Needle Tining

The video above is another form of aerifying.  This particular process we are doing is called pencil/needle tining.  As you can see from the video there is very little disruption to the green’s surface.

The reason for doing this is to create air and water movement through the soil and canopy of the turf.  It also allows for the release of gases that build up over time in the soil.  The turf is like any living thing, it needs air and water to its vital working parts just like you and I.

Aerifying with needle tines is something we like to do every 6 weeks or on an as needed basis.  With the amount of rolling we do during winter it is essential that we relieve the putting surface of any potential compaction.

The arrows to the right illustrate that the end result of needle tining at a depth of 2 inches with a 2.5 inch spacing does not affect the playability of the putting surface.