Here is a pic of a plug out of the first green. We don't have the best soil structure or the least amount of thatch, but we do try and improve our soils as much as we can. Through aerification and topdressing. Notice the rooting out of the bottom of the plug, dropping down a good 6 to 8". These roots followed a deep tine channel we created this spring. We are seeing more and more roots like these this season, which is a good thing. Hopefully the goal is to have enough roots to get us through the heat of the summer. High temperatures, nematodes, disease, low heights of cut and saturated soils all lead to less roots. After last seasons rains I knew I needed to make some changes to my management approach. I won't bother you with all details, but let's just say everything from watering, fungicides, aerification and mowing have all been revamped in order to produce better conditions. So far what I'm seeing is much better results. The greens are faster, firmer and have better rooting depth.
Jeremy Stachowicz
Course Superintendent
Wahconah Country Club
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