Techniques And Terminology
Definition: Aerification is a mechanical process that creates more air
space in the soil and promotes deeper rooting. In most cases, it’s
done by removing cores from the soil, allowing for an infusion of air
and water that brings a resurgence of growth. The spaces are
sometimes filled with sand “topdressing” that helps the soil retain air
space and makes it easier for roots to grow downward.
space in the soil and promotes deeper rooting. In most cases, it’s
done by removing cores from the soil, allowing for an infusion of air
and water that brings a resurgence of growth. The spaces are
sometimes filled with sand “topdressing” that helps the soil retain air
space and makes it easier for roots to grow downward.
How We Do It: We use several different machines to accomplish this task. When doing smaller areas such as greens,
tees, approaches, or miscellaneous areas, we use a walk behind toro aerifier. Depending on the time of year, and our
site specific goals, we will use solid or hollow tines ranging from a 1/4" to 5/8"
tees, approaches, or miscellaneous areas, we use a walk behind toro aerifier. Depending on the time of year, and our
site specific goals, we will use solid or hollow tines ranging from a 1/4" to 5/8"
Verticutting and Grooming
Definition: Verticutting is the process of removing some of the vertical growth
that occurs around a grass plant. It has the following benefits; it can force the
remaining turf to stand up straight and smooth the putting surface for better
ball roll, increase green speed, open the turf canopy to allow in more sunlight,
makes topdressing easier to work into the soil, and allow the plant to put more
energy into growing upright shoots instead of lateral shoots.
The term grooming is used in place of verticutting when we are talking about
not setting the depth of the unit to go passed the base of the plant.
that occurs around a grass plant. It has the following benefits; it can force the
remaining turf to stand up straight and smooth the putting surface for better
ball roll, increase green speed, open the turf canopy to allow in more sunlight,
makes topdressing easier to work into the soil, and allow the plant to put more
energy into growing upright shoots instead of lateral shoots.
The term grooming is used in place of verticutting when we are talking about
not setting the depth of the unit to go passed the base of the plant.
How We Do It: We use several different machines to accomplish this task. Our triplex mower that we have has the
capability to be a verticutter as well. With a few minor adjustments, we can change from basically horizontal mowing to
vertical mowing. We also have a walk behind unit which allows us to accomplish the same task on a smaller area.
capability to be a verticutter as well. With a few minor adjustments, we can change from basically horizontal mowing to
vertical mowing. We also have a walk behind unit which allows us to accomplish the same task on a smaller area.
This page gives us the opportunity to explain some of the cultural practices you see us doing on the golf course. It also allows us to
explain exactly how we go about completing those tasks, and why we are doing them.
Also on this page will be instructions on how to complete certain tasks in accordance with the expectations of the greens committee.
explain exactly how we go about completing those tasks, and why we are doing them.
Also on this page will be instructions on how to complete certain tasks in accordance with the expectations of the greens committee.
Ball Mark Repair
Definition: The indentation that a ball makes on a green upon landing. Ball
marks should be repaired using special tools made for that purpose in order for
the green to properly heal. It is also customary to repair other ball marks (other
than your own) if you notice them on a green.
marks should be repaired using special tools made for that purpose in order for
the green to properly heal. It is also customary to repair other ball marks (other
than your own) if you notice them on a green.
How We Do It: Using a ball mark repair tool, insert it into the green along the outside edge of the ball mark. Do not
insert the tool in the depression of the ball mark. Push the tool forward from the edge towards the center of the ball
mark. Do this around the edges until the depression no longer exists. Tamp down the area so that the surface is even.
insert the tool in the depression of the ball mark. Push the tool forward from the edge towards the center of the ball
mark. Do this around the edges until the depression no longer exists. Tamp down the area so that the surface is even.
Growing Degree Days
Definition: A heat index that relates the development of plants,
insects, and disease organisms to environmental air temperature.
insects, and disease organisms to environmental air temperature.
How We Do It: Using two different formulas we create a database with
running totals of GDD heating units. Then using our own historical data
for our golf course, we are able to gauge the appropriate timing of target
applications for targeted insects or weeds.
running totals of GDD heating units. Then using our own historical data
for our golf course, we are able to gauge the appropriate timing of target
applications for targeted insects or weeds.
