11/02/2026
Why Aerify Greens?
Here at Big Run, we recently completed our fall core aerification. For golfers, this process means temporarily bumpier greens and less than ideal putting conditions. However, for the long-term health of our turf, aerification is one of the most important maintenance practices we perform.
Why is it important?
Core aerification provides several benefits to the health and quality of our putting greens. This process helps remove excessive thatch and organic matter that can build up over time. It also relieves soil compaction, improves air and water movement throughout the soil profile, and creates a healthier environment for root development. These benefits encourage stronger, deeper roots and help our greens better withstand environmental stresses.
While aerification can negatively affect putting conditions in the short term, it is an important investment in the long term health, quality, and consistency of our greens. Sometimes, making our greens better means temporarily making them worse!
The Steps of Our Aerification Process
1. Removing Morning Dew
We begin by rolling the greens to remove morning dew. This helps provide a cleaner, more consistent surface for aerification and helps reduce excess moisture during the process.
2. Core Aerification Next
We use our Toro ProCore 648 to punch 5/8 inch diameter holes throughout the putting greens, pulling small soil cores from the surface. This opens up the soil profile and helps relieve compaction.
3. Core Cleanup Once aerification is complete
We clean up and remove the soil cores from the putting surface. This removes the plugs containing accumulated organic matter.
4. Sand Topdressing
Finally, we apply sand topdressing to the greens to help fill the aerification holes. This helps improve the soil profile, dilute organic matter, and create better growing conditions for the turf.
We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding during this process. Although the short term playing conditions may not be ideal, these practices are essential to maintaining healthy, high quality putting greens for the long run!
