Green drainage cleanout

This week we conducted our semi-annual check/cleaning of the drainage pipes beneath the greens.  Below is a brief video detailing the process.  This is a crucial step in keeping the infrastructure of our greens working properly.

 

Needle tining Thursday morning...

Early Thursday morning your maintenance staff began aerifying the Bear course greens.  During our summer course closings we use hollow tines that remove plugs of grass/soil.  This time of year we use solid (AKA needle) tines with a diameter of 8 millimeters.  We poke these small holes and mow/roll the greens behind to smooth the surface.  This process provides HUGE plant health benefits and is a key part of our agronomic strategy during our busy winter season.  The small holes are approximately 5 1/2" deep and allow oxygen to easily get to our roots.  Many factors inhibit the root's ability to get oxygen this time of year, including compaction, excess moisture and salt buildup.