Verti Quaking Fairways (Deep tine aeration)

There are numerous different types of aeration machines available which can be employed to provide many benefits.  In general, the objectives of soil cultivation are: 

• Modify (increase) soil pore size to allow more rapid water infiltration and movement through the soil. 
• Bypass any pore-size discontinuities in the upper soil profile that hinder water movement through the soil profile. 
• Increase oxygen in the upper soil root zone to increase organic matter decomposition (reduction of thatch). 
• With topdressing, cultivation allows for the mixing and blending of topdressed material with initial soil. Distinct layers in soil leads to water movement problems. Cultivation allows for the gradual mixing of materials.

The Verti-Quake is a rotary aerator that decompacts the soil using a set of rotating steel blades. As these blades cut cleanly through the soil, they create a wave action that shatters compacted areas and opens up the subsoil. The Verti-Quake can work at depths up to 15” with little or no surface disruption.

Illustration of how the machine shatters and decompacts the soil
with its offset blades that create a wave motion.

Approximate working depth is 6.5" to 7".  Depth will be increased with each application.

Facts about Frost on Turfgrass

Frost is an interesting process that occurs on clear, cold nights.  Frost forms when the turfgrass plants re-radiate or give heat off to the atmosphere (exothermic) causing a “cooling” effect of the turfgrass leaves.  If the leaf temperature is lower (cooler) than the air temperature, then moisture from the atmosphere will condense on the turfgrass leaf (dew).  Frost then forms when the temperature of the leaf drops below freezing (32 F) and the water on leaf freezes.  Frost will occur even if the air temperature is slightly above freezing.

Frost formation on turfgrass leaves

Frost that has crystallized on the grass makes it hard and brittle. A grass blade is actually 90 percent water, therefore it also freezes. Because of the short mowing height (sometimes as low as 1/8 inch) and fragile nature of the turf, putting greens are most affected by frost. Walking on frost-covered greens causes the plant to break and cell walls to rupture, thereby losing its ability to function normally. When the membrane is broken, much like an egg, it cannot be put back together.  Frost does not cause damage to the turfgrass itself, but rather turfgrass damage occurs when traffic occurs on these frost affected areas.  The turfgrass damage is normally superficial.  This is not to say that traffic should be allowed on frost affected turfgrass.  Initially, the symptoms will appear as a purplish to black coloration of the leaves progressing to a brownish “straw” color.  If the traffic is concentrated and damage occurs to the turfgrass crown, then recovery may not occur.

Another important factor to keep in mind is that a foursome of golfers typically takes several hundred steps on each green.  By allowing even a few golfers to play when frost is present can be very damaging to the greens as well as other turfgrass areas on the golf course.  So, frost delays are a requirement to protect the turfgrass and its health.

Foot traffic from one foursome of golfers on a golf green

U.S. Drought Monitor - Northeast RCC

24 Month departure from normal precipitation. 12 to 16 deficit.

Finally A Light - But Don't Get Caught Staring

October 21, 2016 By Elliott L. Dowling, agronomist, Northeast Region

Shade limits the ability of plants to harden off and store energy before winter. Removing trees now will reduce your chances of severe winter injury.

Finally the weather has cooled down and some rain has fallen throughout the Northeast. In fact, some courses have already experienced frost. The first frost is an excellent reminder that winter is coming and preparations should begin if they have not already. Winter injury is a complex problem that can be caused by multiple factors. Even though fall is project season, make time to implement the following winter preparation strategies:

• Raise heights of cut—Whether you are managing bentgrass, Poa annua or bermudagrass, raising the height of cut on putting greens and fairways can help reduce the risk of winter injury. More leaf surface increases the ability of plants to capture and store carbohydrates, which is critical for winter survival.
• Tree removal and leaf cleanup—Trees are often examined and discussed during summer because of the turf stress they create by blocking morning sunlight and air movement. It is also important to consider their fall and winter shade patterns. Fall sunlight is critical for the hardening-off process. The sun angle is much lower at this time of year than during summer. Consequently, trees that are not a problem during summer may now be causing issues. Plants that do not sufficiently harden off before winter are more susceptible to winter injury. Trees also create maintenance headaches when their leaves drop, necessitating leaf cleanup. Leaves are just one of many tree-related issues among the hidden cost of trees that often are not considered.
• Nutrients—Nutrient applications, or the ratio of nutrients, should shift away from a nitrogen-based regime to one consisting of more phosphorus and potassium. Research indicates that 50 to 100 parts per million of soil potassium can reduce the likelihood of winter injury. The same research indicates that insufficient potassium levels can enhance winter injury. However, there is no evidence that a surplus of potassium helps prevent winter injury.
• Traffic—Traffic is always a concern on golf courses because of the added stress on turf. Pay attention to traffic management during fall because plants that are stressed by consistent traffic may not recover before winter. Turf that enters winter stressed is more susceptible to winter injury. A policy of limited cart use, or cart-path–only policies, may be necessary depending on turf health. This is especially true of bermudagrass turf areas. Bermudagrass is not actively growing in much of the Northeast; therefore, it cannot withstand traffic.

The Fallout From The 2016 Season Will Be Felt For Years

October 6, 2016 By David Oatis, regional director, Northeast Region

A summer patch infection in Kentucky bluegrass rough (left) often results in encroachment of creeping bentgrass (right).

Recent cooler temperatures have been a welcomed relief for turf managers, golfers and cool-season turf, which now is rebounding due to shorter days and cooler nights. However, turf recovery may take a while at some courses. It has been a difficult year and few courses escaped the season unscathed. Throughout the Northeast Region turf was damaged by drought, excessive moisture, disease and insects. Perhaps most noticeably, weed invasion at many courses hit an all-time high this year. As you review the season and evaluate what worked and what didn’t, consider the following:

• This year’s drought identified irrigation coverage problems at many courses. It has also proven that every course should have a drought emergency plan.
• Weed populations exploded as a result of temperature and moisture extremes throughout the Northeast Region. The best defense against weed invasion is to maintain dense, healthy turf. Unfortunately, the extreme conditions meant that few courses were able to maintain turf density this year. The resulting weed outbreaks helped replenish the bank of weed seed in the soil. It may take several years of intensive management to get weeds back under control.
  • Annual bluegrass, creeping bentgrass, and bermudagrass can be desired species or difficult weed problems, depending on one’s perspective.
  • Annual bluegrass struggled this year due to high temperatures and disease pressure.
  • The high temperatures and abundant sunlight helped bermudagrass perform exceedingly well, which is excellent if it is your desired species. However, where bermudagrass is considered a weed, the favorable weather this year created more management challenges for the future.
  • Bentgrass populations increased at many courses – a welcomed sight on many greens, tees and fairways. However, bentgrass populations also increased in roughs, where it is not desirable. Summer patch infections in Kentucky bluegrass opened the door for bentgrass populations to establish or spread. If summer patch caused significant issues, it may be time to switch to a turf-type tall fescue. Turf-type tall fescue is not a perfect species, but it handles warm soil temperatures and drought better than Kentucky bluegrass and it is not susceptible to summer patch. In the meantime, implement an aggressive bentgrass control program in any rough areas that have experienced bentgrass encroachment.
• Trees also suffer from drought. The effects of drought on tree populations will be felt for several years. Many trees already have failed and more will fail in the future as a result of this year’s drought. Young trees and trees with vascular problems caused by bacterial pathogens, insect damage, girdling roots or impaired root growth will be most affected. Evaluate options carefully:
  • Weak trees that have been further stressed by drought may never recover – removal may be the best option.
  • Not all failed trees should be replaced. Wait one full year before making a decision about replacing a tree. During that time, evaluate the loss and give golfers time to become accustomed to a more open environment.
• Beware of late season anthracnose outbreaks.
• Also, annual bluegrass weevil damage recently has been observed. While annual bluegrass weevil populations may not be high enough to warrant treatment, their presence may explain why anthracnose damage isn’t responding to fungicides.