AERATION – Is the maintenance practice done routinely on fairways, tees and especially on the greens to reduce soil compaction and to remove organic matter. Aeration, or “coring” is the removal of small cores or plugs of soil with grass from the turf surface, leaving a small hole in the ground. The holes are typically ¼ to ⅝ of an inch on the greens, and ¾ to 1 inch on fairways and tees. The depth and distance apart of the holes varies according to the machine used and other factors. Most traditional aerators for greens penetrate 3 to 4 inches and the holes are spaced 2 inches by 2 inches apart. Aeration allows better penetration of air, water, and fertilizer into the root zone of the grasses. Although the surface is temporarily disrupted and a little bumpy, due to the holes, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages from it. Sometime a top dressing of sand is also added into the holes to replace the soil removed and to improve the root zone conditions for the turf grass.
Note: We recommend that golfers always call the golf courses they are interested in playing, and ask them for their plans for any maintenance work scheduled during the time frame when they will be visiting.