It is the middle of September already. Fall golf is in full swing. It is also the time of year to start our compaction relief on the Golf Course. This week we started on the tee surfaces. We are using a new machine we purchased earlier this year, it is called the Terra Slit. The machine basically makes a slit in the ground to depths of 8", our older machines on were only capable of depths up to 4". After the compaction relief we have now mowed to minimize the disruption of playability.
Next week we plan on solid tining our collars and aprons. This will be done with our traditional style aeration machine. Again providing compaction relief with a minimal disruption of playability. Once that is complete we will move on to the fairways. On the fairways we will be using the Terra Slit machine, trying to get the maximum depth in the compaction relief process.
And finally we will move on to the greens in early October. This year we will do a 3/4" solid tine, this will provide a good opening to fill with sand. We will top dress the green, with sand, and drag in filling the holes. This will accomplish compaction relief and sand channels will allow the green surface to breath going into the fall and next growing season.
If you have nay questions on our compaction program please feel free to contact me.
Hope you make time to enjoy the beautiful fall!
Ross