Putting Green Aeration

The main reason we aerifiy and sand topdress putting greens is to dilute the organic mater in the soil profile. The organic matter is generated from dying parts of the grass plant mainly roots, to maintain championship greens that are firm and quick, the organic matter must be maintained at or below 3% and this can be determined with a physical analysis report.  When soil profiles exceed 4% percent greens become soft and scalping from mowing can occur. The 2010 physical analysis report showed an increase in organic material very close to 4%.  The solution to lowering this percentage is to be more aggressive with aerifing, using larger tines that create bigger, deeper holes and I know you do not want to hear that but to have good greens we have to get the organic material out. We time green aeration when the dominate grass,called  Poa annua starts to seed which occurs in the middle of May and can last until early June.  The greens at seeding time turn an off color white in appearance.  Playability is also effected with slower ball speed and a bumpier surface.  During this period it is a good time to aerify.



Aerifier & Topdressor





Finished Product





Poa annua plant starting to seed in putting green
Picture taken by Dr. Ron Calhoun





Poa annua left vs. Bent

Picture taken by Dr. Ron Calhoun