A Fine Time to Deep Tine

As we prepare the course for the summer stress period we are utilizing a new deep tine machine that was purchased earlier this Spring.  The Redxim 7120 Verti-Drain can drive solid or hollow tines down to 8 inches deep.  We are using this machine on the fairways to relieve a hard pan that has developed at a 3 inch depth.  After aerating the fairways at a depth of 3 inches for the last 50 plus years it is not hard to imagine that a compaction layer has developed in the soil profile.  The same problem occurs in agriculture after a crop field is plowed for years at a 10 inch depth.  A hard pan develops in the soil profile at the bottom of the plowing depth.  This new machine allows us to break through that hard pan and shatter the soil profile at depth. We have the flexibility to set the depth anywhere from 1 to 8 inches. 

Deep tiner in use.  Turf behind the machine is ready for play

The process has very little impact on golf as it does not pull up any debris and creates very small holes.  The surface is basically playable immediately after the process is completed.  A very small half inch hole may be visible but for most golfers will go unnoticed.  After the fairway is mowed a couple of times the holes cannot be seen.  We set the machine to a depth of 4.5 inches to start with and over the next few years will continue to go deeper.  We are finding there are plenty of hard objects at the 4.5 inch depth and can only imagine what we will find once we are down to 7 or 8 inches!      

Holes made by half inch solid tines 4.5 inches deep

We will deep tine Fairways and Tees a couple of times during the season. Some Superintendents are using this machine on greens and we may test that out at some point in time.

Deep tining obviously helps break up and shatter compacted layers but there are other side benefits.  It allows water and air movement down into the root zone.  It also provides a great channel for new root growth to occur and promotes deep healthy root systems.

We are excited to have this piece of equipment in our "tool box" and to see the improvements it can make to our turf quality and turf root system.  The course is playing very well right now and is in good shape so come out and enjoy it.       

8 inch long deep tines used on fairways