This week we will be deep tine aerating the greens. Although
it may seem like a strange time to aerate, using specialized tines at this time
of year can lead to great benefits throughout the year.
Deep tine aerating uses long, skinny tines to push deep into
the greens. The tines are about 10” long and 1/2” thick and solid, so there is no
core produced. There are a couple of main benefits to this process. First, because
of the length of these tines, they break through any potential layers that may
have developed in the soil. Our normal aerating procedure only penetrates about
2.5 inches into the soil. Over time, a layer of semi-compacted soil can develop
exactly at the depth of normal aeration. As this compacted layer continues to
progress, the roots of the turf can stop growing any deeper than that layer.
Deeper roots equal a stronger root system as well as an increased ability to
contact water, oxygen, and nutrients. These channels will stay open deep in the
soil long after the holes have disappeared from the surface. By pushing through
the layer, the deep tines will open up avenues for water, oxygen, and roots to
move deeper into the soil.
Allowing the water to move deeper into the soil is the
second benefit of the process. Especially during the winter, excess water at
the surface can be very detrimental. When the ground freezes, any water trapped
at the surface freezes as well and can lead to winter kill of the turf grass.
Creating the channels in the soil now, will give that excess water an opening
to leave the surface and move further down in the soil profile throughout the
winter.
The aerators are mounted on a tractor with special tires
that allow it to drive directly across the greens while making minimal tracks.
Once the aerator is finished, we will roll the green to smooth out the tire
tracks and close up the holes. Once we have rolled, there will be little
evidence that anything was even done at the surface, but the openings will
remain deep in the soil.
We expect to incorporate deep tine aerating as an annual
process. Similar to our regular aerating practices, creating a program and
repeating it regularly is when the benefits are at their greatest. While
performing the deep tine aeration once in a while would still be a benefit,
continually breaking through any layers and opening the deeper sections of soil
every year, is where the greatest rewards are found.
Etiquette Reminder of the Month
Please be careful not to damage the lip of the cup when
retrieving your ball after putting out.
See you on the course!
Joe
jvillegas@bwrc.org
