Importance of aeration for golf courses
Golf course aeration is the annual practice of punching small holes into the turf. Aeration is meant to provide more room for grassroots to grow and keep the common Bermuda grass turf healthy. Golf course groundskeepers consider
aeration a necessary practice for healthy turf. These holes allow fresh air to get underneath the green and allows excess soil water to evaporate.
The Process
The Process of aeration is actually quite simple. Large mechanical aerators are available for the job. They can be hitched to the back of a tractor or truck and guided across the turf for even aeration. As the machine passes over the grass, the machine punches holes in the ground while simultaneously removing the dirt (also called plugs). Water and air are then infused, and new space is made for the growth of new roots. After the initial aeration process, the holes are then “topdressed”, or plugged with sand. After this process, the grass is left alone. The topdressing eventually disappears with watering. All in all, it takes a week for the turf to get back to normal.Why Aerate Golf Courses?
Though it isn’t a popular process among golfers or golf course owners, aeration is necessary as it keeps the entire course at its healthiest. It’s better to maintain the grass you do have properly, than start from scratch with new common Bermuda grass seeds! Aeration provides:- Loosened soil that was previously packed in by the weight of golfers, golf carts, and other machines.
- More room for roots to grow, which is especially important for grass with wide-set roots – one of the characteristics of common Bermuda grass, which is frequently used for golf turf.
- More deeply rooted, stable grass for a healthier overall putting surface.