Deep Tining

Aerification is a general term used by turf professionals in reference to any cultural practice that punches holes in a stand of turf.  There are various types of aerification (coring, solid tining, needle tining etc.) but the specific type utilized recently on MCC's greens is deep tining.  Most aerification events only effect the top 3 inches of the rootzone.  These practices would be sufficient on USGA spec'ed green, were the sand-based layer is over a foot deep.  At old courses, before the USGA specifications were in existence, it is beneficial to use an aerifier that can penetrate deeper into the soil and open up channels into the subgrade (the native soil layer beneath the desired sand-based layer).  These channels, usually 6-8 inches in depth, will move water away from the surface of the green, keeping the surface firm after heavy rains or heavy irrigation.

 The following slideshow illustrates the process of deep tining in its entirety, from the topdressing of the greens to actual aerification and working the sand into the exposed holes.  Enjoy.