Core Aerification is a short-term disruption that has long-term benefits for the course. The quality of a good putting green is more than skin deep. The health and performance of a putting green is an indication of the conditions below the surface. In order to maintain healthy turfgrass you must have and promote deep, healthy roots. Roots will only grow where oxygen is present and gaseous exchange can take place.
Maintenance and golfer traffic over the course of a season contribute to compaction near the soil surface. This compaction in addition to plant growth and death, fertility practices, mowing height and topdressing practices all impact thatch (organic matter) build-up. Increased organic content can impact water infiltration and surface firmness.
Core Aerification is a mechanical process that involves removing 1/2” cores from the greens surface. The cores are hand removed, the greens are rolled to correct imperfections, and then the greens are topdressed with sand. The sand (which must be dry or else bridging can occur) is then brushed to fill the holes. The sand is brushed on a daily basis to aid in the migration into the turf canopy. The greens are rolled to aid in firmness and they are cut only when the Bentgrass grows up through the sand.
The average recovery period is three weeks, weather dependent.
Aerification:
1/2" cores 2"x2" spacing:
Rolling:
Topdressing:
After first brush:
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