Topdressing Greens

Throughout the growing season, topdressing greens with sand is one of the more important practices we utilize to keep the greens smooth and firm.  Every two weeks we topdress all of the greens with a light dusting of sand.  On opposite weeks, we topdress the perimeter of the greens with a push spreader. 

The benefits of the sand are numerous.  Beyond keeping greens smooth and firm, it also plays an important role in assisting with the break down of thatch in the soil profile.  Without frequent topdressing, greens would have a tendency to get "puffy" and be more prone to scalping.  The additional sand on the perimeter is specifically targeting the greater potential for scalping that is more likely to happen on our clean up pass.

The day after topdressing the greens may still be a little bumpy, although the long term benefits far outweigh the short term set back.  With mowing heights on greens roughly the same as two dimes stacked together, it is critical for the green to be as smooth and firm as it can possibly be.

Topdressing #13 Green