Updates.....

The deep tining of the fairways is now complete.  The contractors worked all day Monday and Tuesday to complete the process.  Here is a picture of the deeptine aerifier in action on #9 fairway.

I had been somewhat concerned that rocks would be pulled to the surface by the aerifiers but fortunately we had very little of this.  Some rocks were brought up but they were quickly removed and the holes backfilled with soil.



As I mentioned before one of the benefits of these machines is the depth to which they can go.  On average the tines were penetrating about 8 inches deep.

The holes on the surface will quickly grow over and become unnoticeable. The holes in the soil however, will remain open for quite some time, creating healthier turf and better playing conditions.  Here is the 2nd fairway the day after it was aerified.

While the fairways were being aerified we also aerified the front nine tees and the range tees.  Next Monday we will be aerifing the remaining tees.

We also have been using this time to complete some cart path work.  The final touches have been put on #7 cart path and it is now open for use.  I have received many positive comments on this addition as it is an easier walk onto the tees. 

You will also notice that we added a cart path extension on #1.  The area where you leave #1 fairway to transition onto the cart path had become rutted from cart traffic.  We added this stone path to help get carts through this wet area.



Also work has resumed on the front entrance of the clubhouse.  The masons are now laying the concrete pavers and should be done in a few days.



Deep tine aerification...



Deep tine aerification

On Monday, April 22nd a contractor will be arriving to perform a new type of aerification to our fairways called deep tining. Deep tining uses a special type of aerifier that is different than the aerifier that we have used in the past.  Traditionally we use an aerifier that pulls a 2” deep core of soil from the fairways.  Although this is a beneficial process,  after years of aerifing at the same depth, a hardpan has formed in the soil beneath this 2” depth.  This compacted layer leads to reduced water infiltration.  The effects of this compacted layer is most evident after a rain event when puddles form in our fairways and remain wet for several days. 

Deep tine aerification has the ability to penetrate up to 8 inches deep in the soil profile depending on the soil type.  Then after penetrating the soil, the aerification tine rocks forward creating a heaving action.  This heaving action further cracks the hardpan and alleviates compaction.  The channels that are formed by this process allow for surface water to drain off the fairway creating a firmer and drier playing surface.

Here is an image explaining some of the benefits of deep tining;

In addition to the improved drainage, deep tining will also promote deeper rooting.  Deeper roots equate to healthier turf, which in turn can better combat drought, heavy traffic and attacks from turf diseases and insects.

"...cracks the hardpan and alleviates compaction."



Surface after deep tining

 

From a playability standpoint the best part of deep tine aerification is that it doesn't leave behind a muddy mess like the core aerification.  That is because instead of bringing up a core of soil to the surface, the deep tine machine uses a solid tine that simply pokes a hole in the fairway.  The fairways should be ready for play as soon as the process is complete. 

Deep tine aerifiers operate slowly so the contractor will use several machines to complete the process as quickly as possible.  The fairway deep tining should be completed by Tuesday.  We appreciate your patience as we complete this important procedure.