5 reasons why punching holes into your turf is a great idea

. minute read

Not many golfers are thrilled when hearing their favourite course will be aerated shortly before they’re scheduled to play. The general worry is that for a while after aerating shots and bounces could be more unpredictable due to a more irregular soil surface.

Close up of the tines of a Toro ProCore aerator

However, these disruptions are usually short-lived and aeration remains a critical practice to support turf health, with long-term benefits for members that far outweigh the brief inconveniences it may cause.

Let’s see what aeration entails exactly and why it should be a top priority for turfcare professionals.

What is turf aeration?

Aeration is a process that involves punching holes into the turf to improve the circulation of air, water and other important nutrients.

Depending on the type of tines used, it can be distinguished into solid tine aeration – where spiked tines are used to pierce the soil – and core aeration – which uses hollow tines to create wider holes, mechanically removing small plugs of turf.

Soil composition, root-zone needs and general surface condition are other essential factors to consider. For instance, you might want to switch from standard tines to deep tine aeration to break through extensive layers of compacted soil. 

5 reasons for aeration

From reducing soil compaction or thatch buildup to supporting root development, improving natural soil aeration provides a wealth of compelling benefits.

Here’s a quick overview of how the aeration process can positively impact the turf.

Relieved soil compaction

The weight of footfall, players and maintenance machinery can compress the turf over time and cause compacted soil, preventing the grass roots from getting enough air and water.

A well-executed aeration initiative can solve this issue, punching holes into the ground to provide soil compaction relief and reduce turf density.

Enhanced thatch breakdown

Thatch is a layer of organic material that accumulates between soil and grass blades. When it becomes too thick, it can reduce sunlight exposure and limit the circulation of water and other important nutrients, starving the grass roots.

Turf aeration solves this problem by piercing the thatch layer and promoting microbial growth – a process that breaks down the organic material into beneficial components and accelerates the decomposition of thatch.

Stronger turfgrass roots

Aeration can also be extremely useful to support deeper root growth, ultimately enhancing the resilience and strength of your grass.

This is due to the increased amount of nutrients and oxygen reaching plant roots after turf aeration, which leads to an energy surplus and faster growth.

Improved air exchange and enhanced soil-water uptake

By reducing soil compaction and breaking down thatch, aeration makes sure that air, water and nutrients of all kinds can feed even the deepest roots, strengthening the overall health of your grass.

In addition, the process can significantly improve drainage and mitigate the risk of waterlogged turf or drowned roots.

Simplified pest control

When grass roots grow deep and healthy, the whole turf surface is more resilient and can more easily withstand pests and diseases without the need for artificial products.

By taking good care of your grass with well-timed aeration initiatives, you’ll be able to shift the focus on prevention and minimise the use of chemicals for the protection of turf.

What type of aeration is right for you?

The answer will likely be both types. Hollow tine and solid tine aeration carry out different but equally important functions that should be part of a comprehensive turfcare plan.

For instance, hollow tine aeration is highly effective against compacted soils and thick thatch but can be disruptive and weaken turf if not carefully planned. In contrast, while solid tine aeration has a moderate impact on compaction and thatch compared to hollow tines, it promotes faster turf recovery and return to play.

And since soil and turf conditions can vary significantly even within a single golf course or pitch, understanding the benefits of both techniques will help you select the right aeration method for any situation.

When is the best time to aerate?

It depends mostly on the type of aeration we’re considering.

While solid tine aeration can be performed more frequently throughout the year, hollow tine aeration should only happen a few times.

And because the latter can be so tough on the turf, removing a portion of its root mass, hollow tine aeration should be planned only when the turf is growing and in the best position to recover quickly.

For cool-season grasses, this will happen during the spring and autumn; for warm-season species, instead, it will be in the late spring and early autumn.

Additional practices to support turf aeration

Despite the compelling benefits described above, your annual aeration initiatives can become even more effective with the addition of a few simple practices – for instance, applying nitrogen-rich fertiliser, topdressing or overseeding after aeration.

Topdressing, in particular, involves spreading a mix of sand, soil and loam over the recently aerated turf surface. Beyond enhancing appearance and aiding with drainage, these materials level uneven surfaces, making it easier to sow new grass while promoting healthier growth.

Last but not least, topdressing helps dilute thatch layers, preventing buildup and supporting natural decomposition.

What’s the best equipment for aeration?

When it comes to turfcare aeration machinery and equipment, Toro continues to raise the bar for quality and innovation, with a bustling R&D team that is always working on perfecting the brand’s parts and machines.

In particular, Toro Titan tines are the first step to achieving remarkable aeration results. They are designed to last up to four times longer than normal tines while also minimising turf damage and improving nutrient intake with the cleanest cut holes.

When it comes to aerators, instead, the choice will have to reflect your unique situation. Given the way aeration equipment affects and supports turfcare initiatives, a machine like the Toro ProCore 648s – with new controls for superior ergonomics and single-handed operation – would be best for pedestrian aeration.

On the other hand, the Toro ProCore 1298 is a great option if you need to cover a vast area in little time, thanks to an impressive 249cm aeration width built for maximum productivity across a broad range of hole spacings.

Is versatility and deep aeration important to you? Then, the Toro ProCore SR72 could be the perfect addition to your team. This machine is light enough to be used on greens and can perform a wide range of aeration tasks up to depths of 40cm.

And for core collection, the Nordic Plow Core Solution can be an excellent choice that guarantees flexibility and ease of use. Designed for both golf courses and sports surfaces, this attachment fits perfectly onto pedestrian aeration machines and helps you remove cores from a playing surface in minutes.

From tines to machines and turfcare techniques, there’s a lot that goes into identifying your unique aeration needs. Discover how Reesink can help you find the right aeration equipment for your situation by calling 01480 226800, emailing info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visiting reesinkturfcare.co.uk.