Here at PDS we will be adding a light frequent topdressing
program into our maintenance schedule. This will be coupled with a light
groom/verticut to create channels for the sand to move into the canopy of the
turf and off the surface to replace the organic matter that was removed after
the verticut. Dragging the sand in after a topdress will also be used to get
the sand down. Another benefit to grooming and dragging is to get the leaf
blade standing more upright for a cleaner cut which in turn will create a
smoother, truer putting surfaced and increased speeds. Another important
cultural practice we will employ will be to needle tine the greens to help with
compaction, drainage and to create air and oxygen exchange pockets for overall
soil health. We will try to stick to a 14-28 day light topdressing throughout
the growing season and during the hotter months we may go to a very light
dusting that will just require a watering cycle to work it down to minimize any
extra traffic and wear and tear on the greens when they are already stressed
from the heat. Not topdressing enough will create layers in the soil profile
that you can actually see and that is the worst thing you can do. This type of
program will result in smooth, firm and uniform putting surface resulting in
increased ball roll distance. Outlined below are some more benefits to light
frequent topdressing:
·
Thatch
management: Like I have mentioned above, the sand is used to dilute and
replace the organic matter that builds up at surface, without verticutting and
topdressing the green will be come soft and spongy and encourage mower scalping
and localized dry spot.
·
Smooth
and firm the surface: Sand is used to replace the voids which exits in the
turf canopy to produce a firm and smooth putting surface. This encourages an
upright growth habit as well.
·
Protect
the crown of the plant: The sand gives the crown of the plant a cushion
from the impact of the ball and protects it from the elements to maintain turf
health and quality. Also allows us to maintain a lower mowing height.
·
Improve
root zone and drainage: Overtime the buildup from sand topdressing will
improve soil physical properties. Since sand drains better than a native soil
it will help keep the water moving through the profile creating a firmer
surface. Sand also resists compaction as well, which is very important with all
the traffic that a putting green receives.
All of these benefits combined will make for a much
healthier turf stand as well as a quality putting surface and a much better
golfing experience.
Clayton McKinley PDS Golf Course Superintendent
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