The Benefits of Turf Aeration

Golf courses in hot climates with high golfer traffic have one thing in common – the important need for gas exchange in the root zone of the greens to improve soil oxygen and eliminate carbon dioxide.

With constant heavy turf use over long periods, the majority of golf courses experience high levels of wear and compaction.

Golf course industry leaders are aware that regular turf aeration is extremely beneficial as part of their long-term maintenance program to ensure a yield of healthier grass and consistent playing conditions. ​

While discerning golfers may not like to see or putt on putting greens punched with holes, it is a temporary measure that they will welcome in the near future. Turf aeration is more important than ever with the demands of sophisticated and educated golfers. Which is better, “seeing holes on the greens occasionally or dealing with a poor putting surface that needs excessive repair or rebuilding?”

The accumulation of organic material that builds up below the putting surface, or thatch, needs to be broken up so that a firm and smooth green can be achieved to avoid greater disruption in the future, and to avoid vulnerability of damage caused by disease and high golfer traffic. If it is allowed to build over a long period of time, the thatch will turn into a dense sponge that eventually traps water near the surface.

This removal of small cores of the putting surface not only improves air movement through the soil but crucially, it also improves drainage.

Some may argue that their greens are in perfect condition and they do not need to do turf aeration often. However, there are more plus than minuses when turf aeration is done consistently every year.

While it may be stressful on the putting green, the process stimulates favourable turf growth and promotes speedier green recovery. There is never a good time to conduct turf aeration, but it has to be carried out to avoid a longer recovery time that may add on turf damage and disrupt a return to normal playing conditions in the long run.

When turf aeration is conducted on putting surfaces, recovery time will vary based on the type of grass species, weather factors, current turf health and most importantly, the size of the aeration holes.

Many industry experts tend to choose a time of aeration when putting surfaces are reasonably healthy and growing well so that the recovery period is shorter.

Scheduling of fertilization of the greens is also a crucial factor, either before or after the aeration process in order for the grass to recover and grow healthily. With data from scientific research and knowledge of the species of grass, superintendents can plan for a less disruptive aeration schedule to avoid the risk of poor putting surfaces, and down time.

Successful aeration is down to the quality and condition of the aerator and tines in use hence it’s vital to ensure the very best equipment and parts are in hand to meet all aeration needs. On that front, the versatile Toro ProCore 648 Walking Aerator as well as the ProCore 864 and 1298 series have made their mark in the industry.

The Toro ProCore 648 uses RotaLink™ geometry so that the tines enter and exit the ground cleanly. TrueCore™ sensing technology automatically maintains the selected tine depth of up to 4 inches, across ground undulations for consistent coring depth.

Furthermore, multiple tine holder options and the flexibility to adjust ground speed to space holes from 1.5 to 3 inches apart produce the exact results needed. What makes the ProCore 648 outstanding is its selection of tines — more than 180 to be exact.

The ProCore 1298 model features a 98 inches aeration swath while the ProCore 864 is identical except that it is 64 inches wide. Easy to operate, the ProCore 864 and 1298 have a balanced configuration that greatly reduces operator fatigue for a productive, efficient aeration experience.

For both core and venting aeration, Toro’s TITAN® Tines are designed for exceptional hole quality and superior durability that lasts up to three times longer than regular tines. The unique TITAN QuickChange™ taper-lock design makes changing tines easier as well.

Toro’s TITAN® Tines last up to four times longer than standard tines, meaning fewer change-outs and replacements for greater productivity. ​

There are more than 150 Toro Titan Tines available that cover every possible aeration applications. Whether for coring, slicing or spiking, hollow, solid or deep-tining, or using water injection cultivation or ‘linear’ aeration, there’s a Titan Tine for course maintenance teams to choose from.

When you buy from Jebsen & Jessen Technology Turf & Irrigation, you get more than just the right solution to address your needs. All products sold by Jebsen & Jessen are backed by warranty and comprehensive service commitment, including preventive maintenance, auditing services, troubleshooting, and additional services—all available to you for the lifetime of the product. To learn more about the benefits of genuine parts and services, visit Parts & Services – Turf and Irrigation (jjsea.com) or contact your local Jebsen & Jessen Representative.