Today we will be deep tine aerating the greens. This is the
final cultural practice of the season for the greens, but one that has an
impact for the entire year.
This process is similar to other aeration procedures in that
holes are made in the greens. However, the important aspect of this particular
occurrence is the depth at which we go down. The tines are 10 inches long and
reach into the soil about 7-8”. At this depth, the tines drive well past any
layers, compaction, or other soil problems that may have accumulated in the
upper profile. We have been performing this deep tine aeration regularly since
2015 and you can read our initial post covering the topic here.
As another benefit, water and oxygen can penetrate much
deeper into the soil profile also. This is great for drainage over the winter,
when there is more water that needs to move through the profile because less
evaporates. Roots find their way down into these newly created deep channels as
well and deeper roots lead to healthier plants.
Finally, after the aeration, we will roll the greens and
topdress them with sand. Topdressing with sand is not something we have consistently
done during this deep tine aeration process in the past. We will spread a
medium layer of sand across the green and drag the sand so that it falls into
the holes created by the machine. This is a critical step that we started last
year and will continue regularly. Allowing the sand to fall into the hole and
accumulate several inches below the surface ensures that access to deeper soil
layers stays open for water movement and root growth.
Impacting the surface of the greens every 2-3 months with
one type of cultural practice or another keeps the greens performing at their
best. After a full year of multiple activities, we have arrived at our last for
the season.
As a reminder, we are only posting once per month from
November thru February.
Etiquette Reminder of the Month
Please stay off all grass surfaces during a frost delay.
Also, as part of a Golf Committee initiative to improve
course etiquette, we have included links to videos teaching proper on course
etiquette. Please take a moment to watch:
See you on the course!
Joe
jvillegas@bwrc.org
