We finished our last two methods of aeration today on the practice greens. Both were punched with the 3/8" deep tine first and then we core aerated them using two different size tines. One was core aerated with 1/4" cores with 1" spacing. The other was punched with both 1/4" and 3/8" coring tines. The latter was actually our mechanics idea. Using the ten tine block, Rodolfo placed 5 - 3/8" tines in one row and 5 - 1/4" tines in the other row. The spacing was more or less 1" between the holes. The result was a bunch of small holes that were nearly all filled.
In summary, the aeration procedure is as follows:
- Fertilize 5 days prior
- Deep water 3 days prior
- Deep tine 3/8" x 8" on 1.5" x 2" spacing
- Core aerate with combo of 3/8" and 1/4" coring tines
- Clean cores
- Roll, roll, & roll
- Topdress
- Drag one time with brush
- Roll again
- Blow the sand around to fill holes
- Roll, roll, & roll again
- fertilize and water
It is a long process, but I feel we are getting everything we need out of the aeration while providing a quality end product. I hope you enjoy it as well! The fun begins Tuesday, August 7th.
