Spring Aerification: Round Two

This is the process for aerification this spring on the regulation course.  We experimented with a new tine that is called a cross tine, rather than the traditional circle tine it is shaped like a "+".  Overall diameter of the tine is 1/2", however the the center of the hole is barely the size of a golf pencil, leaving hardly any surface disruption.   One problem we ran into was that these tines mounted on our  machines were not long enough to achieve the depth we wanted, so the mechanic made some new height adjusters since the stock ones were maxed out.  Once this was completed, the operation ran smoother and we saw great results thus exceeding our expectations.  After completing the process, the resulting playing surface was more than playable and healing times were very quick getting us back  to the quality everyone expects out at Jester Park.

This picture shows the stock height adjuster on the left, and the new custom made adjuster and height spacers on the right.  By making this, we are able to adjust more, and also return to stock at any given time.  

Here is a look at a cross tine, notice that the overall surface area will be equal to a 1/2" circle, however the surface disruption is much less.

We start the process by first applying a layer of top dressing sand, then the aerifiers poke the holes.  The vibration from the machine helps work the sand into the canopy, requiring less work by the drag brush.

After aerating the greens, a drag mat is used to further drag in the sand, following by a mower with brushes installed instead of blades to help pick up heavy areas and larger debris, and finally the greens are rolled (pictured here) to give a smooth surface for play at the end.