There has been a shift in the golf course maintenance industry away from large-diameter hollow-tine aeration, especially on cool-season greens. Consequently, needle-tine aeration is becoming more popular. For needle-tine aeration, the aerator is equipped with small-diameter pencil-sized solid tines. This practice may also be referred to as venting. With less emphasis on large-diameter core aeration, there is a greater need to conduct needle-tine aeration more often. So, when is the best time to needle tine? Any time the grass is growing! For cool-season grass in the West, that pretty much means courses can conduct needle-tine aeration 10 to 12 months out of the year. Many superintendents will vent their greens every two to four weeks.
Needle-tine aeration is an excellent practice for a number of reasons. It increases the rate at which water penetrates the surface of the greens, decreases compaction and helps drive roots deeper into the soil profile. This is especially helpful when there are layers present in the upper rootzone that may limit water movement and root development.
Additionally, needle-tine aeration is minimally disruptive to the surface characteristics of the putting green. Mowing and rolling often follow a needle-tine event, and golfers usually do not recognize the small holes created by the tines – even later the same day. From a playability perspective, needle-tine aeration temporarily increases the receptiveness of putting greens.
On USGA Course Consulting Service visits, I have used the GS3 smart ball to quantify the increased receptiveness of putting greens immediately after needle-tine aeration. For many golfers, being able to hold greens a little easier brings a smile to their face. The increased receptiveness of the greens is temporary and typically lasts two to three weeks.
Before performing needle-tine aeration at your course, communicate to the golf shop staff and golfers the benefits of this practice and what to expect in terms of playability after it is complete. If you would like to discuss this in greater detail, reach out to your regional USGA agronomist.
West Region Agronomists:
Brian Whitlark, regional director – bwhitlark@usga.org
Cory Isom, senior consulting agronomist – cisom@usga.org