Why do golf courses aerate their Greens?
Golf courses aerate their greens for four major reasons, all of which affect turf health. Aeration is usually performed in order to remove organic matter, decompress the soil, improve the drainage of the soil, and help promote root growth. Without aeration, organic matter (i.e. bacteria and other plants) build up on the surface of the turf.
Why don’t golf course superintendents aerate?
It may come as a surprise, but golf course superintendents also dislike aeration. After all, the last person who wants to disrupt the smoothness of the putting greens they work so hard to maintain is the superintendent. Golfers often ask, “Why is aeration needed so often?”
What happens if you don't aerate Your Greens?
This leads to soft, bumpy playing conditions and greens that are increasingly vulnerable to damage from disease and traffic. Staying on top of aeration requirements means a less-disruptive aeration schedule and less risk of poor playing conditions. Without aeration, a dense thatch layer can accumulate below the putting surface.
How do you aerate a golf course?
Most courses employ the practice of less frequent deep-tine aerating (often 5/8 inch or more wide), where holes are created and filled by sand top-dressing. Core removal opens up substantial holes on the greens, which helps the soil profile breathe. That improves drainage and air exchange for the plants.
What does Aerification do to greens?
Putting greens receive more traffic than any other playing surface. The aeration process helps relieve the compaction caused by all that traffic. It also helps create a firm, smooth putting surface by controlling thatch and promoting healthy turf roots.
What is the purpose of Verticutting greens?
“With verticutting, you're permitting the blades to stand up so you can cut off runners, and, in effect, groom the plant to be healthier. It also improves air flow and water penetration so you can get a better cut.
How long does it take for golf greens to heal after aeration?
two weeksIt usually takes a golf course two weeks to recovery from properly done golf course aeration. Once the grass grows back through the aeration holes to a healthy level, the mowers and rollers come back, typically with greens as good as new.
Can you play golf on aerated greens?
Aerated greens provide a unique challenge for golfers because they contrast the typically smooth and predictable motion of the ball. For example, if you dropped a ball straight down on a normal green you wouldn't expect the ball to roll very far from where it landed.
Is it better to aerate or Verticut?
Core aeration is great for the lawn as it breaks up compaction and helps control thatch. It is not the best practice for seeding. If your main focus is to overseed then verticut as it provides for the best and most even seed bed. Core aeration can be used but verticutting is preferred.
What should I do after Verticutting?
After you have finished using the Verticutter, it is time to clear out the rests of thatch from the lawn. The thatch will have been pulled to the surface and is easy to pick up and throw away. The easiest way to do so is to use a rake, pushing the debris onto a tarp.
How long do aerated greens last?
I would steer clear for 2 weeks, especially if there are better options.
How long does aeration last?
Therefore, to achieve sustained benefits from aeration, courses must routinely aerate – i.e., aerate approximately once every six weeks or more frequently.
Do golf courses use liquid aeration?
Patented solution is the most powerful liquid aeration available and is used on the best golf courses, stadiums, and resorts worldwide.
Can you still putt on aerated greens?
The holes punched during aeration are smaller and the greens heal more quickly than the old days of course maintenance. Still, there is no denying that recently aerated greens play differently than greens in peak condition. They roll more slowly and the punched holes can knock a putt off line.
Do aerated greens affect putting?
0:501:48Does Golf Course Aeration Affect Putting? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe putting greens are very playable the golfers can make putts despite the fact that the greensMoreThe putting greens are very playable the golfers can make putts despite the fact that the greens might look very bumpy.
What is the difference between aeration and Aerification?
Aeration (also called aerification or aeriation) is the process by which air is circulated through, mixed with or dissolved in a liquid or other substances that act as a fluid (such as soil). Aeration processes create additional surface area in the mixture, allowing greater chemical or suspension reactions.
What does it mean to Verticut a green?
0:183:02Verti-cutting Greens - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's more of more of a group than anything but as you can see we are getting some some tissue off ofMoreIt's more of more of a group than anything but as you can see we are getting some some tissue off of these greens. And what he's gonna do is ride down these greens. And go back and forth on these
How often should you Verticut a Bowling Green?
Verti-cut every two weeks. Once per month precede the verti-cutting with spiking using chisel or solid tines. Mow as often as possible at between four and five mil depending on the speed requirements and grass content. If not mowing any morning ensure dew and debris are switched or brushed ready for play.
How often should you Verticut?
You can use the cartridge every two to four weeks or so from April to September to keep on top of thatch and lateral lying grasses. Start with the cartridge on setting four and gradually lower- the cartridge should not be penetrating the soil as it will damage your blades.
How deep should you Verticut?
It takes some experimenting to find the right depth for your lawn, but starting with 1/16 inch ensures you won't dig up the soil on your first try. If that depth doesn't do much to the thatch, try 1/8 inch or 1/4 inch.
What irritates golfers more than anything?
What irritates golfers more than anything, of course, is when they show up for their tee time, only to find out then that the greens were recently aerated, or worst yet, don't discover it until they get to the first green. The latter is certainly rare, and the former is becoming less common, too, as courses know this doesn't exactly create good will with their customer base. Letting golfers know before they show up to the course should probably be the minimum practice, and most courses are trying to do that.
What happens after cores are removed from the green?
After cores are removed from the green, they are filled with sand. Courtesy of the USGA Green Section
How many different types of aerating are there?
First of all, there are probably as many as five different types of aerating practices, according to Adam Moeller, director of education for the USGA Green Section. The least invasive small-tine aerating hardly disrupts the playing surface at all and is usually very playable immediately afterwards, but its effectiveness is certainly debatable.
How long does it take for a green to recover after core removal?
That improves drainage and air exchange for the plants. It can take up to a couple of weeks for the greens to recover, but these procedures are critical for the long-term health of the greens.
Do you putt on greens that have been aerated?
Most golfers know the importance or aerating greens. Even if they don't understand why, they know it's necessary. Still, no one likes to putt on greens that have been recently aerated, especially a deep-tine aeration with core removal and top dressing. Trying to putt over holes is frustrating at best, and often golfers who do play in such ...
Do golf courses send out alerts?
As all of us have become more tied to our phones and computers, and facilities have extensive emailing lists, many courses send out alerts to their regular customers, letting them know when greens are going to be aerated. And most courses will inform golfers who reserve a tee time by phone if greens have been recently aerated. (It saves a lot of potential grief for shop personnel later).
Can you play rough greens after aerating?
Golfers looking to save a little money on green fees who don't mind rough greens would be well advised to check out course websites and get on mailing lists. Sometimes, the greens are surprisingly playable following an aggressive aerating, especially if you wait a few days after the procedure when the maintenance crews have had a chance to "whip" the sand off the greens and run the mowers and rollers.
Why do golf courses have aerating greens?
The bottom line on why golf courses go through the process of aerified greens is that over time it keeps the greens healthier. This is the case because:
Why do golf courses need aeration?
The bottom line on why golf courses go through the process of aerified greens is that over time it keeps the greens healthier. This is the case because: 1 Aeration loosens soil that has been compacted by golfers walking over it and machines rolling over it. 2 This opens up growing room for the roots and increases oxygen to the roots. 3 The roots of the turfgrass thus can grow deeper, creating a healthier putting surface.
What About Those Aeration Holes: Do You Get Relief?
Those pesky aeration holes may be around for a couple weeks. They are quite annoying at first but still noticeable and perhaps distracting for another week or two after that.
What is aeration in golf?
Think of golf course aeration as preventive maintenance: It's the (typically) annual process of punching little holes into greens (and sometimes fairways) that opens up growing room for grass roots and helps keep the turfgrass healthy. (It's also called "aerification.")
What is topdressing in golf?
The holes left behind are filled with sand in a process called "topdressing.". Once topdressed, a course is said to have "sanded greens.". The greens are left alone for a few days (although golfers may still play them) and the grass allowed to grow. The topdressing gradually disappears as watering takes place.
How long does it take for a green to get back to normal after topdressing?
The actual coring of the greens is a quick process, but from the time of the coring until the greens are somewhat back to normal is about a weeklong process. Signs of the aeration holes may remain on the putting greens for longer after that.
How does a golf green aerify?
To aerify a golf green a piece of machinery built for the task cores the ground (punches holes and removes the dirt) in a certain pattern. (The small cores of dirt that are removed are called "plugs.") Air and water are thus infused into the ground at root level, and space opened up for new root growth. The holes left behind are filled ...
Why do golf courses need aeration holes?
Aeration holes filled with sand topdressing will allow excess water from the soil to evaporate, promote root development and improve drainage. The word aeration stimulates negative emotions for many golfers. It may come as a surprise, but golf course superintendents also dislike aeration. After all, the last person who wants to disrupt ...
Why is aeration important in golf?
Aeration primarily is performed to control organic matter – i.e., decaying roots and grass stems – relieve soil compaction, stimulate root growth and improve drainage. If organic matter becomes too thick, it acts like a sponge and holds water at the surface after rain or irrigation. Excessive organic matter also inhibits root growth, reduces oxygen levels in the soil, encourages disease and eventually can lead to turf failure. Furthermore, excessive organic matter creates soft surfaces prone to ball marks, foot printing and inconsistent playing conditions. Aeration and topdressing are the most effective ways to control organic matter and maintain smooth, firm putting surfaces.
What is the most effective way to control organic matter and maintain smooth, firm putting surfaces?
Aeration and topdressing are the most effective ways to control organic matter and maintain smooth, firm putting surfaces. Core aeration involves physically removing small soil cores – e.g., 0.5-inch diameter cores – from the turf and is the most common type of aeration.
What happens when you add too much organic matter to your lawn?
Excessive organic matter also inhibits root growth, reduces oxygen levels in the soil, encourages disease and eventually can lead to turf failure. Furthermore, excessive organic matter creates soft surfaces prone to ball marks, foot printing and inconsistent playing conditions.
Is aeration good for greens?
Aeration can create short-lived disruption but it is a highly beneficial program that keeps greens healthy and playing well.
Why is it important to aerate golf greens?
If the thatch layer is allowed to build without periodically being broken up and diluted with sand , it can turn into a dense sponge that traps water near the surface. This leads to soft, bumpy playing conditions and greens that are increasingly vulnerable to damage from disease and traffic. Staying on top of aeration requirements means a less-disruptive aeration schedule and less risk of poor playing conditions.
Why do you aerate putting greens?
Aeration is stressful for putting green turf. The more favorable the growing conditions are, the quicker the greens will recover. While aerating very late or very early in the year might seem less disruptive to the golf schedule, the longer recovery time and risk of added turf damage can actually lead to more disruption. Aeration timing may also depend on seasonal changes in staffing. Performing aeration when the staff is at full strength helps expedite the process and subsequent recovery, which means normal playing conditions return sooner.
Why is aeration important?
Aeration provides a host of benefits for our hard-working putting surfaces. It helps to relieve the compaction that comes with intense golfer and maintenance traffic. Aeration also improves air and water movement through the soil, which yields healthier grass and more consistent playing conditions. Breaking up the layer of organic material that accumulates just below the putting surface – commonly referred to as thatch – is another important benefit. The end result is firmer, smoother and healthier greens.
What happens if you don't aerate your greens?
Without aeration, a dense thatch layer can accumulate below the putting surface. Excessive thatch can make greens vulnerable to damage.
Is putting green aeration popular?
Putting green aeration is never popular. Understandably, golf course superintendents and USGA agronomists field many questions about aeration each year. Here are helpful answers to some of the most common questions about this necessary practice.
Why is a golf course aerated?
Aerification (also known as aeration) achieves three important objectives, the GCSAA explains: it provides a method to improve the soil mixture around the highest part of a green's roots; and it reduces or prevents the accumulation of excess thatch.
Why fill aerification holes with sand?
Filling aerification holes with sand improves drainage and resists compaction. The periodic introduction of sand to a green's top layer can, over time, avoid or postpone expensive rebuilding or renovation of greens. "Finally, growing of turf adds to a layer of organic matter on the surface.
How to prevent thatch buildup?
Topdressing with sand can prevent thatch buildup, and aerification is one of the best ways to reduce an existing layer and prevent an excess of thatch from becoming established. "Other aerification techniques use machines with "tines"; or knives that simply poke holes through the soil profile.
What does it mean when you show up to a golf course?
Showing up to a golf course only to discover that it has recently underdone an aerification process can be a jolt to the system. You were hoping the golf course, and especially its greens, would be in great shape. Instead you find it full of little holes or covered in sand or other topdressing. It's frustrating.
What is aeration in gardening?
Aerification (also known as aeration) achieves three important objectives, the GCSAA explains: 1 It relieves soil compaction; 2 it provides a method to improve the soil mixture around the highest part of a green's roots; 3 and it reduces or prevents the accumulation of excess thatch.
What is the process of aeration?
From the GCSAA's explanation of the aerification process (all excerpts appear here courtesy of the GCSAA): "Aerification is a mechanical process that creates more air space in the soil and promotes deeper rooting, thus helping the grass plants stay healthy.
When is aerification best done?
To add insult to injury, aerification is best done in many part of the country during mid-summer, at the height of the playing season and when most greens are in prime condition. But a golfer needs to understand how important aerification is to producing healthy turf.".
Why is aeration important in putting greens?
This is because aeration is most effective when the grass is healthy and actively growing. Greens recover more quickly and weeds don’t have the opportunity to invade because the turf quickly recovers. This minimizes the amount of time the green will be sub-optimal for play. However – even at its worst the aeration only impacts 5-10% of the putting surface.
Why do you aerate greens?
With all this traffic the greens suffer from “compaction” which can weaken roots. Aeration clears out space on the greens to promote healthy roots and reduce thatch. Aeration will enable root systems to grow deeper into the soil. Thatch is basically old plant material that accumulates on the surface of the soil. It acts like a sponge, holding water near the surface which creates inconsistent green speeds and increases the likelihood of disease.
Why do you need to apply sand to aerated holes?
The sand used to fill the aerated holes must be carefully applied to avoid abrading the turf to the potentially abrasive nature of the sand. Generally, the sand should be applied in stages to avoid causing damage.
What is topdressing in aeration?
Topdressing, the process of filling the aeration holes with sand or other organic materials.
When to aerate golf courses?
Certain courses may not be able to complete the aeration in the late Spring due to play volume. In those cases, aeration in the early Fall followed by less aggressive aeration in the early Spring will achieve solid results. However, it is twice as much work.
Does nitrogen affect grass growth?
Careful nutrient balancing after aeration is critical, as apply excessive nitrogen on the turf will cause grass growth that will reduce green speed.
Why do you aerate greens?
Aeration comes in when soils are heavily compacted or the turf is thick with thatch. The greens get punched and sanded, and the sand is worked into each aeration hole to improve air and water flow, giving the roots a better chance to drink and breathe. There is, of course, plenty more to the science of sanding.
What happens if you use wrong sand in a green?
Using the wrong sand, Kidd says, can adversely effect the movement of water and nutrients upwards and downwards through the root zone.
Why is sanding greens important?
The green might get spongy, or develop brown spots, or become vulnerable to scalping during mowing. Sanding helps protect against all that. That’s not all, Kidd says. Sanding also improves drainage and helps level out the green, creating smooth, consistent putting surfaces, and firm, fast conditions year round.
What is golf sand made of?
Golf course sands are different. They are made of round particles “resembling a bucket of balls with large pore spaces between each ball ,” Kidd says. They promote good drainage, and healthy air and water circulation.
Is it bad to sand your lawn?
When you sand and how much sand you use is critically important. Sand too heavily at the wrong time of year, and you risk a range of problems. It’s best to do the work in good weather, Kidd says. In inclement conditions, you might wind up smothering the grass or creating fungus diseases that diminish the quality of the turf.
Is sanding a science?
As you can probably see, there’s a science to sanding, and on golf courses today, Kidd says, that science is “very precise.”. When you sand and how much sand you use is critically important. Sand too heavily at the wrong time of year, and you risk a range of problems. It’s best to do the work in good weather, Kidd says.
Do you need to aerate your turf?
If the soil is heavy, you might need to aerate to keep your turf healthy. The staff at a respected lawn care store should be able to help you make smart choices. You might not wind up with a patch of grass as pure as a putting green, but you’ll have a pretty sweet place to chip and pitch.