Late Season Aeration Update

Drill and Fill Update

Given the stretch of spectacular fall weather, the drill and fill procedure on the greens will be delayed until the week December 2^nd.

Some have asked a very logical question. After five years of continued improvements of the greens is it necessary to have to perform this procedure anymore?  The answer is yes and it’s synonymous to weight loss-a target weight is set, achieved through better eating and exercise and then maintained.  That is the state that the greens have achieved and just like it took a great deal of work to condition the greens to the height and speed they are now at, it takes the same discipline to maintain these conditions.

And just as weight loss takes place and you achieve a healthier, more active lifestyle, there are times when you can now afford to give in to those guilty food pleasures on occasion (ie- Chef Rob’s PB and J bars), knowing it will not affect you as adversely.  Same applies to the greens- five years of improvements have afforded us the flexibility to drill and fill later in the season and to rotate drill and fills every other year without any negative effects. However, the aerations, drill and fill and topdressing cannot be abandoned- it’s a way of life.

As you can see in the attached picture via aeration and topdressing, there has been a tremendous improvement in the top 2.5” of growing medium below the greens.  However, the subsoil is still very much problematic.  The dark color demonstrates its heavy, clay-like properties.  When rainfalls occur the water drains through the top 2.5” very quickly (at an average rate of 7”/hour) then hits the subsoil and drains at less than .75”/hour.  Drill and filling has and will continue to improve this rate of drainage in the subsoil through incorporation of sand into this layer, hence the continued need to perform this procedure. 

Frost

Undoubtedly one of the worst condition messages to have to put out and wait through- frost delays.  However, frost is on the horizon so please use the condition line throughout the late fall, the condition line will be routinely updated during these events. For an excellent video explaining frost damage, click on this link- http://www.usga.org/turf/articles/video/frost.html.

Keep the great fall weather coming!