March 11' - Aeration Plan
Spring 2011 Greens Aeration Plan
In light of the problems we have had with our greens the last two seasons, which were associated with
extreme wetness and heat, it has been determined that an aggressive approach to greens aeration must be
taken going forward, at least until it is determined whether or not we will be rebuilding our greens. Testing of
several of our greens profiles in 2010 showed that water movement into and through our greens was not good
at all. What this situation provides us is nothing more than a recipe for disaster. Any rainfall event of more
than ½ to ¾ inch would leave us saturated. When soils are saturated, oxygen is pushed out, and without
oxygen grass eventually suffocates. Saturated soils also heat up much faster and retain heat longer than
properly oxygenated soil. Root growth stops at soil temperatures above 86 degrees, and begin dieback as
that temperature gets higher. Without roots the turf has little chance of survival. Proper gas exchange is also
severely limited if soils remain saturated. I have said many times that the maintenance practices in the spring
and fall must be geared towards providing the turf with the necessary “tools” to get through the extreme
periods of the season. During the summer months especially, when environmental stress is the highest,
oxygen is our ally and water is our enemy.
Throughout the winter months, several hours of discussion took place at our Green Committee meetings
regarding a plan of attack going forward. I made the recommendation that the Drill and Fill process needed to
be “re-employed” at Springhaven, in conjunction with conventional core aeration. Our past experience with the
Drill and Fill at Springhaven (late 1990’s) yielded positive results. Greens that were chronically wet began to
dry out much quicker. The further the water is from the surface, where the roots are, the better. The Drill and
Fill is not popular due to the disruptiveness to the putting surface and the length of time necessary to heal.
However, the Greens Committee, and ultimately the Board of Directors, approved the Drill and Fill for 2011. It’
s worth noting that many of our neighboring clubs utilize this procedure: Rolling Green, Waynesborough,
Radley Run, and Merion to name a few.
Our plan (weather permitting) is to Drill and Fill in conjunction with conventional ½ inch coring aeration in
March, followed by heavy topdressing to fill all of the holes. Obviously, March weather is very unpredictable.
The surfaces of the putting greens will need to be firm enough to support the equipment without causing
unnecessary damage. If this dual process cannot be completed by approximately the 3rd week of March, the
Drill and Fill will be postponed until perhaps the end of the golf season. Conventional aeration would still take
place as soon as conditions allowed. If the opportunity presents itself, the golf course will likely be closed for
two days. Realistically, the healing time for this dual process will likely be 4-6 weeks. Should March and April
be milder than normal, the healing time could be slightly less. We realize that this is an inconvenience, but
there are only so many ways to deal with excess water. Short of rebuilding, the re-institution of Drill and Fill
into our maintenance program is our best option for improving the long term sustainability of our putting
surfaces.
Every month, Charlie Miller makes a informative letter contribution to the clubs newsletter.
