Topdressing

Topdressing is a key component to maintaining healthy turfgrass and superior surfaces. The application of sand smoothes and firms the surface, provides a base to establish lower cutting heights, and is the most effective method of controlling thatch (organic matter) build-up. The newly established sand profile creates an environment for soil microbes to populate and break down the organic matter that builds up during the growing season.

Following aerification, compatible sand is spread on the greens at a volume high enough to fill the voids created by the cores and blanket the surface. The sand is watered in and when dry, brushed daily until it migrates down and incorporates into the turf canopy. The surface is rolled to firm and mowing only commences when the turfgrass has grown up through the sand.

The grass must be allowed to grow up through the sand and mowing heights are adjusted down when the bentgrass density re-establishes and sand is no longer evident when mowing. The expected timetable for the greens to return to pre-aerification status is approximately three to four weeks, weather dependent.

Over fertilization prior to or post topdressing may contribute to a quicker recovery, but increases the volume of organic matter thus negating the effectiveness of the sand application. Removing the sand from the surface immediately after application by means of mowers and blowers also negates the profile building benefits of the topdressing.

Patience following topdressing is required. It is important to remember that the long term performance of the putting surface is the goal.






Spring Hollow Core Aerification

In conjunction with our monthly deep tine aerification, a spring hollow core aerification is an important cultural practice utilized to maintain the health of the Bentgrass greens at Arrowhead Country Club. The benefits of a correctly timed hollow core aerification include: improved water penetration, reduced soil compaction, thatch/organic matter removal, soil profile composition modification, and gaseous exchange.

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: