It is funny, every year right around aerification time I usually get asked the question, "So, are you guys excited to aerify greens?" as if we eagerly count down the days until we are able to go and punch a billion holes in the greens and bury them in sand. The truth is, no, I do not get my jollies from this contrary to popular belief. It is kind of like going to the dentist every six months for your cleaning; you know it is good for you so you do it but you do not necessairly look forward to it.
In terms of grass, this translates to: we do it because it is a necessary cultural practice to maintain healthy grass and promote good playing surfaces. The process is a lot of work and stress on myself and the crew but let me tell you, when all is said and done it feels GREAT! This year's weather for greens aerification was fantastic (aside from Tuesday's constant fog/mist), we had the dry days that we needed to get the sand into the holes, pulled a great plug, nothing broke down and the crew worked hard and did a fantastic job!
Here is a great two minute video from the USGA that gives a little bit more detail on the aeration process along with a few pictures from our own aerification.
Aerification Plugs pulled from the putting green
Beautiful morning for punching! This was what the weather was like on Monday.
Blowing the sand into the holes in difficult foggy weather on Tuesday.
The sun came back on Wednesday and helped us (dry sand goes into holes better!) and helped us finish up!
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