Greens aerification

 Monday, June 24th we performed the unthinkable, the most unloved part of our business. Yes, that means the greens got aerified. This is our second of the three to happen. The next scheduled aerification is in mid-August.
 This particular aerification, we went with a lighter top dressing base just so we could begin mowing the greens quicker than we usually do. in fact, on Wednesday we sent the mower out to start mowing the greens and man did the greens smooth out nicely.
 We also applied .75 pounds of Nitrogen to help in speeding up the recovery. By Wednesday I could already see the greens changing color to a darker green plus I could see where the holes have already began to recover. On Monday July 1st we will top dress again to help us get a smoother putting surface.
 There is a disease present on the greens at this time it is called Fairy Ring. Fairy Ring is extremely difficult to control and also it is extremely expensive to treat. On Thursday June 27th I will be treating these circles and will be watering them in right away. Then in two weeks I will retreat with a second application and then two later I'll retreat a last time. There's $6000.00 sprayed in fungicides in  six weeks, OUCH!
 Overall, feeling good about the aerification, my goal now is to get the greens recovered and get a smooth rolling surface. If, needed additional top dressing will be applied.

Thanks
Willy Plowman
Golf Course Superintendent