Sand topdressing is a common cultural practice on putting greens in our region. During the growing season, sand is applied to backfill core aeration holes to dilute organic matter and improve the rootzone matrix. Sand also is applied to putting surfaces to improve surface smoothness and to dilute thatch in the upper turf canopy. Large quantities of sand are applied to putting greens during the summer months while the turf is actively growing. Turf growth decreases significantly at this time of year; but it is recommended to apply light sand topdressings to putting greens during the winter season as well.

There are different types of sand applied to putting greens in our region, and it is recommended to apply sand that is a similar particle size as the existing putting green rootzone. Most standard sands meet USGA recommendations for putting green rootzones, but there are higher quality, or "medium" sands available that contain fewer medium-coarse to coarse particles.

Incorporating standard topdressing sand can be difficult during the winter season as the turf grows rather slowly. This is especially true for ultradwarf bermudagrasses with their increased shoot density. As a result, much of the sand is picked up by mowers, dulling them in the process. Also, unless sand is stored in a covered area, it becomes moist and is difficult to apply. Medium sands are often purchased dry in bagged form and applied lightly during the winter season by hand.

Dry, bagged sand is rather expensive and a less costly alternative is to store sand in a silo. Sand is delivered to the silos by trucks with pneumatic pumps. Not only do these silos keep the sand dry, but they improve operator safety and efficiency, as they directly deliver sand into topdressers or small utility vehicles.

While medium sands can be applied to putting surfaces during the winter months, it is recommended to utilize standard topdressing sand for back-filling aeration holes during the summer months. This will maintain good soil physics (percolation, porosity, moisture) within the rootzone and encourage healthy turf.

Source: Todd Lowe, tlowe@usga.org or 941-828-2625