BS 3969 is a standard that covers recommendations on turf for general purposes, enabling optimum delivery conditions and quality of turfs.
BS 3969 gives recommendations for the characteristics and handling of turf composed of a typical mix of grass species.
BS 3969 gives a simplified indication of seed/cultivar combinations in mixtures and some appropriate uses for the kinds of turf produced from these mixtures.
BS 3969 recommendations apply to all types of turf, as mentioned, which are grown on natural soil, with or without reinforcing material incorporated in the cut and lifted turves, or with or without the natural soil still being present or removed by washing.
Note: BS 3969 recommendations are not necessarily adequate for special seedling turf products or for turf grown on special substrates, although some or all of the recommendations could be applied or adapted.
BS 3969 on turf for general purposes applies to:
Turf is a sward, mown closely and regularly enough to have developed a well-knit layer of plant material at and immediately below the soil surface and capable of being re-laid to form a new grassed area. Turf is typically grown from seed mixtures sown. Some turf is produced specially sown or cultivated to propagate herbs and wildflowers.
BS 3969 provides users guidance on the characteristics of turf for delivery, including the declaration of seed mixture, ground coverage, sward composition, appropriate height and cutting of the grass, soil type, thickness and weight, enabling users to effectively deliver turf to end-consumers.
BS 3969 provides users guidance on the delivery of turf for different grass species and seed mixtures on surface condition, temperature, stacking, and more to ensure the quality of the turfs after transportation.
Adoption of BS 3969 enables users to assess turfs and standardize the delivery turfs, facilitating their delivery, storage, and condition to ensure their quality and longevity.
BS 3969:1998+A1:2013 supersedes BS 3969:1998, which is now withdrawn.