The Spring Plan

I apologize if my last blog was confusing. Let me clarify.

The last two spring seasons we did not core aerify the greens. Core aerification means pulling out "plugs" or cores of soil, thatch and turf. This was not done because the thatch levels in the greens have returned to acceptable levels. (Acceptable levels in this business means that maintenance needs to continue, but maybe not as intense.) Instead of pulling cores we used a solid tine or a spike to create a hole and "no mess". We can still incorporate some sand with this process to help dilute the thatch.

To begin this season, we will include scarification with the solid tines to the putting surfaces. Scarification is when we use aggressive vertical blades (pictured here) to cut about 1.5 inches into the putting surface. The blades are about 2 inches apart and each blade is 2mm wide. This practice contributes to the removal of the thatch/mat layer in the green which prevents them from becoming too soft.

Between each scarification blade is a brush which helps with clean up. This process is time consuming but very little disturbance to the putting surface. It can only be done in the spring in Vail.

Scarifying is the first step to greens maintenance this year, followed by solid tine/spiking. Finally a sand topdress is applied to fill in open spaces to help dilute the thatch and help provide a smoother putting surface.