River Bend Verticut Program

As many of the River Bend patrons have noticed, their has been a delayed start time to the tee sheet on Tuesday mornings this year.  The reason for this is to allow grounds staff the opportunity to conduct necessary cultural practices to the greens.  The weekly verticut/topdress program introduced this season was implemented to help improve the turf quality of the aging greens on the property.  The first and most important aspect fo the golf experience is the putting surface.  The nemesis of all putting greens is organic matter (thatch).  Thatch is naturally produced by all grass species and if not kept in check, can severley decrease the turf quality.  Thatch is composed of excess stem and leaf tissue at different stages of decomostion between the turf canopy (playing surface) and the rootzone (soil).

The primary grass species on River Bend's greens are Creeping Bentgrass (Agrostis stoloniferia) and Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua) which are very high thatch producers.  Excessive thatch can lead to spongy putting surfaces which in turn decreases the overall quality of ball roll.  This sponge will bind up water and fertilizer  inhibiting its ability to reach the soil surface.  Thatch is also a host for many plant pathogens to live and develop.  High thatch levels therefore increase the likelihood of localized dry spot, poor nutrient uptake, and disease pressure.  In order to maintain a CONSISTENT and TRUE putting surface, organic matter (thatch) must be managed.

Verticutting is the physical removal of thatch. This process rips out the unwanted thatch creating voids for air, water, and nutrient movement. It also provides space to dilute the layer with sand topdressing. Sand helps break down thatch as well as produces a firm, consistent, true putting surface. Below are some photos of the process taking place on a Tuesday morning at River Bend.

Verticutting Machine

 

Result following verticutting

Sand topdressing following verticutting

Drag brush to move sand into the thatch layer

We are already seeing significant improvements in our turf quality as a result of this process.  By continuing our cultural practice schedule we will undoubtebly promote better turf health.  The resulting stronger plants will provide a more consistent putting surfaces throughout the property as well as improve our chances of wintering well.