Venting the Greens!

This Tuesday our staff did a process to the bentgrass putting greens which helps greatly to survive the summer stress.  We use a 1/4 inch solid tine to punch holes in the greens surface about 4 inches deep.  This process is called venting, and it greatly improves the availability of oxygen and water to infiltrate the root zone.  We typically try to vent the greens every 3-4 weeks in the summer depending on the weather.  After the holes are punched, we use our roller to smooth the green and restore a smooth putting surface.  The putting quality is minimally affected and after a few days the holes are hardly noticeable.  Venting, water management, and disease control are all critical during the hot summer months.