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Operation
Introduction
Grooming is performed in the turf canopy above the
soil level. Grooming promotes vertical growth of grass
plants, reduces grain, and severs stolons, producing
a denser turf. Grooming produces a more uniform
and tighter playing surface for faster and truer action
of the golf ball.
Grooming should not be considered as a replacement
for verticutting. Verticutting is generally a more
rigorous and periodic treatment that can temporarily
damage the playing surface, while grooming is a
routine and gentler treatment designed to manicure
the turf.
1. Grass runners (stolons)
Grooming brushes are less intrusive than conventional
grooming blades when adjusted to lightly contact the
turf canopy. Brushing may be better for the ultra-dwarf
cultivars, since these grass types have an upright
growth pattern and do not fill in well through horizontal
growth. Brushes can injure leaf tissue if they are set
to penetrate too deeply into the canopy.
Groomer blades should never penetrate the soil. They
are effective in cutting runners and removing thatch.
Because grooming injures leaf tissue, avoid grooming
during periods of high stress. Cool season species,
such as creeping bent grass and annual blue grass,
should not be groomed during high-temperature (and
high-humidity) periods in midsummer.
Many variables affect the performance of grooming,
including the following:
•
The time of the year (i.e., the growing season) and
the weather pattern
•
The general condition of the grass
•
The frequency of grooming/cutting—both how
many cuttings per week and how many passes
per cutting
•
The height-of-cut setting on the main reel
•
The height/depth setting on the grooming reel
•
How long the grooming reel has been in use
Figure 22
2. Thatch
•
The type of grass
•
The overall management program (i.e., irrigation,
fertilizing, spraying, coring, overseeding, etc.)
•
Traffic
•
Stress periods (i.e., high temperatures, high
humidity, unusually high traffic)
These factors can vary from fairway to fairway.
Inspect the mowing area frequently and change the
grooming practice as needed.
Note:
Using the groomer reel improperly or too
aggressively (i.e., too deep or too frequent grooming)
may unnecessarily stress the turf, causing severe turf
damage. Use the groomer cautiously.
Note:
Continue changing the direction of cut
whenever you use the groomer. This enhances the
effects of the grooming.
Note:
Operate the groomer in a straight line as much
as possible. Use caution when turning while operating
the groomer.
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