Articles
End of Season Maintenance or how ATT are doing their bit for the Greenkeeper (and even a wee bit for the Golfer!)
Posted 19/06/2008
The standard of today’s greenkeeping has never been higher. The increased sophistication of the greenkeeper has in part been driven by the higher demanding golfer’s aspirations for better conditions. These increasing customer demands results in a more competitive commercial environment as the golfer searches for courses that fulfil their growing expectations. The net result is that proprietors of courses are less forgiving of poor conditions in general and also of essential maintenance procedures that affect income. The private members golf course is also no longer immune to this state of affairs as members are no longer required to pay hefty entrance fees to join other clubs and waiting lists are no longer the norm.
The greens on golf courses are the most affected by this scenario of increasing customer demand and the golf clubs unwillingness to allow essential maintenance to be performed. Greens may equate to the smallest of the playing surface areas on the course but, by a long way they enjoy the majority of the greenkeepers time on preservation. So how does the greenkeeper square this challenging circle?
One of the main issues encountered when managing greens is, that by definition the input/output ratio of nutrient is skewed in favour of excessive thatch accumulation (biomass). Greens with minimum thatch are testimony to the greenkeepers ability to balance many factors including fertility input, PH management, soil bacterial preservation and general day-to-day decisions on greens management such as manipulating heights of cut and frequency of top-dressings etc. However, even the best greenkeepers can’t always influence the demands of play, a competitive golfing calendar and inclement weather and so some of those decisions that he would like to take to balance his greens management are not available. This is why sometimes remedial maintenance is necessary. Traditionally this has been performed towards the end of the season while ensuring growing conditions are favourable for recovery.
Remedial mechanical maintenance procedures can take many forms and most are geared towards the removal of thatch. One of the best methods of thatch reduction is performed through linear aerification (see scarifier below). A little thatch is actually beneficial and many articles on the subject offer that somewhere between 5 – 10mm is considered optimum. Whether you agree with these tolerances or not, it is true to say that the greenkeeper is either frequently manipulating thatch levels through maintenance or attempting to reduce them.
The rate of thatch accumulation on greens differs between courses dependent on many variables alluded to previously. A good rule of thumb is to expect an annual accumulation of approx. 20% year-on-year if minimal cultural management is in place. Therefore some form of thatch management is essential for the preservation of soil conditions able to provide healthy grass growth.
The secret to pleasing the golfer/proprietor and maintaining thatch levels is a combination approach of frequent minimal invasive management and the odd supplementary more aggressive aeration if required. Thatch management tools offered by ATT to help the greenkeeper keep his greens in the best possible shape while pleasing the club and the golfer are offered below:
Sarel Roller Continual rolling when cutting and the effects of air-born silt will create surface sealing on fine turf. This can lead to decreased infiltration rates and a reduction in gas exchange between the atmosphere and the rootzone upper horizon. Regular use of the ATT Sarel roller prevents surface sealing with minimal surface disruption. An excellent tool for use after top-dressing to help integrate the sand into the turf canopy. Can be used up to 1” depth
Star Spiker ATT Star Spiker is an alternative method of reducing surface sealing but uses the same principles as the Sarel roller. For those Turf Managers who prefer an elongated form as opposed to a circular pattern this spiker is for you. Can be used with the triplex operating at transport speed making it a fast and cost effective aerator. Great for increasing surface soil temperature at the start of the season and helps bring turf out of dormancy sooner.
Ultra Groomer With over 80 1.3mm tungsten carbide tipped blades spaced at only 0.2” apart, this cassette ensures greens turf is maintained in the best possible condition. With regular use it is the pre-eminent solution to help minimize puffiness in both high density creeping bent and Poa thereby reducing the scalping and foot-printing that can plagues these grasses. It will remove unsightly seed heads in Poa annua turf with minimal fuss. On newly established greens it can help reduce the ingress of Poa annua by “grabbing” individual Poa plants before they get a chance to take hold.
Thatchmaster Verti-cutter The ATT Thatchmaster Cassette is used to prevent thatch accumulation and cut through stolons and rhizomes in fine turf. Regular use of the Thatchmaster Cassette will improve surface texture especially when used in conjunction with light top-dressing. The 2mm tungsten carbide tipped blades are spaced at 0.4” centers.
Scarifier Deeper removal of accumulated thatch can be performed with the TMSystem® Scarifier. Although this cassette is fantastic at removing very large levels of biomass up to 15mm deep, recovery is rapid with no noticeable affect after only a couple of days.
Because the TMSystem® scarifier is powered by your greens triple the debris is collected, contours are followed and no tyre marks are visible!
The brush spacers ensure thorough clean-up and effective throwing of the removed thatch into the grass catchers. Consecutive use in multiple directions will still result in minimal surface disruption. Perfect for End of season maintenance!
So, to manipulate the immediate surface of greens or to aid the dilution of thatch with top-dressings or undertake even large levels of biomass removal the ATT solution offers you the best possible chance of success. Call us and demand a demo – what do you have to lose…except some thatch!!
If you would like to discuss any of the above in more detail then please feel free to contact us Toll Free on:
866-550-8785