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Friday, September 12, 2014

Aeration: A Necessary Evil


The DryJect process pictured above was completed Wednesday afternoon.  This process blasts water into greens and creates a suction that fills the holes with sand.  Workers must continuously load dry sand into the machine much like the drill-n-fill process we perform in November. 

 The week prior to Dryject we pulled a 1/2" core 5-6" deep into the soil profile followed by a deep verti-cut.  Then seed, sand and soil amendments were applied to the greens.  

So why do we aerate?  
Aeration helps remove thatch, organic matter, and heavy soils that are not desirable to playing surfaces.  It also allows for proper air exchange in the soil.  All this adds up to healthier roots and grass.  This all leads to better more consistent playing conditions.  

There are different goals for each area on the course.  Tee and fairways is to remove as much thatch as possible.  Approaches to remove thatch and incorporate sand for firmness.  Greens are to remove some thatch and organic matter, but need more work at 4 inches and greater in the soil profile.  This will help utilize the new drainage, create healthier deeper roots, and help return playing conditions faster after rain events.  

Thanks for your patience over the last few weeks!  

Faiway Aeration
Blowing and Sweeping Plugs off Fairways
Same Day Finished Product