We will be aerating our greens on Monday March 24 and Tuesday March 25 weather permitting.

 

     Aerification is a cultural practice that is vital to having good greens.  The purpose of aeration is just what it says AIR.   Turf absorbs air through the root system.  Too much organic matter prevents air exchange.  Organic matter is the old leaves and root from the the plant that is left behind.  This layer is between the turf and soil.  Organic matter is good in small quantities but left to build up can be damaging in long run.  Bentgrass can produce large amounts of organic matter in a short amount of time.

 Too much organic matter can:

1. Repel water.
2. Cause isolated dry spots.
3. Reduce the amount of air getting to the roots.
4. Give a place for insects and disease to live.
5. Can cause the greens to be spongy which causes poor ball roll and green unable to hold proper golf shot.

     By removing cores and filling the void with sand this removes the organic matter and opens the sub grade with air channels.  The roots get more oxygen and the plant response by giving a burst of growth with a dark green color to the leaves.  Usually after 1 week greens will putt much better as the holes heal and in 2 weeks holes have completely healed.  Thank you for your patience at this time .