Why Aerification is Crucial

Why Aerify?
It's a perfect sunny morning and it is that time of year again. This is the time when area courses begin their summer "maintenance" programs a.k.a. aerification. Every year we aerify looking to achieve good, quality putting condition in the season. Consider that aerification is merely a short-term disruption that has long-term benefits for the course. When you see them, remember that without those little holes, the greens would eventually die.

Like so things, the quality of good putting greens is more that skin deep. In fact the condition of a green has a lot to do with what goes on below the surface. In order to keep grass growing at 1/8 inch you have to have deep, healthy roots. Good roots demand oxygen. In good soil they get the oxygen from tiny pockets of air trapped between soil and particles. Over time, the traffic from golfers' feet (as well as heavy mowing equipment) tends to compact the soil under the putting green. When soil becomes compacted, the air pockets on which the roots depend on are crushed and the roots are essentially left gasping for air. Without oxygen the grass plants will wither and die.

Aerification is a mechanical process that creates more air space in the soil and promotes deeper rooting thus helping the grass plants stay healthy. In most cases it's done by removing various size cores (those plugs you sometimes see near a green or in fairways) The spaces are then filled with sand "topdressing" that helps the soil retain air space and makes it easier for roots to grow downward. The bottom line is that aerification is a necessary practice to have healthy greens.

Thank you
The Green's Staff