GREENS

Tee Aerification

One of the most asked question I have ever heard is..........."WHY DO WE HAVE TO AERATE"?

It does not matter what turf area we are talking about, aeration of any part of the golf course benefits the health of the turf in a number of ways. The benefit most members may be aware of is the reduction of compaction. It also opens the crust on top of the soil which can be caused by the bicarbonates from irrigation water. It facilitates the entry of water and air into the root zone. It also controls thatch, which may be the most important of all as thatch can be as dangerous a killer as heart disease. We hope to reduce the interference with members by leaving some teeing ground on each hole untouched as we tackle tee aerification this week. As of noon today we have already aerified about 75% of the tee surface on the front 9. Behind the aerifier we over seed, break up the cores, brush and top dress. The temperatures are ideal for initiating this cultural practice unlike last week when we wisely canceled the greens aerification because of the heat and drought. If weather and equipment co-operate, the aerifying and top dressing of the tees will be complete by the end of Thursday.