Spring is approaching and the golf course will soon begin to green up. We're starting to mow the greens again and they're looking good. Then, just as things are really looking great about the 3rd week of March we're going to core-aerify and top-dress the greens! Why do we always do this right when things are really looking good?
The March 4, 2011 issue of the USGA Green Section Record has an excellent article about greens aerifying and why it is necessary. Here is a link to the entire article, with a few excerpts posted below. (Credit to the USGA Green Section Record)
http://turf.lib.msu.edu/gsr/article/bevard-putting-3-4-11.pdf
"Maintaining or even improving the rate water moves into soils is an important part of aeration. The procedure creates channels in the upper portion of the soil profile that allow water to percolate or move into the soil profi le more rapidly. As the term aeration implies, the practice also increases the amount of space available for oxygen (air) to penetrate the soil, which is critical for root growth and, ultimately, plant growth. Improvement in oxygen levels and water infiltration are achieved through the removal of organic matter."
The bottom line is, aeration is performed for the health of the grass and, ultimately, the playability of the putting greens. Greens with less organic matter, properly managed through aeration and other techniques, will be better greens on a season-long basis. Try not to get caught up in the short-term disruption to playability, and focus on the long-term benefits that core aeration programs provide.
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