Last week we completed the aerification of the greens. The process includes topdressing each green with a deep layer of sand. After the sand dries we aerify with a machine that pokes 3/4" diameter x 11" long tines into the ground. This year we chose to only go down to a depth of 5" due to a weather pattern that was not conducive to drying sand. The more sand we have on the green the longer the dry time. An ideal day for this project would include 10-20 mph wind and low humidity.
After the holes are punched the crew and I come back through with hand brooms and make sure every hole in each green is full of sand.
By completing this process each year we encourage water percolation, deeper roots, reduced organic matter and reduced compaction.
