Due to the lack of warm temperatures in Vail, soil conditions do not promote microbial activity to break down enough organic matter in the soil to provide a healthy environment. Removing the organic matter such as thatch and other decaying plant material is critical for the continuing health of the current plants. Aerifying in the spring and the fall, allow us to rid the most amount of thatch possible while disrupting the least amount of play.
Fall aerification also allows for more oxygen to enter the root zone and incorporate more sand to dilute organic matter and create a smooth putting surface. Aerification also contributes to better drainage of ice and snow through the winter and spring because the holes remain exposed.
This practice continues to be a thorn in the side of many golfers everywhere wishing to get on the course early or late in the season. However with the stress the putting greens endure each year, golfers would never want to play Vail Golf Club during the summer months, without this integral part of maintenance.
According to some research, putting greens should have up to 20% of the surface disturbed each year to provide the healthiest environment. Due to the short season we can accomplish about 15% each year, without fall aerification that number would be closer to 10%.
No comments:
Post a Comment