Understanding TGA Standards for Quality Turf
TGA-certified turf is only available from members of the Turfgrass Growers Association (TGA). Online Turf is not currently a TGA member, but we developed while we were members similar quality standards across our turf production.
TGA Standards Overview
The Turfgrass Growers Association (TGA) sets minimum quality benchmarks for cultivated turf from its member growers across the UK, suitable for general landscape use. TGA standards do not apply to turf for specialised sports use or turf consisting mainly of agricultural/wild grasses.
Compliance and Declaration
All TGA-certified turf must have a TGA declaration form, completed by the grower on the harvest day. This form confirms compliance, details quality assessments, and confirms that the turf was grown from approved cultivars on suitable soil.
Turf Sizing
The standard TGA roll is 1 square metre (406mm x 2465mm) or 1 square yard (16" x 81"). Minor variations of ±15mm width and ±5% length are permitted. Larger 'big rolls' are also common.
Soil Classification:
Suitable types of soil for turf production for landscape purposes are peats, sands (including organic sand) and loams containing less than 40% clay as determined by particle size analysis. Turf grown on soil designated, as 'clay' is not suitable for general landscape purposes.
Turf grown on soil designated as 'clay' is not suitable for general landscape purposes.
Quality Requirements
Health: Turf must be visibly green, free from pests or disease.
Soil: Suitable soil types include peat, sand, and loam with less than 40% clay. Clay-grown turf fails TGA standards.
Cultivars: Turfgrasses must be listed in the current 'Turfgrass Seed' edition.
Composition: Certified turf must be at least 95% of the sown turfgrasses. Any other plant species must be recorded. Ground cover is assessed using standardised TGA methods, with the "New optical point quadrat" method being final for disputes.
Cutting Height: Must not exceed 35mm at harvest.
Thatch/Fibre: Uncompressed thatch must not exceed 10mm.
Soil Layer: The soil depth must be 5-15mm and uniform.
Netting: The declaration must state if sod netting is present; if so, it must be embedded below the thatch.
Strength: 15 out of 20 tested standard rolls must remain intact when lifted by their shortest edge.
Weight: Standard rolls must weigh under 20kg, except when harvested immediately after rainfall.
Netting:
A declaration must be made as to whether sod netting is incorporated in the turf. If it is present at point of sale it should be embedded in the turf and must not project above the thatch layer. (This statement does not apply to removable netting wrapped around pallets or "big rolls" to protect the harvested turf).
A declaration must be made as to whether sod netting is incorporated in the turf.
About Online Turf and Quality Standards
While Online Turf is not currently a TGA member, we maintain rigorous quality standards in our turf production. Our turf is grown from premium cultivars on suitable Lancashire soils, harvested fresh and delivered next day to ensure optimal quality for your lawn. We provide detailed care guidance and after-care support to help your new turf establish successfully.
For more information about our turf quality standards or to discuss your specific requirements, contact our friendly team today or order online.
