Top Tips - Verticutting vs Scarifying

A detailed insight into the two methods.

Verticutting - cleaning out the sward

Method. The hexagonal blades spin backwards - anywhere between 1-9.5mm in depth - it cuts into the plant and separates it, which then generates new plants. When the grass is folded over (from being walked on or rolled), verticutting makes the grass stand up because it is spinning through and making it vertical. It also removes and thins out unwanted meadow grass.

Pros.

• More vertical grass growth which helps performance and presentation
• Thatch prevention
• Increases ball speed
• Broadleaf weed control
• Easier pitch preparation

Cons. As Einstein once said, there is a negative to every positive; if you verticut too often, it can cause a lot of damage to the surface by thinning out the grass.

Frequency. Usually, you would undertake light verticutting at the start of the season to get rid of some of the dead grass. You wouldn't verticut in the middle of July, or when conditions are really dry because if the grass is dormant you won't get the recovery. Undertaking it during wet seasons means the recovery time will be less.

Summary. It comes down to where your course is and then analysing your environment's typical conditions and temperatures. Not one course is the same!

SCARIFYING - THATCH REMOVAL

Method. Scarifying is more of an intense method which can be destructive if you don't know the ins and out of the greens. If the roots aren't strong enough, the blades will roll it up like a carpet. Anywhere over 9.5mm in depth is determined as scarifying.

Pros.

• Removes thatch and prevent its build-up
• Acts as a cultural control for weeds
• Weakens Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus)
• Improves surface penetration of water
• Improves the air flow around the grass plant
• Aids the incorporation of materials, such as fertiliser, top-dressings, irrigation water and grass seed
• Aids seedling establishment

Cons. Even if your green is really healthy, after scarifying it will look slightly ropey. You have to have the patience to wait a month or so before the results start to show.

Frequency. The GMA states that monthly scarification, in general, should be the starting point from which to adapt a maintenance regime, but many see it as part of end of season renovations.

Summary. Get to know your green first, test the root system. Do that analysis on the roots and see if they are strong enough to cope. If itis a very short root, then scarifying maybe wouldn't be recommended until the green health has been improved.