This morning, we are performing our spring greens aerification. As much as golfers dislike this process, we dislike it just as much. However, we know without it, the life of the USGA spec greens at Highlands CC would be cut well short. As a Superintendent, aerification is one of the most important things we do. The complaints are minor compared to those that would be received if the greens began to fail. Our greens are over 20 years in age, making it critically important that we stay on top of organic matter production. Working with ISTRC (International Sports Turf Research Center), we are able to dial in the exact needs of our greens. ISTRC provides a detailed analysis of % organic matter starting at the surface. For example, if the organic matter in the top inch of the greens profile exceeds 3%, problems will begin to develop. In order to reduce this level below 3%, core removal of organic matter is required and then back filling the holes with sand.
Using 5/8" hollow tines, we are punching holes on 2" centers. This process disrupts roughly 8% of the surface. Next week, we will be Graden Verticutting the greens using 3 mm blades. This process disrupts approximately 12% of the surface. Together, our spring aerification program impacts 20% of the greens surface. This is critically important to keep our USGA spec greens in good working order. In addition to this, we will also use 1/4" tines twice a year, each time impacting 1.25% of the surface. Finally, three DryJect aerifications are used to incorporate more sand into the upper root zone. DryJect is an extremely beneficial tool but, it doesn't remove any organic matter.
Picking up the plugs is the more time consuming part of the process.