Verticutting

Verticutting is a process to remove thatch. At Milton, Mike prefers hollow tine coring to perform this function. Subsequently, we use verticutting to thin grass by cutting the bent grass tillers. (Mike says that "Tillers" are Bent-Grass shoots). This results in the grass standing up and produces a smoother playing surface.

The Bannerman verticutter is a single drive machine (everything running at once). This requires the operator to depress the drive bar on the push handle when starting the equipment. Always start the verticutter when ON THE GREEN. The Honda engine starts like all other Honda engines. Set the throttle to full and close the choke. Once running, open the choke.

The blades are turning, so gently lower the unit to the ground. Do a short run to gauge the depth of cut. For normal maintenance during summer months we till just at the soil surface. There should be no major debris being removed. If the grass is wet make sure the wheel scrubbers are removing the grass which will collect on the wheels, otherwise the cut will be raised. Proper operation for this procedure allows the machine to just self-propel with a minimum amount of pushing.

Cutting height adjustments are fine and calibrated by counting the screw thread numbers as the setting. Tighten the lock wing nuts or vibration will loosen the set screws.

Aggressive verticutting if necessary is typically done in the fall after bowling has stopped.

Spike aeration

Spike aeration is a mechanical procedure that reduces compaction and allows air to reach the plant roots. The aerator makes 2-3-inch-deep slits that penetrate the soil layer. Typically, this treatment is performed just prior to a granular fertilizer application.

The aerator is towed by a garden tractor and weighted with two twenty-pound cement blocks. It is beneficial to have the green slightly moist to avoid pulling up dirt patches. Often, we do a double run over the heads from mid-Summer to Fall since these areas are heavily compacted due to use.

Hollow tine coring

This is Mike’s preferred method of dealing with thatch. Presently we core only in the fall after play has stopped. The coring has been contracted out to Guaranteed Greens for over twenty years. The tines are ¾ inch diameter and remove a plug about 3 inches long. If the green presents with heavy thatch this procedure should be done at least three time a year until the issue is resolved. After coring, the green is top dressed using washed Hutchinson’s, bunker sand. The top dress application is heavy and dragged in with a nine by nine-foot steel mat towed with the garden tractor.

 Photos to come in the fall.