Aerification week

For those that aren't sure what aerification is, it is the physical removal of thatch from the soil profile. Thatch is the organic matter that builds up at the base of the grass during the year as the plant grows and sheds its old leaves and roots. This acts like a sponge, holding water and restricting air flow. After we remove the thatch, we add sand in order to increase air flow, water movement and firm the playing surface. This is a very labor intensive process, but it is essential to maintain healthy grass and firm, consistent playing surfaces. 

Every year the course is closed the week after Labor Day so that we can get aerification done. If the weather cooperates, we are able to get all the greens and fairways done in four days. However, we got a bit of rain yesterday which delayed our start, but we will have all the greens done by tomorrow and should have more than half of the fairways done by the end of the week. This is a great start for us and we will be able to get the rest of the fairways and all the tees done in the next week or two, ideally without disrupting play too much. For those interested I've included pictures of the process.

Aerifyer pulling 1/2" plugs. 

Plugs. 

Clean up with TC125 vacuum. These make life very easy for us. The alternative is shoveling them by hand. 

Green topdressed with sand. 

After the sand is dragged into the holes. Theses holes should be healed in 10-14 days. 

We know that this isn't ideal for you guys, as the weather is great and you probably would rather be playing than letting us aerify. But this is an essential process and the health and play-ability of the course would quickly decline if you didn't give us this week to aerify. Thank you!

Ian