Fairway Aerification

Attached are a couple of short videos showing our deep tine aerification on fairways.  The second video indicates the depth we are reaching with the solid tine.

Deep tine aerification is another cultural practice we utilize that goes almost unnoticed.  With this practice we are using 1/2" solid tines, aerifying to a depth of around 9-10".  As the tine reaches the maximum depth, there is a kicking action which creates multiple fractures in the soil profile.  Fortunately, from the surface, all that is visually apparent are 1/2" wide holes.

This practice assists with relieving compaction, increasing air exchange within the profile, speeding up breakdown of thatch, and improving percolation rates into the soil.  As with all of our cultural practices the goal is to improve plant health as well as playability.

We recently received results from soil testing on the fairways.  The results of the test indicate higher organic matter amounts in the upper portion of the profile.  In response to the tests, we will be aerifying fairways more frequently throughout the season to reduce our percentage of organic matter.

Greens Grooming

Now that the greens have healed in from aerification we are moving on to other cultural practices that we utilize throughout the season to improve the health and playability of the greens.  Core aerification is one of our most important practices, however, the impact of the other practices that typically go unnoticed are not to be underestimated.

Yesterday we groomed the greens for the first time since aerification.  The groomer would be similar to verticutting, only less aggressive.  Standing up the turf, cutting horizontal growth, thinning the canopy, and removing thatch are a few of the benefits of grooming.  

From a players perspective, it is difficult to tell anything took place following the grooming and mowing.  From my perspective, we see cart fulls of plant material removed from the greens, firmer, tighter turf, and a surface capable of withstanding lower mowing heights without scalping.

Close up view of Grooming attachment.

Turf and thatch removed from Green.

 Moving forward, we will continue to utilize different Cultural Practices to keep the greens looking and playing their best.  Grooming, topdressing, rolling, brushing, verticutting, and venting all have a place in our greens management program.  I will continue to discuss these practices in other posts moving forward.

Tornado Damage?

After a crazy weather night last night, I'm happy to report no damage to the course or club grounds.  Other than a  few branches on the ground, really no issues from the wind.  We did receive about 1.25" of rain to an already wet golf course.  With the rain, bunkers were washed out and the creek made a bit of a mess, but overall things could have been much worse.

No signs of damage between #3 and #4.

A few branches down right of #1.

Zoysia Approaches

This week, we began spraying Roundup on the Bermuda patches that have contaminated the Zoysia Approaches next to the greens.  We will be making 2-3 applications of herbicide to completely kill the Bermuda before sodding with new Zoysia turf.  Over the next few days, you will see patches of turf in the approaches begin to turn yellow before eventually dieing.

Bermuda contamination on #1 approach

The majority of our fairways are kept (mostly) free of Bermuda with our monthly application of herbicides that severely limit the growth of Bermuda.  Unfortunately, our most critical areas around the greens are also the most difficult to reach with the sprayer.  We have found our best option is killing and reestablishing our edges with sod.

On another note, it looks like we are going to be dealing with severe weather over the next few days.  We've already had over 3/4" of rain today and more is expected.  We are in the Bulls-eye for potential severe weather along with tornadoes for Friday and into Saturday. 

Aerification Update

Greens seem to be recovering quickly from the recent aerification.  With favorable weather and healthy greens, we were able to move up our first mowing one day ahead of schedule.  Typically we are waiting for the sand to settle and the grass to grow a little before the first cut.  With 80 degree temps in March, this process moves a little quicker!

First Mowing on #3 Green.

We will continue to work the mowing heights back down, along with frequent rolling to get the greens back to the desired speed and firmness.  By early next week we should be healed up and back to normal.  Aerifying early is always somewhat risky due to the threat of cool weather.  With the current conditions, we could not have timed it better.

If you haven't been out to the course lately, you'll be surprised with how quickly the golf course has transitioned out of winter.  The cool season rough is expected to green up quickly, especially with a little rain.  However, I've never seen the Zoysia react the way it has this year.  I would guess that we are about 3 weeks ahead of schedule with the Zoysia.  Let's hope for no late spring frost!

#1 Fairway (looks like June 1st!)

Aerification in Pictures

Finished our first day of aerification today.  Below are pictures of the process from start to finish.

Step 1:  Verticut for thatch removal.

Step 2:  Mow to clean up excess debris.

Step 3:  Aerify using a 5/8" hollow tine.

Close up of plugs.

Step 4:  Clean Up.

Step 5:  Add amendments (Gypsum and Potassium).

Step 6:  Topdress.

Step 7:  Drag sand to fill holes.

Didn't Expect to See This!

Last night's rain brought with it a mix of snow and ice (or possibly hail).  We ended up getting around a 1/4" of rain, looks like there could be more on the way.