FAQ

To keep a long story short, the next stage is to assess the suitability of proposed construction materials. These should be tested and compared to the 2018 USGA recommendations. Source a good sand/inorganic/organic amendment for the rootzone and gravel for the drainage layer.
Ask the laboratory to determine a best mix ratio for the rootzone.
Once this has been decided, prepare a small bulk mix to check that the “field” results are comparable with the laboratory results.
Establish a quality control program and adhere to during the construction.
Please refer to our document “Information Sheet – Test Sequence for New Golf Green Construction” for a full set of instructions.

ETL retain all test results and reports in the quality system. Please contact either Sharon or Carolyn if you require additional copies of test reports.

ETL’s policy strictly adheres to ISO 17025. ETL’s Client is the person or company who are paying for the testing. As far as the laboratory is concerned, this means that they are the property of our Client. In order for third parties to obtain a copy of test results, we need permission in writing from our Client – by either email or letter.

ETL retain samples for at least 3 months after testing has been completed. Samples originating outside the European Community are disposed of by incineration.
If you require us to hang onto your samples for longer, we are happy to do so – please let us know.

If you have a specification, please let the laboratory staff have this document. We will be able to add this onto your test report and clearly state whether your sample satisfies the specification.
If you do not have a specification, no comparison will be made.

ETL produce written reports for the testing for a USGA-style putting green – this is because we have the 2018 “USGA Recommendations for a Method of Putting Green Construction” to compare your samples too.
If you are having a water release curve completed, we will also provide a report interpreting the graph.
Bunker sands are also interpreted for their suitability.
Your agronomist should be able to interpret the test results for you, as they are out on site and have a better insight as to your particular situation.

Test results are emailed to the client provided you issue us with your email address. The results are issued in a pdf format and are password protected. Your password will be issued to you also by email.

It depends on what tests you requested.
Particle Size Distribution: 2-3 working days
Organic Matter Content: 1-2 working days
Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity (Percolation Rate): 2-3 working days
USGA: 4-5 working days
Nutrient Analysis: 5 working days
Water Analysis: 4-5 working days
Water Release Curve: 6-7 working days
At peak busy times, your testing may take a little longer, so please bear with us.

Our tests vary in price – for a full breakdown, please refer to our Services and Pricing section in the website.
If you require a little more information, please call the laboratory and speak to either Sharon or Carolyn – they will be able to help!
How can I pay for testing?
ETL accept cheques, bank transfer and all major credit cards. Please remember that there will be charges applied to those clients wishing to pay by credit card.
Can I pay in euros?
ETL issue invoices in euros if you require. We also have a euro bank account – payment is then made in euros. All we ask is that you pay the bank charges, so that ETL receive the amount in full as detailed on your invoice.

Please send your sample(s) to:

European Turfgrass Laboratories Ltd
Unit 6, Millar Court
Alloa Business Park
The Whins
Alloa
Clackmannanshire
FK10 3SA
Scotland, UK

You need to include your Sample Identification Notes, securely attached to each sample. You also need to include your Customer Details Form or a letter of correspondence providing the laboratory with all the information that we are likely to require.

All customers based outside the European Community will require a copy of the laboratory’s Foreign Soil Import Licence. To obtain this licence, either call or email the laboratory. The licence will be emailed to you. When you receive this document, please clearly display the papers and the Soil Import Licence number on the outside of your package – this ensures that the British Customs authorities will recognise the contents as “foreign soil” and will be processed correctly. Failure to display this licence, may delay your samples getting through Customs.

You can either use a courier services, the postal service or drop the samples at the laboratory yourself. Some clients prefer to use a next-day delivery courier service to get their samples to ETL quicker. The client must pay all costs for the delivery of your samples. The quicker we receive your sample, the quicker we can get started!

It is important to label each sample as to how you want it to appear on your test report.
The sample should be sent to us in a clean plastic bag or container. Remove all air from within the bag and attach the sample identification to the outside of the bag.

We recommend wrapping the sample in another plastic bag so it is double-wrapped.
Pack the samples tightly in a box or padded envelope. The samples should not be free to move around within the container. Use old newspapers, bubble wrap or polystyrene foam chips.

Remember to include your customer details form, so we recognise your samples when they arrive at the laboratory.
Secure the box or package so that the samples will not break-free during transit.
Please refer to our document “Information Sheet – Sending Samples to ETL”. This is available for you to download.

This really depends on the testing you require.
As a general rule:
USGA Analysis of Rootzone – 2kgs
Particle Size Distribution of Sands, Gravels, Soils – 2kgs
Organics Analysis of Peat – 1 litre
Bunker Sand Analysis – 4-5kgs
Water Analysis – 1 litre
Water Release Curve – 2kgs
Nutrient Analysis – 1-2kgs
Rootzone Design – 5kgs sand / 1litre organic/inorganic amendment

It really depends on what testing is required. Please refer to our document “Information Sheet – Sampling Advice” for further information.

All new clients need to pay in advance with your first order with the laboratory. This is so you establish a credit rating with us.
Contact the laboratory to finalise your testing requirements and ask for a quotation to be emailed to you along with our bank details.
Send your samples to the laboratory, ensuring each one is correctly labelled. Remember to include your contact details.
Proceed with making the payment of the quotation. No results will be issued until ETL receive the payment.
All subsequent testing will be invoiced when the testing is completed. The laboratory’s payment terms are 21 days from date of invoice.