Putting Down Roots at Ashley Wood

'The effect on our root growth since we purchased our Soil Reliever has been dramatic', says Head Greenkeeper at The Ashley Wood Golf Club, Mark Sherwood. 'The aerating process is so smooth and quick that we have been able to adopt a three weekly cycle of aeration on our greens using 8mm tines, and have seen the results in root growth'.

The smooth action of the SR70 has left the greens surface and golfers untroubled. Mark evaluated the market and decided that the lightweight but excellent depth that could be achieved was right for their conditions. 'Our previous equipment did not leave the clean finish and was not so user friendly. The instant hydraulic depth adjustment works great for us as we have a mixture of, pure sand, USGA and 'push-up' greens, which have flint deposits at a depth of about 6 inches'.

The downland course started life in 1896 as 9 holes, with a further 9 being added in 1994, and a further two greens being rebuilt. So the aerator has to work in a range of conditions.

'Our local dealer, C & O Tractors, did a great demo for us which proved how simple and effective the machine is, we haven't looked back since', concludes Mark.

Image: Mark Sherwood (right), Ashley Wood GC, and C & O Tractor's representative, Dave Maidment, watching the SR70 at work.