LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
WHY DO WE AERIFY??
Think of it as preventative maintenance to keep the greens at their best. Aerification is
the process of punching little holes into the green to open up room in the soil for better
root development, thus creating healthier turf. A specialized machine is used to “punch”
the ground and creates cores, known as plugs. Also, by removing organic material and
replacing it with sandier material (topdressing), it allows water and air to move freer
through the soil profile.
The 3 main benefits of aeration are as follows:
1. Aeration loosens soil that has been compacted by golfers walking over it and
machines rolling over it.
2. This opens up growing room for the roots and increases oxygen to the roots.
3. The roots of the turfgrass thus can grow deeper, creating a healthier putting
surface.
We should expect to see the greens recovering about 10-14 days after punching. This
will put us in a good place for Fall, at that time the team and I will be applying fall
fertility over the whole course and our first pre-emergent to battle winter weeds.
Overall, I am happy with where the course is at right now and know that there are always
places that need some extra attention.
Warmest Regards,
Andy Maguire
Superintendent
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