The croquet lawns were aerated, topdressed and rolled this morning. This was much needed given the continued use the lawns receive. We applied twice the amount of sand we normally apply during a routine topdressing. With holes created by the aerator, the sand will settle after the next rain event, likely this evening. Aerification and rolling combined, in addition to sand, will help keep the lawns level over time.
I'm often asked why we don't roll the lawns more often. While they do get rolled once a week or every other week, we simply don't have the manpower to roll the lawns and keep up with golf course each day, with both facilities needing to be ready for use by 8:00am. Furthermore, there is a misconception about rollers. We use lightweight putting green rollers that help smooth imperfections like ball marks, spike marks, and the like. A lightweight turf roller will not aid in leveling ground, like you picture an asphalt roller doing on the highway. Rolling of putting greens, aids in trueness and the effects are very short lived...specifically, less than a day's benefit.
While the lawns are in great shape, there is no doubt they are seeing the effects of a long summer of use. Our croquet committee has really done a nice job of implementing rules that allow the lawns to be enjoyed by all, season long and for that, we are grateful.