Thatch Removal

Every spring I core aerate the greens followed by some light vertical mowing throughout the growing season.  This greens maintenance plan is maintaining the thatch but not reducing to an acceptable threshold. Two weeks ago we performed a very aggressive vertical mowing on the greens. This was done to try and remove as much thatch as possible. 

Thatch is decomposed and partially decomposing layer of organic matter between the plant and soil surface. This layer of dead and decomposing organic matter is a constant ongoing process.  Excessive thatch buildup results in slow and soft greens.  They will also be more prone to biotic and abiotic stresses. Core aeration and vertical mowing are two cultural practices that remove thatch.

Torrington CC let me borrow there Graden verticutter.  This verticutter has the ability to slice down as far as 1.5 inches.  We set the depth at 1" in an attempt to remove as much organic material as possible.

Vertical mowing slices and pulls up organic matter.  It pulled up a lot of organic material and this will only improve the long term growth and development of the putting greens. The long term benefit is that it will firm up the putting surface.

The greens were very soft and little uncomfortable to putt on for a few days.  This is the first time I have performed such an aggressive procedure on the greens and did not know what to expect.  I will continue this maintenance procedure until thatch levels are at an acceptable level.  They are healing over fast now and expect them to play much better by this weekend.

Thank you for staying patient and understanding as we try to improve our greens!