ASTM F1953-99

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn. Contact ASTM
International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
An American National Standard
Designation: F 1953 – 99
Standard Guide for
Construction and Maintenance of Grass Tennis Courts
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1953; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This guide covers techniques that are appropriate for the 3.1 Definitions—Exceptasnoted,soilrelateddefinitionsare
constructionandmaintenanceofgrasstenniscourts.Thisguide in accordance with Terminology D 653.
provides guidance for selection of soil systems and turfgrass 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
species in court construction and for selection of management 3.2.1 cool-season turfgrass—speciesbestadaptedtogrowth
practices that will maintain an acceptable playing surface. during cool, moist periods of the year, commonly having
1.2 Decisions in selecting construction and maintenance temperature optimums of 15 to 25°C. Examples: bentgrass,
techniques are influenced by existing soil types, climatic bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass.
factors, adaptation of grass species, level of play anticipated, 3.2.2 coring—small cores are removed from the turf soil by
intensity of use, budget, equipment, and training and ability of hollow tines or spoons.
the turf management personnel. 3.2.3 cultivation, turf—the working of a turf soil without
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the destruction of the turf (1).
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information 3.2.4 drilling—vertical holes are created in the turf soil by
only. removal of soil by rotating drill bits or augers.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.2.5 gravel—rounded or subrounded rock or mineral par-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the ticles > 2.0 mm and < 7.6 mm (2).
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.2.6 grooving—vertical rotating blades cut continuous slits
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- through the turf and into the soil, with soil, thatch, and plant
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. material being displaced.
3.2.7 overseeding—seeding into an existing turf (1).
2. Referenced Documents
3.2.8 punching, with solid tines—holes in the soil are
2.1 ASTM Standards:
created by punching action of solid tines, often mounted on
C33 Specification for Concrete Aggregates equipment that may also utilize hollow tines.
D 422 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
3.2.9 renovation—improvement of turf, usually involving
D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained weed control and replanting into existing live or dead vegeta-
Fluids
tion, or both (1).
D 1140 Test Method for Amount of Material in Soils Finer 3.2.10 soil—sediments or other unconsolidated accumula-
than No. 200 (75-µm) Sieve
tions of solid particles produced by the physical and chemical
D 5268 Specification for Topsoil Used for Landscaping disintegration of rocks, and which may or may not contain
Purposes
organic matter.
E 11 Specification for Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing Pur- 3.2.11 soil profile—vertical section of a soil, showing the
poses
nature and sequence of the various layers, as developed by
F 405 Specification for Corrugated Polyethylene (PE) Tub- deposition or weathering, or both.
ing and Fittings
3.2.12 soil textural class—texture designation based on
relative proportions of sand (2.0 to 0.05 mm in diameter), silt
(0.05 to 0.002 mm), and clay (<0.002 mm) (2).
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F-8 on Sports
3.2.12.1 Discussion—Particle size ranges for sand, silt, and
Equipment and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F08.23 on
clay vary somewhat from ranges in Test Method D 422,
Tennis Courts and Track Surfaces.
Terminology D 653, Test Method D 1140, and Specification
Current edition approved Feb. 10, 1999. Published May 1999.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02. D 5268.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.09.
5 7
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02. The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.04. this standard.
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn. Contact ASTM
International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
F1953–99
3.2.13 soil texture, (gradation) (grain-size distribution)— periods during the growing season. Poorly drained soils may
theproportionsbymassofasoilorfragmentedrockdistributed possess a layer of soil with slow permeability, a high water
in specified particle size ranges. table, additional water from seepage, or a combination of these
3.2.14 spiking—solid tines or flat, pointed blades penetrate properties. The presence of soil mottling (spots of different
the turf and soil surface.
colors: for example, yellowish, reddish, grayish, brownish)
3.2.15 thatch—an intermingled layer of dead and living indicates poor drainage and limited aeration in a soil. Coarse
shoots, stems, and roots that develops between the zone of
textured, excessively drained soils can be used, but irrigation
green vegetation and the soil surface (1). must be provided because these soils have limited capacity to
3.2.16 topdressing—a prepared soil mix added to the turf
hold plant available water. County soil survey reports, avail-
surface and worked in by brooming, matting, raking, or able for inspection at local offices of the United States
irrigation, or a combination thereof, (1) to smooth a green
Department of Agriculture or at county cooperative extension
surface, (2) to firm a turf by working soil in among stolons and
offices, can be used to obtain information on the properties of
thatch forming materials, (3) to enhance thatch decomposition,
natural soils at a given location. Relationships between general
and (4) to cover stolons or springs during vegetative planting;
textural terms, textural classes, and permeability are shown in
also, the act of applying topdressing materials to turf (3).
Appendix X1. In some cases, consideration may be given to
3.2.17 topsoil—surface soil, usually containing organic
modifying fine- or medium-textured soils by adding and
matter. Also see Specification D 5268.
incorporating sand into the surface to obtain 8 to 12 cm of
3.2.18 turfgrass—a species or cultivar of grass, usually of
modified soil. The amount of sand required to effectively
spreading habit, that is maintained as a mowed turf (1).
modify a soil (to increase permeability) will vary depending on
3.2.19 warm-season turfgrass—species best adapted to
thesoilandsandproperties;however,aminimumof60 %sand
growth during the warmer part of the year; usually dormant
on a volume basis will probably be needed to ensure good
during cold weather or injured by it; commonly having
internal drainage when the soil is compacted (4). Prior to turf
temperature optimums of 27 to 35°C. Examples: bermuda-
establishment, apply lime and fertilizer as required, based on
grass, carpetgrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, and
soil test results. During final surface preparation, all debris and
zoysiagrass.
any stones greater than 1 cm in diameter should be raked from
3.2.20 winter overseeding—seeding cool-season turfgrasses
the surface 1.5 cm of soil.
over warm-season turfgrasses at or near their start of winter
5.1.2 Artificial(man-made)profilesareoftenusedonhighly
dormancy;usedinmildclimatestoprovidegreen,growingturf
trafficked turf areas. In general, a coarse-textured topsoil or a
during the winter period when the warm-season species are
top mix, prepared by mixing soil and sand to obtain a
brown and dormant.
well-drained growing medium, is placed on a drainage blanket
of gravel, which provides subsurface drainage. A false water
4. Significance and Use
table is formed at the interface of the topsoil and the drainage
4.1 Agrass tennis court should provide a relatively uniform,
layer. Water will not move readily from the finer top mix into
high quality playing surface as it relates to footing and ball
the gravel layer until the water content is at or near saturation
bounce.Undulations,roughsurface,barespots,weeds,andwet
at the interface. If fine- or medium-textured soils are used for
spots detract from good play. Playing surface quality is largely
the topsoil in such profiles, they will remain too wet; however,
affected by construction and maintenance procedures, and this
in the case of coarse-textured topsoils, the increased water
guide addresses those procedures.
retention is a benefit. Such profiles are commonly used for golf
4.1.1 During construction, consideration should be given to
putting greens (5). If the particle size differential between the
factors such as soil physical and chemical properties, freedom
topsoil and gravel layer is great, an intermediate layer is placed
of large stones and debris in the soil, surface and internal
on the gravel to prevent in-washing of the topsoil. Some soil
drainage, grass species selection, orientation of the court, and
laboratories test soils for use on greens. Their services could
provisions for distributing wear on the playing surface.
also be used to evaluate soils for tennis courts, especially when
4.1.2 Maintenance practices that influence the playability of
artificial profiles will be used. Steps in constructing a tennis
the surface include mowing height, mowing frequency, rolling,
court with an artificial profile follow:
irrigation, fertilization, weed control, disease and insect con-
5.1.2.1 Excavate to a depth equal to the depth of settled
trol, cultivation, thatch control, topdressing, and overseeding.
layers within the profile (approximately 40 cm). Compact the
4.2 Those responsible for the design, construction, or main-
subgrade. The subgrade should be parallel to the finished
tenance, or a combination thereof, of tennis courts will benefit
grade, which should have a slope of 0.8 to 1.0 % to provide
from this guide.
surface drainage. The slope may be either widthwise or
4.3 This guide provides flexibility in choices of procedures
lengthwise, depending on site.
and can be used to cover a variety of use and budget levels.
5.1.2.2 Excavate trenches (approximately 20-cm wide and
5. Construction
20-cm deep) in compacted subgrade for drainage pipe (lateral
5.1 Soil—Soil may be the existing topsoil or a sandy top and main lines), with no more than 10 m between laterals.
mix prepared by mixing sand with soil. Remove excavated material or spread it evenly over the
5.1.1 Existing or native soils used for tennis courts should subgrade between trenches. Drainage pipe should have a
be well drained. Well drained soils are often medium textured. diameter of approximately 10 cm. Corrugated, perforated,
Avoid poorly drained soils, which remain wet for significant plastic drainage pipe (tubing) conforming to Specification
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn. Contact ASTM
International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
F1953–99
F 405 is recommended. Non-perforated pipe can be used tion, an important consideration in very sandy top mixes. The
outside the drainage area to carry water to a suitable surface top mix should be screened to remove material greater than 6.3
drainage area or storm drain.
mm (0.25 in.); or if not screened, raked thoroughly after
5.1.2.3 Place drainage pipe ona5to 10-cm bed of gravel in placement to remove material greater than 1 cm from the
trenches. Minimum grade for drainage pipe is 1.0 %. Use laser
surface 1.5 cm of mix. Screening is a usual practice in the
or other appropriate equipment to maintain accurate grades.
preparation of top mixes by commercial companies. As with
5.1.2.4 Cover the drainage pipe and subgrade witha7to native soils, use soil test results as a guide for liming and
10-cm layer of washed gravel or crushed rock. Do not use soft
fertilization.
or easily weathered materials in this layer. Gravel should
5.2 Slope—Final grade should provide for an 0.8 to 1.0 %
consist of hard durable particles of natural gravel or crushed
slope (1-cm fall in 100 to 120 cm) across the width or length
stone or rock that will not degrade when alternately wetted and
of the court. Use laser or other suitable equipment to ensure
dried or frozen and thawed. The particle size of the gravel
accurate grade. The surface slope is important for removing
should meet the following specifications.
excess water during periods of intense rainfall. This slope is
(a) (a) Ninety to 100 % (weight basis) passing 12.5-mm
essential on all courts regardless of soil type.
(0.5-in.) sieve.
5.3 Orientation—Thelongdimensionofthecourtshouldbe
(b) (b) Minimum of 50 % passing 9.5 mm (0.375 inch) and
close to a north to south direction. Such an orientation
retained on 6.3-mm (0.25-in.) sieve.
minimizes the times when the low early morning or evening
(c) (c) Maximum of 10 % passing 2.36-mm (No. 8) sieve.
sun will be directly in players’ eyes.
d d d d
(d) (d) Uniformity coefficient: 90/ 10 # 3( 90 and 10
5.4 Species Selection—Species that adapt to the close mow-
refer to the diameter below which 90 % and 10 % of the
ing on golf greens will also do well on tennis courts. Select a
particles fall, as determined from a particle size accumulation
creeping bentgrass, Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris
curve.
(Huds.) Farw., as a cool-season turfgrass or hybrid bermuda-
(e) (e) Coarse aggregate size Nos. 7 and 8 (see Specifica-
grass, Cynodon dactylon3 C. transvaalensis (L.) Pers., as a
tionC33) should receive consideration.
warm-season grass. Where bermudagrass is overseeded with
(f) (f) Grading requirements for size Nos. 7 and 8 are as
cool-season grasses in the winter, select species that have done
follows:
well in winter overseeding of golf greens (for example,
Size
Sieve
perennial ryegrass). Check with other court owners, county or
Designation
state extension personnel, golf course superintendents, or
% passing
seed/spring/sod suppliers for cultivars (varieties) best adapted
19.0 mm (0.75 in.) 100 . . .
to your area. Grasses other than creeping bentgrass and
12.5 mm (0.50 in.) 90 to 100 100
bermudagrass are used on tennis courts (6). Colonial bentgrass
9.5 mm (0.375 in.) 40 to 70 85 to 100
is used with creeping bentgrass in some cas
...