Top Tips: Why topdress?
There are three main reasons why fine turf benefits from topdressing.
1. Increase firmness in the greens
Greens can get a build-up of something known as organic matter. This is the organic fraction of the soil where decomposition occurs; mainly of plant tissue and other living organisms and, over time, this can cause a spongy surface.
Golfers may enjoy a soft surface, but this can be very detrimental to the green’s health. Utilising the practice of topdressing will lead to much firmer greens, however, you need to find the correct balance as you don’t want them too firm. Reducing organic matter in the greens will be much more beneficial to all-year-round playability.
2. Improve ball roll
In any sport you want the best playing conditions possible and, when it comes to a golf green, the main thing golfers will talk about is how they roll. Regular topdressing fills any voids that are in the turf canopy and creates a perfectly smooth top surface - aiding in a true ball roll. Also, if any renovation work has been undertaken, such as coring or spiking, topdressing will again aid recovery and help maintain that true surface.
3. Changing the soils physical properties
Sand, silt and clay are the three particles that make up soil. The relative percentage of these particles is what will give you the overall texture of the soil. Over time, fine turf can deteriorate if it has not been maintained to a high enough standard. Granted, there can be issues along the way, but nonetheless fine turf needs constant attention.
When you are building a house, if your foundations are wrong, you are going to have many complications, and it’s the same when it comes to your soil profile. Multiple years of regular topdressing will certainly improve that rootzone and changing the soils physical properties will help with so many different aspects when it comes to maintenance.
Just remember sand drains very well!
James Matthewman is Deputy Head Greenkeeper at Maesteg Golf Club and welcomes topics for future Top Tips.