Golf Tees Scarification and Verticutting

Scarification and verticutting will be required on a regular basis to remove thatch content from beneath the surface and to prevent thatch build-up on the surface, but also to ensure that a clean, healthy sward is maintained with the removal of dead and decaying basal sheaths and leaves.

Lateral leaf growth will be discouraged for a more upright plant, whilst trailing or small compact weeds such as white clover or pearlwort will be weakened by such regular work. Golfers want a firm surface on which to tee off, so these activities must not be neglected, even though the focus of attention is often on the maintenance and performance of the greens.

Depending on the geographic location and micro-climate on a course, the typical main period for verticutting and scarification will be April to September, but only when the grass is growing well, allowing for the grass plant to recover from the impact of the metal blades.

The frequency of scarification and especially the depth of scarification will depend on the extent of any thatch problem, so from fortnightly to once every two months will be a typical range of frequencies. Verticutting will typically be weekly to fortnightly, but again it will need to be adapted to meet the needs of the prevailing situation.