How Do You Spell Relief? Greens Venting

Greens Vented Today

The continued wet weather contributes to compaction on our putting surfaces resulting in a lack of oxygen and destructive gasses such as methane and CO2 that can build up in the root zone compromising the overall health of the turf.

Today we will be carrying out the process of 'venting' using 3/8" cross tines at 3" depth on 2-3" spacing.  Venting allows the bad gasses to escape and oxygen to penetrate the root zone. It also improves drainage and penetration of water. By reducing water, increasing oxygen, and allowing bad gasses to escape the soil microbes become more active, roots thrive, and overall plant health improves. The turf will be much stronger to heal traffic damage and fend off disease pressure. All with minimal golfer interference!  After a quick roll you will hardly know the process was completed!

3/8" Cross Tine Used In Venting Process

We will also be incorporating some more Creeping bentgrass seed, and Renovate Plus soil amendment to some of the more stressed areas.  By working these materials into the holes made by the venting process will aid in further recovery and promote hardier turf going forward in some of the areas dominated by poa annua.

This morning, the fairways were sprayed with Primo Maxx growth regulator mixed along with Triton fungicide to ward off turf diseases dollar spot and anthracnose.  Some foliar fertilizer was included in the mix to maintain nutrition levels and encourage plant health.

Fairways sprayed this morning

The tees were cut and the bunkers were all hard raked to loosen up any compacted sand after the rains late last week.  More sand will be added to the bunkers later today.

Today will be sunny with a high of 30 degrees.  So remember your sun screen, drink lots of water and enjoy the summer heat!