 per week, occasionally x 3 per week. x 1 every 10-14 days, occasionally weekly during peak growth periods.
(Cuttings) Removed. Let fly.
Scarification Fortnightly to Monthly. x1 or x2 per year.
Aeration Monthly. x 1 per year, especially on worn areas.
Top-dressing x1 or x2 per year. x 1 year as required. Say 10% of the total area.
Selective Herbicide Application x2 per year. Not generally required, unless a heavy infestation is present.
Overseeding x 1 or x 2 per year.
Probably only at 17 g/m².
Patching as required. Say 10% of the total area, at 17 g/m².
Fertiliser 8 - 15 g/N/m² per annum. Only on thinner areas. Maximum of 4 g/N/m² on say 10% of the total area.
Irrigation x2 per week during dry, hot weather. May be required to establish seeded areas only.
Light Rolling Occasionally to firm the surface in early spring. This would be following any frost heave over the winter months. Not generally required.
Brushing Occasionally required, especially when growth is slow and the mower is infrequently used. Not generally required.

Once a detailed maintenance programme has been devised then it is a fairly simple matter of quantifying all the materials needed, along with the groundstaff time. An accurate cost can then be given for maintaining the area.

The customer is then in a position to make an informed decision as to whether to regrade the category of turf for the area or to accept the costs involved.