Needle tine program

Air is as important as water for the turfgrass plant. Opening the surface of the soil is a great way to allow more oxygen into the ground for the plant to use. Especially on greens, the surface can become very compacted from foot and maintenance traffic. We try to open channels for air at least once per month during the growing season. This week we start our needle tine aeration program once again.

The list of ways that we disturb the surface of the greens includes: regular hollow tine aeration (February or March), verticutting (throughout March, April, and early May), needle tine aeration (June and July), a second hollow tine aeration (early August), verticutting again (September and October), and deep tine aeration (November). Each of these events touches different levels of the soil profile and each provides some unique benefits.

Needle tines are so named because of how skinny they are. Less than a quarter of an inch in diameter, six inches long when brand new, and solid, they are perfect for poking down into the soil with very little disruption. There is no mess to clean up and after being run over once with a roller the holes virtually disappear.

However, the key is that even once the hole is no longer visible on the surface, the fracture in the soil is still available for the plant. Oxygen can fill the opening, water can more easily flow through, and the roots can follow. All of this continues to take place unnoticed at the surface.

Putting greens are meant to be as smooth as possible. Impacting the surface as frequently as we do would seem to contradict the idea of smoothness. But for the grass to be healthy and the putting green to perform its best, we must continue to provide the plant with what it needs. Needle tine aeration is the next step in that process.

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please do not hit into the Grounds department staff, because it is dangerous. Please be sure that we see you before hitting your shot.

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:

Ball Marks - How to properly repair

 

 

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org