Whether it’s caused by people, carts, or equipment, traffic compacts the upper layer of the soil by reducing pore space. This, in turn, makes it more difficult for your turf’s roots to expand and consume oxygen, water, and nutrients. On the upper surface of the plant, traffic damages the leaf blade, causing the plant to use energy reserves and other essential nutrients to repair its leaf tissue.
Improving areas damaged due to wear is a multi-step job. Here are some brief notes to help you through the process:
1. Move or Shift Traffic Patterns
This is the most important task. Redirecting cart traffic, relocating tee markers, or adjusting entry and exit points can significantly reduce the duration and intensity of wear in any single area. Similarly, varying mowing patterns and maintenance routes to avoid damaged and recovering locations will help that turf heal more quickly.
2. Aerate
The aeration process can be complex. Too few holes will limit the amount of oxygen that reaches the roots, and too many holes with a tighter spacing pattern may heave the already weakened plants. It’s best to test out your aerator first with different tines (solid or plug) and different spacing to determine the maximum number of holes you can make without damaging the existing turf stand.
3. Fertilize
Well-trodden turf plants will have compromised root systems that can’t utilize nutrients as well as their healthy counterparts. Pulling a quick soil sample will show you what inputs are needed. The likelihood of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium deficiencies is very high. According to Dr. Nick Christians of Iowa State University, a soil sample of plant-available phosphorus that is lower than five parts per million requires an emergency phosphorus application. I believe phosphorus is one of the most critical nutrients when repairing damaged turf. In order for the plant to produce ATP for energy, phosphorus is required. And, once again, compacted areas of turf have limited root growth. The main function of phosphorus in the plant is to expand rooting vigor.
4. Seed When Necessary
If seeding is necessary, use a variety that has been bred to handle more traffic. We carry quite a few traffic-tested varieties. Barenbrug has RPR Ryegrass, HGT Bluegrass, and RTF Fescue. PureSeed has GLR Ryegrass. MountainView has 365ss Bluegrass. On the bentgrass end, Tee-2-Green has Pure Select, and MountainView has Centennial. You can reach out to your ATS rep for additional information and product options.
