Deep Tine Aerification: The tines are changing.

The sun is shinning, the birds are singing and you have just reached the first green in regulation.  As you approach the green your ball is only six feet away from the pin!  Then, you see those little holes and think “why do they have to punch holes in the greens?”

The key reasons are to allow oxygen to the roots,  relieve soil compaction and remove excess thatch.  This can be done a variety of ways and to varying depths.  The most common approach typically occurs in the top four inches of the soil.  This area is important because most of the root system and thatch can be found there.  However, years of punching holes to the same depth can create potential problems, a “plow layer”.  The term plow layer originated from farmers who plowed their fields to the same depth each year.  Over time a hard pan (non permeable) layer was created which proved deadly to many crops.  The same principal can be applied to the golf course green from years of aeration to the same depth.  This problem is addressed using a specialty deep tine aerifier that can punch holes up to twelve inches deep.  By varying the depth of the aerification hole such layers can be avoided.  Thus, allowing water to pass through the soil profile and deeper roots.  The excess water can then enter the subsurface drainage systems located under each green.  

The greens are being deep tined this week and should be finished by Friday.  We are using a solid tine, which will cause a minimal surface disturbance.  The greens will be rolled upon completion to smooth any uneven areas. 

Thanks for your continued support!

Assistant Superintendent Adam Rice deep tines greens.