ASTM F1953-10(2018)

Standard Guide for Construction and Maintenance of Grass Tennis Courts

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 A grass tennis court should provide a relatively uniform, high quality playing surface as it relates to footing and ball bounce. Undulations, rough surface, bare spots, weeds, and wet spots detract from good play. Playing surface quality is largely affected by construction and maintenance procedures, and this guide addresses those procedures.  
4.1.1 During construction, consideration should be given to factors such as soil physical and chemical properties, freedom of large stones and debris in the soil, surface and internal drainage, grass species selection, orientation of the court, and provisions for distributing wear on the playing surface.  
4.1.2 Maintenance practices that influence the playability of the surface include mowing height, mowing frequency, rolling, irrigation, fertilization, weed control, disease and insect control, cultivation, thatch control, topdressing, and overseeding.  
4.2 Those responsible for the design, construction, or maintenance, or a combination thereof, of tennis courts will benefit from this guide.  
4.3 This guide provides flexibility in choices of procedures and can be used to cover a variety of use and budget levels.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers techniques that are appropriate for the construction and maintenance of grass tennis courts. This guide provides guidance for selection of soil systems and turfgrass species in court construction and for selection of management practices that will maintain an acceptable playing surface.  
1.2 Decisions in selecting construction and maintenance techniques are influenced by existing soil types, climatic factors, adaptation of grass species, level of play anticipated, intensity of use, budget, equipment, and training and ability of the turf management personnel.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2018
• ICS: 97.220.10 - Sports facilities
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.52 - Miscellaneous Playing Surfaces

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F1953-10 - Standard Guide for Construction and Maintenance of Grass Tennis Courts
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM D5268-23 - Standard Specification for Topsoil Used for Landscaping and Construction Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM F2651-10(2015) - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil and Turfgrass Characteristics of Natural Playing Surfaces (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2015
• Refers: ASTM D1140-14 - Standard Test Methods for Determining the Amount of Material Finer than 75-μm (No. 200) Sieve in Soils by Washing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM D653-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2014
• Refers: ASTM E11-13 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM F405-13 - Standard Specification for Corrugated Polyethylene (PE) Pipe and Fittings (Withdrawn 2015)
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2013
• Refers: ASTM D5268-13 - Standard Specification for Topsoil Used for Landscaping Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D653-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Refers: ASTM F2651-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil and Turfgrass Characteristics of Natural Playing Surfaces
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM E11-09e1 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009
• Refers: ASTM D653-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2009
• Refers: ASTM D653-08a - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2008
• Refers: ASTM D653-08 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Refers: ASTM F2651-08b - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil and Turfgrass Characteristics of Natural Playing Surfaces
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008

Overview

The ASTM F1953-10(2018) standard, "Standard Guide for Construction and Maintenance of Grass Tennis Courts," provides comprehensive guidelines for building and maintaining high-quality grass tennis courts. Developed by ASTM International, this guide sets forth best practices to ensure a uniform and playable grass surface emphasizing proper footing, consistent ball bounce, and long-term turf health. Construction and maintenance techniques addressed in this standard offer flexibility to suit different budgets, site conditions, levels of play, and turf management capabilities, making it a valuable resource for sports facility professionals, landscapers, and court owners.

Key Topics

• Site Preparation and Construction
  The standard highlights the importance of addressing soil physical and chemical properties, drainage, debris removal, and suitable grass species selection. Guidance covers both utilizing existing soils and creating specialized rootzone profiles to ensure a well-drained and resilient playing surface.

• Surface Uniformity and Playability
  To maintain a reliable playing experience, the guide covers best practices to prevent undulations, bare spots, and surface irregularities.

• Maintenance Procedures
  A wide range of turf management techniques is detailed, including:

  • Mowing methods and optimal cutting heights for different grass species
  • Rolling for firmness and smoothness
  • Irrigation strategies tailored to soil and climatic conditions
  • Fertilization, soil testing, and nutrient management
  • Weed, disease, and pest control
  • Thatch management, cultivation, and overseeding
  • Topdressing for surface recovery and smoothing

• Wear Distribution and Renovation
  The document provides strategies for distributing player wear, such as shifting court positions and rotating areas of play. Practical renovation methods are also outlined for maintaining or restoring turf in worn sections, especially along baselines.

Applications

• Design and Construction of Grass Courts
  This standard is essential for architects, turf managers, and contractors involved in new tennis court construction or major rebuilds. The guidelines assist in soil selection, drainage system installation, court orientation, and choosing turfgrass cultivars suited to intensive use and local climate.

• Routine and Seasonal Maintenance
  Facility managers and groundskeepers benefit from detailed maintenance advice, including appropriate mowing regimes, fertilization programs, pest management, and integrating irrigation systems. Specific instructions allow for tailored care regimens to maximize turf durability and playing consistency throughout the season.

• Court Renovation and Upgrades
  When addressing worn or damaged grass surfaces, the standard offers methods for renovation, including reseeding, topdressing, and updating soil profiles to meet modern performance needs.

• Adaptability to Budget and Use Level
  Procedures can be selected and scaled based on available resources, anticipated court usage, and experience level of maintenance personnel, enhancing the practical value of the guide for both professional and amateur facilities.

Related Standards

For comprehensive turf and soil management, consider referencing these ASTM standards:

• ASTM D653: Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• ASTM D5268: Specification for Topsoil Used for Landscaping Purposes
• ASTM E11: Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• ASTM F2651: Terminology Relating to Soil and Turfgrass Characteristics of Natural Playing Surfaces
• ASTM C33: Specification for Concrete Aggregates

These documents provide definitions, testing methods, and material guidelines that complement ASTMF1953, enhancing the quality and sustainability of grass tennis courts.

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By following ASTM F1953-10(2018), stakeholders ensure grass tennis courts meet essential performance, safety, and durability standards. This guide fosters optimum playing conditions, sustainability, and extended surface lifespan, making it an indispensable resource for anyone involved in grass tennis court construction and maintenance.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F1953 − 10 (Reapproved 2018) An American National Standard
Standard Guide for
Construction and Maintenance of Grass Tennis Courts
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1953; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D653Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
Fluids
1.1 Thisguidecoverstechniquesthatareappropriateforthe
D1140Test Methods for Determining the Amount of Mate-
constructionandmaintenanceofgrasstenniscourts.Thisguide
rialFinerthan75-µm(No.200)SieveinSoilsbyWashing
provides guidance for selection of soil systems and turfgrass
D5268Specification for Topsoil Used for Landscaping Pur-
species in court construction and for selection of management
poses
practices that will maintain an acceptable playing surface.
E11Specification forWovenWireTest Sieve Cloth andTest
1.2 Decisions in selecting construction and maintenance
Sieves
techniques are influenced by existing soil types, climatic
F405Specification for Corrugated Polyethylene (PE) Pipe
factors, adaptation of grass species, level of play anticipated,
and Fittings (Withdrawn 2015)
intensity of use, budget, equipment, and training and ability of
F2651Terminology Relating to Soil and Turfgrass Charac-
the turf management personnel.
teristics of Natural Playing Surfaces
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3. Terminology
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
3.1 Definitions—Except as noted, soil and turfgrass related
standard.
definitions are in accordance with Terminology F2651.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 reel mower (also ‘reel-type’mower), n—amachinefor
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
cutting grass composed of a cylinder, formed of blades
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mounted on a horizontal axis.The reel consists of a number of
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
helix-shaped blades which are attached to support spiders
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
which are subsequently mounted on a rotating shaft. During
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
operation the reel blades turn to contact a bedknife which
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- executes a scissors-like cutting action. Properly performed and
well-maintained, reel mowers are particularly adapted to a
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. higher mow quality and close cutting action (often to mow
heightsoflessthan2.5mm(< ⁄10in.))comparedtoothertypes
2. Referenced Documents of mowers.
3.2.2 winter overseeding—the practice of overseeding a
2.1 ASTM Standards:
cool-season turfgrass into a warm-season turfgrass stand at or
C33Specification for Concrete Aggregates
neartheirstartofwinterdormancyforthepurposeofproviding
D422Test Method for Particle-SizeAnalysis of Soils (With-
a green, growing turf during the winter period when the
drawn 2016)
warm-season species are brown and dormant.
4. Significance and Use
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports
4.1 Agrasstenniscourtshouldprovidearelativelyuniform,
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee F08.52 on Miscellaneous Playing Surfaces.
high quality playing surface as it relates to footing and ball
Current edition approved April 1, 2018. Published May 2018. Originally
bounce.Undulations,roughsurface,barespots,weeds,andwet
approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as F1953–10. DOI:
spots detract from good play. Playing surface quality is largely
10.1520/F1953-10R18.
affected by construction and maintenance procedures, and this
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
guide addresses those procedures.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
4.1.1 During construction, consideration should be given to
the ASTM website.
factors such as soil physical and chemical properties, freedom
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org. of large stones and debris in the soil, surface and internal
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1953 − 10 (2018)
drainage, grass species selection, orientation of the court, and textured soils are used for the rootzone in such profiles, they
provisions for distributing wear on the playing surface. will remain too wet; however, in the case of coarse-textured
4.1.2 Maintenancepracticesthatinfluencetheplayabilityof rootzones, the increased water retention is a benefit. Such
thesurfaceincludemowingheight,mowingfrequency,rolling, profiles are commonly used for golf putting greens (2).Ifthe
irrigation, fertilization, weed control, disease and insect particle size differential between the topsoil and gravel layer is
control, cultivation, thatch control, topdressing, and overseed- great, an intermediate layer is placed on the gravel to prevent
ing. in-washingoftherootzone.Somesoillaboratoriestestsoilsfor
use on putting greens. Their services could also be used to
4.2 Those responsible for the design, construction, or
evaluate soils for tennis courts, especially when modified-soil
maintenance, or a combination thereof, of tennis courts will
rootzone profiles will be used. Steps in constructing a tennis
benefit from this guide.
court with a modified-soil rootzone profile follow:
4.3 This guide provides flexibility in choices of procedures
5.1.2.1 Excavate to a depth equal to the depth of settled
and can be used to cover a variety of use and budget levels.
layers within the profile (approximately 40 cm). Compact the
subgrade. The subgrade should be parallel to the finished
5. Construction
grade, which should have a slope of 0.8 to 1.0% to provide
5.1 Soil—Soil may be the existing topsoil or a sandy
surface drainage. The slope may be either widthwise or
rootzone prepared by mixing sand with soil.
lengthwise, depending on site.
5.1.1 Existing or native soils used for tennis courts should
5.1.2.2 Excavate trenches (approximately 20-cm wide and
be well drained. Well drained soils are often medium textured.
20-cm deep) in compacted subgrade for drainage pipe (lateral
Avoid poorly drained soils, which remain wet for significant
and main lines), with no more than 10 m between laterals.
periods during the growing season. Poorly drained soils may
Remove excavated material or spread it evenly over the
possess a layer of soil with slow permeability, a high water
subgrade between trenches. Drainage pipe should have a
table,additionalwaterfromseepage,oracombinationofthese
diameter of approximately 10 cm. Corrugated, perforated,
properties. The presence of soil mottling (spots of different
plastic drainage pipe (tubing) conforming to Specification
colors: for example, yellowish, reddish, grayish, brownish)
F405 is recommended. Non-perforated pipe can be used
indicates poor drainage and limited aeration in a soil. Coarse
outside the drainage area to carry water to a suitable surface
textured, excessively drained soils can be used, but irrigation
drainage area or storm drain.
must be provided because these soils have limited capacity to
5.1.2.3 Placedrainagepipeona5to10-cmbedofgravelin
hold plant available water. County soil survey reports, avail-
trenches. Minimum grade for drainage pipe is 1.0%. Use laser
able for inspection at local offices of the United States
or other appropriate equipment to maintain accurate grades.
Department of Agriculture or at county cooperative extension
5.1.2.4 Cover the drainage pipe and subgrade witha7to
offices, can be used to obtain information on the properties of
10-cm layer of washed gravel or crushed rock. Do not use soft
naturalsoilsatagivenlocation.Relationshipsbetweengeneral
or easily-weathered materials in this layer. Gravel should
textural terms, textural classes, and permeability are shown in
consist of hard, durable particles of natural gravel or crushed
Appendix X1. In some cases, consideration may be given to
stoneorrockthatwillnotdegradewhenalternatelywettedand
modifying fine- or medium-textured soils by adding and
dried or frozen and thawed. The particle size of the gravel
incorporating sand into the surface to obtain 8 to 12 cm of
should meet the following specifications.
modified soil (rootzone). The amount of sand required to
(1) Ninety to 100% (weight basis) passing 12.5-mm
effectively modify a soil (to increase permeability) will vary
(0.5-in.) sieve.
depending on the soil and sand properties; however, a mini-
(2) Minimum of 50% passing 9.5 mm (0.375 inch) and
mum of 60% sand on a volume basis will probably be needed
retained on 6.3-mm (0.25-in.) sieve.
to ensure good internal drainage when the soil is compacted
(3) Maximum of 10% passing 2.36-mm (No. 8) sieve.
(1). Prior to turf establishment, apply lime and fertilizer as
d d d d
(4) Uniformity coefficient: 90/ 10 ≤3( 90 and 10 refer
required, based on soil test results. During final surface
to the diameter below which 90% and 10% of the particles
preparation, all debris and any stones greater than 1 cm in
fall, as determined from a particle size accumulation curve.
diameter should be raked from the surface 1.5 cm of soil.
(5) Coarse aggregate size Nos. 7 and 8 (see Specification
5.1.2 Artificial (man-made) profiles are often used on
C33) should receive consideration.
highly-trafficked turfgrass areas. In general, a coarse-textured
(6) Grading requirements for size Nos. 7 and 8 are as
topsoil or a rootzone, prepared by mixing soil and sand to
follows:
obtainawell-drainedgrowingmedium,isplacedonadrainage
Sieve Size
blanket of gravel, which provides subsurface drainage.Afalse
Designation 78
water table is formed at the interface of the rootzone and the
% passing
19.0 mm (0.75 in.) 100 . . .
drainage layer. Water will not move readily from the finer-
12.5 mm (0.50 in.) 90 to 100 100
textured rootzone into the gravel layer until the water content
9.5 mm (0.375 in.) 40 to 70 85 to 100
is at or near saturation at the interface. If fine- or medium-
4.75 mm (No. 4) 0 to 15 10 to 30
2.36 mm (No. 8) 0 to 5 0 to 10
1.18 mm (No. 16) . . . 0 to 5
5.1.2.5 Place intermediate layer of 5 to 7-cm thickness on
Theboldfacenumbersinparenthesesrefertothelistofreferencesattheendof
this standard. the gravel layer. Material in this layer should have a minimum
F1953 − 10 (2018)
of90%oftheparticlesbetween1and4mm.Thisintermediate to your area. Grasses other than creeping bentgrass and
layer is placed in the profile to ensure no in-washing of the bermudagrass are used on tennis courts (3). Colonial bentgrass
overlying rootzone material into gravel. is used with creeping bentgrass in some cases. Annual blue-
5.1.2.6 Place 25 cm of rootzone material onto the interme- grass has invaded some courts and has become a major
diate layer. This should be performed by placing layers of 5 to component. Fine fescues and perennial ryegrasses have been
6cmandfirmingbylightrollingorheeling(walkingoverarea used alone and in combination, but should not be as closely
on heels of shoes) after each layer is placed. Firming the mowed as the bentgrasses and annual bluegrass.
rootzone in this manner during placement will ensure that
5.5 Turfgrasses may be propagated vegetatively or by seed.
settling of the rootzone soil after establishment is minimized.
Creeping bentgrass is usually seeded or sodded. Turf-type
The rootzone should have a sand content between 70 to 85 %.
bermudagrasses are vegetatively propagated by planting sprigs
Growingmediawithhighersandcontentscansupportturfgrass
(stolons,rhizomes,andtillers),bybroadcastingsprigsandthen
growthandprovideevengreaterinternaldrainage,whichcould
topdressing with a soil, or by sodding. If the area is sodded,
provide for quicker use of the court following rainfall;
caremustbetakentomakesurethatthesoilonthesodclosely
however, excessively sandy rootzone mixes can produce un-
matches the texture of the topsoil or top mix. Contrasts in
stable footing and be abrasive to the turfgrass such that it may
texture of these soil sources can impede water movement and
be difficult in reestablishing turfgrass in worn areas. This is
rooting of the grass. To avoid even minor soil differences, use
because excessively sandy rootsone mixes have low water
washed sod (soil removed by washing after sod is harvested).
retention for supporting growth of damaged and recovering
Also,anysoilusedtotopdressseedorsprigsshouldmatchthat
turfgrassandmovementoftherootzonesoilduringsubsequent
already in place.
play will continue to disrupt or prevent rooting and reestab-
5.6 Wear Distribution—Creating a larger area than needed
lishment of the damaged/recovering turfgrass. When sand and
for one court while also installing an extra set(s) of net post
other soil materials are mixed to create the rootzone, the sand
sleeves enables the turf manager to distribute wear by periodi-
amendment should be uniform in size with 85 % of the
cally changing the net location. The same technique applies to
particlesbetween0.5and2.0mmorbetween0.25and1.0mm.
larger expanses where multiple courts are located (see Appen-
Well-graded sands are not
...