Grass Clippings
Brian
J. Stiehler, CGCS, MG
Depending on the temperatures in the mountains, it seems like it can take
forever for the greens to heal from spring aerification. I know it can be
frustrating, by why is it so important that we do it?
Aerating putting greens on golf courses is a crucial maintenance practice that is necessary for the health and sustainability of the turf. While it may seem disruptive to players and aesthetically unpleasing, aerating greens plays a vital role in ensuring that the turf remains healthy and in optimal playing condition.
One of the main reasons for aerating greens is to alleviate soil
compaction. Over time, foot traffic, golf carts, and maintenance equipment can
compact the soil beneath the turf, which restricts the movement of air, water,
and nutrients to the grass roots. This can lead to poor drainage, shallow root
growth, and overall decline in turf health. Aerating the greens helps to loosen
the compacted soil and create channels for air, water, and nutrients to
penetrate the root zone, promoting deeper root growth and healthier turf.
Aerating also helps to improve water infiltration and reduce surface runoff. By creating holes in the soil, aerating allows water to penetrate the root zone more easily and prevents water from pooling on the surface, which can lead to disease and turf damage. Proper water management is essential for maintaining healthy turf, and aerating helps to ensure that water can reach the roots where it is needed most.
In addition to improving soil structure and water infiltration, aerating greens also helps to promote healthy microbial activity in the soil. The holes created by aerating provide oxygen to the soil and stimulate beneficial microorganisms that break down thatch and organic matter, improving nutrient availability for the grass. Healthy soil biology is essential for maintaining a balanced ecosystem and supporting healthy turf growth.
But the most important reason we aerify putting greens is to control to growth of organic matter below the surface. This organic matter is comprised of decaying roots, old grass shoots and other things like pollen, that clogs valuable air space below the greens. It is important to remove organic matter on a green because it can contribute to the growth of disease-causing organisms such as fungi and bacteria. These organisms can weaken the grass and make it more susceptible to pests and environmental stress. Additionally, organic matter can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the roots of the grass, leading to poor growth and unhealthy turf. Most importantly, this organic mater (sometimes referred to as “thatch”) makes the greens soft and slow. We try to incorporate as much sand as possible to the greens because this is what will keep the playing surfaces fast and firm.
While aerating greens may be a temporary inconvenience for golfers, the
long-term benefits far outweigh the short-term disruptions. By aerating
regularly, golf course superintendents can ensure that the turf remains
healthy, resilient, and playable for years to come. So, the next time you see
putting greens being aerated, remember that it is all part of the necessary
maintenance practices to keep the course in top condition for your enjoyment.
Can’t wait to see you all back on your golf course!