What is Aeration? Aeration is a type of soil cultivation that produces small hole in the soil surface as a means of relieving compaction. Typically twice a year first in spring and second in fall we punch with a 1/2" diameter tine that removes a small plug from the green surface.
What are the benefits? By "loosening up" the compacted soil, the movement of air and water are improved and root growth therefore gets a huge boost. In addition to providing more space for roots to grow and more air and water to keep them alive, aeration and sanding improve surface firmness and also address water movement and drainage problems. These all contribute to improved turf quality, appearance, and playability.
Here is a few pictures of the process of aerifaction at the club.
Notice at the bottom the aggressive verticutting, later after the holes top dressed with heavy amounts of sand. We hope that mother nature cooperates with the grow in of the holes from coring in a timely matter. Give it a few weeks and they will back to firm and fast!
