Aerification

Does Turf Really Grow In “Dirt”?

The real truth of the matter is NO! Simply put, root systems grow in the air space and water of the soil, not the mineral content. Healthy turf needs to breathe. So how can we allow hundreds, maybe even thousands of athletes walk, run, jump, march, slide, and dive on a turf field (in all weather conditions) and expect it to survive under such compaction…

WHEN SHOULD I AERIFY? – WHEN YOU NEED IT!

As a general rule of thumb, you can’t aerify enough; especially around high-impact areas like goal mouths or between the hash marks.

4 BASIC METHODS OF AERIFYING

• Solid tine and slit affects the upper 2 to 3 inches by poking or slicing an air pocket into the soil and upper root zone. Compaction is alleviated and air and water is introduced. Effects are short-term and subsoils remain unaffected.
• Core tine affects the upper 2 to 3 inches by punching and removing a core of soil. Long-term effects can be expected but subsoil is unaffected.
• Solid vibratory tine affects the upper 3 to 5 inches and fractures the upper soils. Long-term effects can be expected but subsoil remains unaffected.
• Deep tine and drilling affects 7 to 12 inches and introduces air and water to the entire growing profile and fractures deep hard pan soils. This method improves drainage and has long term results.