Spring Aerification Complete

Course Clippings
May 2011

Every spring and fall each golf course completes the most dreaded operation in all of golf,aerification. Usually this process coincides with beautiful weather and disrupts greens,tees, and fairways which appear perfectly healthy. The golf course superintendent isimmediately on the most wanted list and subject to more than a few choice words as
putts fail to roll true.

The quality of golf course turf is more than skin deep. In fact, the condition of the turf has a lot to do with what goes on below the surface. In order to maintain greens at 1/8 of an inch or lower, and tees and fairways at ideal playing heights, you need a deep, healthy root system. A healthy root system requires oxygen for respiration to support the plant above. The oxygen for roots is found in tiny pockets of air trapped between soil and sand particles. Over the course of the season, there are several factors which eliminate these air pockets. The majority are eliminated through compaction caused by traffic. The traffic is from golfers’ feet and mowing equipment. When the soil and thatch (the layer of organic material between the root and the leaf blade) become compacted or too dense, the pockets on which the roots rely are crushed, leaving very little air in the soil and making it difficult for water to penetrate. The roots are left gasping for air and eventually wither and die, and the whole plant soon follows.

Aerification is a mechanical process that creates more air space in the soil and promotes deeper rooting, thus helping plants stay healthy. Inmost cases, this is achieved by removing cores (often called plugs) and then filling the holes with topdressing. Topdressing is often a certain grade of sand and may have other amendments added which allow the soil to maintain air space, improve water penetration, and encourage healthy root
growth. The sand is brushed into the holes which are usually healed within several days.

Aerification is a short term disruption that has long term benefits for the course. Greens,tees, and fairways will all die eventually without aerification. It is a necessary practice integral to the game of golf. Kenmure Country Club is committed to providing excellent conditions at its golf facility and is constantly experimenting with new techniques to minimize the impact aerification has on the golfer. Please remember those holes are there on occasion to make sure golf can be enjoyed most of the time.