Aerification Dates

 

Next week, September 3rd and 4th, will be the beginning of our fall aerification process on the golf course greens.  To continue the trend of improving drainage and firming up of the greens, we have contracted a company to implement a Drill and Fill process instead of our traditional core aerification.  The Drill and Fill is a 2-step process of excavating slow draining organic matter and older less desirable sand layers from the greens and replacing the removed material with quick draining topdressing sand.  First, a ¾ inch drill bit penetrates 8 inches (twice the depth of a traditional core aerification) into the green and bores out all of the old material it encounters.  Secondly, the 8 inch holes are filled with sand that is funneled into the holes from sand bins on the top of the machine.  This process will relieve compaction, increase oxygen levels in the soil profile, encourage deeper root development and improve drainage.  Once all of the greens have been completed we will continue the aerification process on fairways and tees throughout the month of September.

The healing process usually takes approximately fourteen to twenty one days depending upon the weather.  We will be applying fertilizer and maintaining higher moisture levels to expedite surface recovery.  Members will experience softer, slower, bumpier greens containing many sand-filled holes during this time.  Once the surfaces have sufficiently healed, we will return to our normal watering practices and the greens will dramatically improve in firmness and drainage.  We understand cultivation temporarily disrupts the ball roll and is an inconvenience for the golfers but keep in mind that the long-term benefits far outweigh the temporary disruptions. 

Below is a video of the Drill and Fill process.