Organic matter management is critical to provide healthy turf and good playing conditions. Hot weather and moisture extremes this season illustrated what can happen to turf if organic matter is not properly managed. The southern portion of the region has seen plentiful rain whereas areas in the northern part of the region recently entered a severe drought. Whether you have received a lot of rain or it’s been dry, it has been a hot summer throughout the region, and turf loss was quite common in areas of the course with excessive organic matter.

The ideal timing of core aeration is a hot topic and often becomes controversial when agronomic principles clash with the golf calendar. Due to state-mandated golf course closures this spring, many facilities are contemplating pushing fall aeration off to later in the year to give golfers more time to enjoy great playing surfaces. For some, this is a great idea and will not result in any major consequences. For others, aeration cannot come soon enough.

Below are several factors to consider regarding the timing of core aeration this year.

Current condition of turf health: Many facilities suffered varying degrees of turf loss or decline this year. If turf has declined, especially if it declined in large quantities, aeration should not be delayed. The aeration process offers a great opportunity to reestablish turf and give it a break from aggressive maintenance practices. 

Recovery time: Aerating later in fall – i.e., mid-October or later - will significantly delay the recovery process. For many courses, aerating at this time means the greens will not recover until the following spring. 

Current organic matter content: If organic matter levels are higher than desired or if they were a contributing factor to turf decline this year, consider aerating in late summer AND later in the fall. An additional aeration treatment can expedite the organic matter removal and improvement process.

Winter injury: There are several factors that influence the likelihood of winter injury, but if aeration occurs later in the season and aeration holes do not heal, there is a greater likelihood for desiccation injury. Courses with open, windswept sites should be especially cautious. 

Courses that have committed to sound cultural practices for many years are in a position to consider moving aeration later into the season this year to give golfers a few more weeks of great conditions. For many, this change would be temporary and may come with risks depending upon location. To discuss aeration timing in more detail, contact your regional USGA agronomist.