greens aerator lifting putting surface Cancel The title field is required!

1. Caranci Michael T

   
   5/22/2012 4:05 PM

   been a supt for over 30 yrs. starting to have a problem with aerator lifting my poa greens turf...can anyone give me insight as to why. i ues 3/8" hollow tines...never had this problem before....

   
   
   
   
2. Keith Pegg

   

   0 posts
   
   5/22/2012 5:05 PM

   Timing is off on the Aerator. I have seen that a few times could be in the chains, belts or the gears. Also if the green is very dry or the tine guide is not working right to hold the turf down.
   
   good luck
   Keith Pegg
   Zama Japan

   
   
   
   
3. Baker Daniel

   
   5/23/2012 8:05 AM

   Keith probably hit the nail on the head.
   
   I have seen it in three other instances. One when I was going far too deep with not enough root in the early spring (my fault) and another when the mechanic did not put the "turf saver" plastic fingers back on (ultimately my fault as well). Last one was specific to the Toro Procore 648. The ground following had come out of adjustment which had the heads at a funny angle and resulted in the same type damage as a mis-timed aerifier.
   
   Good luck and let us know what it turns out to be.

   
   
   
   
4. Kenneth Ingram

   

   18 posts
   
   5/24/2012 8:05 AM

   I am still shocked by how much the Toro Procores soften up the surface. It's so noticeable under foot. Back in the day the Ryans punched holes but did not soften the ground up as much. Got to be more roots sheared off with the Procores. Great machines, just seem to loosen the ground up to much. Kenneth Ingram, UMD.

   
   
   
   
5. James Smith

   

   112 posts
   
   5/28/2012 8:05 AM

   I have seen this when we contracted our aerification out one year and in a few spots when we did it ourself. the main reason was not enough roots to hold down the turf. if you switch to solid tines you should not see the problem. While this is not great news (turf lifting) you can use it as a signal to try to increase your fertility program to get a better root depth and stronger roots. I mostly see it in the spring or when we try to aerifye the first time.
   
   What other has said can also be an issue so I would check it all out. Take a test plug out of the area that was lifting to see how deep your roots are and if that looks great you need to check out your aerifyer.