Fall aerification might be the most important cultural practice we implement all year. The process may be an inconvenience for golfers leaving the greens slow and bumpy for a short period of time but it is very important from a maintenance standpoint. The aerification process relieves compaction, breaks up the thatch layer and promotes the exchange of gasses and moisture in the root zone.
Greens aerification is a long process that requires the course to close for a day as the greens are unplayable.
First, cores are pulled out of the green with hollow tines.
Cores are then harvested with a sweeper. Any cores left behind are blown out into the rough.
Greens are then top dressed with sand.
After top dressing, fertilizer can be applied and then the green is dragged with a mat to work the sand into the soil profile. The sand creates more pore space for water and oxygen allowing roots to grow deeper. A roller is then used to smooth out any bumps or ruts.
Lastly, irrigation is ran on the greens and the healing process begins.
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