Deep tine aerating

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