Green Aeration Program

In June and again in August, the greens are aerated with ¼” hollow tines. Many may think we “spike” the greens but we do actually pull a small plug. This is a smaller sized tine versus the late fall aeration.

The purpose of these summer aerations is to vent the greens for air and water exchange and to alleviate surface compaction during the summer months.  With the small size tines used for the process, it is not intended the holes be filled in as they are perfect for germinating bentgrass seed.

                                                         
                                        Bentgrass seedlings coming up in aerification holes

The healing time for these "light aerifications is minimal and no sand is added during the process. A verticutting process replaces a light topdressing. The verticuttiing chops up the small plugs and also brings up sand from previous topdressings. We then seed and water the greens to wash the seed (and sand) back into the holes. In 7-10 the holes will be almost (if not) closed up.

 

The summer green aerations help to insure the best, most consistent green conditions during the heat of the golf season.  Please do not confuse these aerifications with the late fall (more intensive and slower healing) green aerification.

Fall Green Aerification

The fall green aerification is more intense than what takes place during the summer months.  Larger holes are made to remove more thatch and more sand is applied to completely fill the holes (to provide a firm putting surface, better drainage and dilute the thatch layer).  Chances are the holes will not be healed going into winter.  This is fine and will help the greens during the winter and spring thaws, limiting ice and winter damage. A dormant seeding will be made to expedite the recovery of the greens (as they come out of the winter next spring). This type of aerification cannot be accomplished in as short a time as the summer aerifications.  In good weather we expect to finish three to four greens per day.  A temporary green is set up adjacent to the green(s) that are being worked on during play.

                             

                           

      

Aerating our greens with the small tines twice a year and once with the large tines in late fall minimizes excessive thatch development. The U.S.G.A. Green Section endorses this program.

Erick B. Holm, C.G.C.S.