- Excess water combined with N rates >5
lbs./1000 sq. ft./year can cause puffiness,
thatch buildup, and increased potential for
scalping. Heavily trafficked greens or high use
sports fields may require verticutting once per
month during peak use times. Less-trafficked
greens may require verticutting two to four times
per year. Landing zones in fairways may need 2 -
4 verticutting events annually to escalate
recovery.
- Tees could require weekly verticuts after line
markers are moved to enhance recovery.
Verticutting stimulates each node to root and
initiate new stolons and rhizomes. Verticutting
or slicing depths can range from 13 - 25 mm deep
(0.5 - 1.0). Single cuts should be sufficient for
grow-in enhancement and for damage repair.
Direction of verticut should be altered with each
application.
- In heavily thatched areas and during Spring
greenup, a double verticut could prove beneficial
in tightening up (increasing the density) of the
canopy. Light frequent topdressing applications
will promote a firm, uniform surface and minimize
thatch accumulation with proper fertilization and
irrigation scheduling.
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