USM
CARE OF GRASS AND TURF WORK INSTRUCTION
DOCUMENT No. TMI-8303-OP-0004
1.0
PURPOSE
The purpose of this instruction is to ensure Grass and Turf is maintained in accordance with the
relevant Contract.
2.0
SCOPE
This instruction applies to USM Contract where the care for grass and turf is required under the scope
of works. This may include: 
The inspection of and reporting on Grass and Turf condition at included facilities.

Watering, fertilising, soil aeration, thatch removal, top dressing, over seeding, sub-surface
drainage maintenance and vandalism repairs.

The periodic and timely covering and un-covering of cricket pitches at included facilities.

The maintenance of sub-surface drainage systems in accordance with facility management
plans.
3.0
DEFINITIONS
Superintendent
Parks and Roadsides Team Leader
4.0
PROCEDURE
4.1
Responsibilities
The Contract Manager will be responsible for the implementation of and adherence to this instruction
by all personnel involved in this activity.
Inspections shall be carried out by the Turf Maintenance Team under the direction of the Facilities
Officer – Recreational Reserves.
Programming of Works will be carried out by the Co- Facilities Officer - Recreation Reserves and
approved by the Client’s Superintendent.
CONTROLLED COPY NO.:
Issue Date:
Issued By:
[Uncontrolled unless numbered and dated (in red)]
Approved by:
Name: Ivan Dubow
Position: Chief Operation Officer: Retail
Checked by:
Name/Position: Kevin Longland/ VP Account Management
© USM 2010
This document is the property of USM (TIN 23 2522463). This document must not be copied or reproduced in any way whatsoever, and
must not be passed on to any third party without the written authority from USM.
Date: July, 2010
Revision: 0
Page 1 of 3
USM
CARE OF GRASS AND TURF WORK INSTRUCTION
DOCUMENT No. TMI-8303-OP-0004
4.2
Strategies/Actions
Inspections shall be carried out to assess the health and growth of grass and turf at nominated
locations. As a minimum, inspections will monitor / record the following attributes: - PH levels, soil
compaction, thatching, uneven lawn surface and weed/disease infestation, sub-surface drain
performance and include details of proposed remedial treatments.

An annual turf management program shall be produced and provided annually.

Remedial Works may include: 
The application of complete fertiliser or proprietary lawn food at approved spread rates and
frequencies for areas detailed in the contract. Type of fertiliser / lawn food to be approved
by the Clients Superintendent.

Watering in accordance with the seasonal requirements of the grass type, soil and
weather conditions and at the rate and frequency that maintains health and vigour. Note
that in times of water restrictions, arrangements as agreed between USM and the Shire’s
Superintendent will be instigated. Watering shall be carried out using a fine spray rotating
or oscillating sprinkler or manually by travelling sprinkler with a slow watering rate to allow
absorption without excessive run-off and to promote deep rooted growth. Watering to take
place during early morning or late night to reduce loss due to evaporation and
inconvenience to area users.

Soil aeration.

Thatching removal.

Top-dressing

Balancing of PH levels.

Maintenance of sub-soil drains to ensure that they are free of obstructions and free
flowing.

The cleaning and repair of wickets including, maintenance of carpet surfaces free of rips
and tears and all grass trimmed clear of the concrete surface, conducive to the safe
playing of any sport or activity on the area.

Other remedial treatment as approved.

As required cover concrete or synthetic cricket pitches with sand, turf or other material as
approved by the Clients Superintendent, in accordance with scheduled or programmed use of the
sporting facility. Note that unless specified in the contract Specification for treatment with turf,
wickets shall be covered during the football season with plastic and 100mm thickness sandy loam.

As required remove sand, turf or other material from concrete or synthetic cricket pitches, and
dispose of as directed by the Clients Superintendent, in accordance with scheduled or
programmed use of the sporting facility.

Preparation for the Rye Gift shall commence a minimum of 10 weeks prior to the date of the
event. The track is to be prepared to a high standard using a high quality turf surface free of
Revision No: 0
© USM 2010
This document is the property of USM (TIN 23 2522463). This document must not be copied
or reproduced in any way whatsoever, and must not be passed on to any third party without the
written authority from USM.
Date: July, 2010
Page 2 of 3
USM
CARE OF GRASS AND TURF WORK INSTRUCTION
DOCUMENT No. TMI-8303-OP-0004
depressions, ridges and dead and bare patches. The track is to be mown using a cylinder mower
only to a height of between 15-22mm. The tracks are to be rolled to attain optimum moisture
content to produce the best possible times for the event to the satisfaction of the customer.

Works will be programmed where practical or possible so as to cause the least amount of
inconvenience or disruption to sporting groups and taking into account the specific requirements
of Committees of Management.

As necessary display facility “open/closed” signs.

With Sustainability in mind, contingency plans will be prepared to allow for future water
minimisation and water restrictions that may be imposed from time to time by the regional water
Authority.

As part of this contingency plan, a review will be undertaken to look at grass types presently in
use on sporting ovals in order to prepare a recommendation for replacement planting to: -


Reduce the requirements for watering

Reduce reliance on artificial fertilisers.
Intervention Works will be undertaken in accordance with the contract or requirements referenced
in section 5.
4.3
Monitoring & Reporting
Inspection records relating to the inspection of Grass and Turf at included locations will be
maintained. Turf Management Program produced and provided annually.
This activity will be monitored to ensure successful and timely changeover in regard to seasonal
sporting activities.
The successful and timely completion of works leading up to the Rye Gift will be assessed annually
and recommendations for improvement made as necessary.
An audit of the Grass and Turf will be carried out on a quarterly basis as part of the
reserve/sportsground inspection to ensure that the asset has been maintained correctly. This will be
done in conjunction with the Client and be a performance indicator for the contract.
5.0
REFERENCE DOCUMENTATION
TMF-8303-OP-0008
Grass Mowing Record
TMI-8303-OP-XXXX
Sports Ground Facilities Maintenance
Revision No: 0
© USM 2010
This document is the property of USM (TIN 23 2522463). This document must not be copied
or reproduced in any way whatsoever, and must not be passed on to any third party without the
written authority from USM.
Date: July, 2010
Page 3 of 3