Greening up

While everyone enjoys seeing the golf course green up, I am equally excited to see a bit warmer temperatures for the plant's health. The aerification healing process is a tough task as it just took a beating with a machine, shovel, blower, sand, and a brush to top it off. With the cold temperatures hanging on, the plant was just not able to grow not only to recover its strength but close the holes as well. Yesterday was a huge step in the right direction with temperatures in the mid 70's. The roots started to move and with a warm rain, the healing can begin. One of the worst things that can happen to a course is a wet cold spring where the roots do not move followed by early summer heat to give the plant no root structure heading into July.

The aerification holes are used to channel the moisture out of the top organic layer (darker color) and increase the infiltration rate of the profile. The faster the water gets to the sand (lighter color beneath) the better conditions we can provide from a firmness and plant health standpoint. 

 

 

 

The white thick roots that you can see, appeared right where the aerification holes are located. The roots need to breath and when there is oxygen present, they will dive down at a rapid pace. The second important factor in rooting is water management. The roots will dive deep to find water if it isn't available at the top. This is another reason the agronomic practice of aerification is so vital to the plants health.