subject: Why Using Drill And Fill Aerification Is The Best Solution [print this page] The method of drill and fill aerification could not be more different from that of the old fashioned aeration process. Using the drill and fill technique, the soil is actually changed. The soil is removed and helpful nutrients are put in its place. The process gets rid of the harmful gases stuck in the ground, increases root depths and stimulates root growth.
The soil removed can be replaced with any number of blended nutrients depending on the needs of the green. By using the dry material, the hole can be filled completely. There will be no sinking of the green and a clean cover is in its place. Once the process is completed, play can immediately resume.
Drill and fill aerification relieves compaction of the subsoil, improves air exchange and drainage, and provides a faster healing time. With more conventional aerators, only the top portion of the green is removed in grass plugs. This causes damage to the surface of the green, a lengthy healing process, and a very labor intensive clean-up. Play on the green cannot resume quickly, an additional setback to more conventional techniques. This also cannot change the profile of the soil, or deal with concerns which are deeper below the surface.
The pressure applied to the surf is minimal and significantly less than the pressure created by a person. Aerification can be done at almost any time, except when the soil is frozen. Since the healing time is so short, periods of high traffic and stress are no problem.
Unlike more traditional aerification processes, no ripping, tearing, or ragging of the green occurs. With the drill and fill process, more of the turf is left around the edges of the hole. After the area has been brushed and rolled, the hole is squeezed back together again. This process leaves the green relatively unharmed and within days, the process will be undetectable.
During the process, the hole is both simultaneously drilled and filled, causing little excess dirt or nutrients. The excess dirt is brought to the surface rather than pushed to the perimeter of the hole. More material is removed, providing a cleaner hole. The small amount of residue brought to the surface can be brushed, whipped, shoveled, or blown away. Due to the fine texture, it may even be left on the playing surface.
The newest of machines are light, fast, and simple to operate. Aerification helps all types of turf from tee boxes, to driving ranges, to fairways. Since the process is so gentle, the turf is still valuable and usable. Aerification of this type is the best way of fixing old greens and keeping new greens in their best condition. Drill and fill aerification changed how greens are maintained and eliminated many of the problems connected to the old fashioned practices.
