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Monday, April 28, 2014

Deep Tine Aerification

Punching #8 Green
Today we deep tine aerified the greens and gave them a breath of fresh air. This aerification process is performed annually in the early Spring to prepare the greens and turfgrass root systems for a long stressful summer of abuse and putting action. This operation is sometimes referred to as "venting".

Deep Tine Equipment In Action
The major goal of deep-tine aerification is to loosen soils and create aeration channels to a depth well below that of conventional core aerification. Deep-tine aerification may provide the opportunity to relieve compaction that can occur in the soil just below the depth of routine core aerification. In the farming industry this is often known as a plow pan and is created at the base depth that the plow cultivates to. This hard pan area can result in restricting the downward movement of water and preventing the soil from breathing properly. It is also used to relieve rootzone of toxic gases, improve air space, along with improving water and nutrient movement throughout soil profile. 

Showing the Depth Of Tine Holes
The deep tine aerification equipment reaches down to a depth of about 8-12" with a 1/2" solid tine. When the tines enter the soil at the bottom of the stroke there is a slight 5 degree "kick", shattering soil and relieving any compaction issues that may be present.


Short Video Clip Showing the Machine In Action


Rolling Green To Smooth Surface
The greens surface is rolled out smooth and prepared for sand topdressing to be applied. Although the deep tine process does leave some disruption to the surface for the next few days, it will greatly improve green consistency and firmness through out the entire golfing season.

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