Renovation work remains as popular now as at any point in the past few years. Golf courses throughout the region are undertaking projects large and small. Regardless of the project size, many courses rely on sod to establish turf at some point in a renovation.

Sod is quicker than using seed or sprigs to establish grass and prevents erosion or displacement of seed. Although some time is saved upfront, extra attention will be needed on the back end. Any time sod is used, there is a sod layer transplanted with it. The layer is unavoidable, even with washed sod. Think of the sod layer as a collection of soil, roots, leaves and other organic debris. It is the same as thatch accumulation on a golf course and requires similar cultural practices to manage it

When a significant sod layer is present it will need to be removed and blended with the soil or rootzone underneath. This is especially important when sod is laid over coarse sand. The textural difference between the finer sod layer above and coarse, sandy rootzone below creates an interface where water and nutrient infiltration is slowed.

Depending on when and where the sod was laid there may still be time for cultivation this fall. Ideally, a core would be pulled and sand replaced into the channels. If that isn’t possible, solid-tine aeration followed by sand topdressing will still provide a benefit. More-aggressive cultivation – like deep vertical mowing with a Graden or Mataway – is also an option, but make sure that the sod is rooted and will not move in the process.

The more you do this fall, the better off you will be next year. That said, even with multiple aeration and topdressing events this year, there will likely be more work to do next year. Diluting a sod layer to the point where it matches the soil underneath can take years and there can be risk to turf health if cultivation begins before the sod is securely rooted. However, the more aggressive you can be, the quicker the process will go.

Northeast Region Agronomists:

Adam Moeller, director, Green Section Education – amoeller@usga.org

Darin Bevard, senior director, Championship Agronomy – dbevard@usga.org

Elliott L. Dowling, senior consulting agronomist – edowling@usga.org

Information on the USGA’s Course Consulting Service

Contact the Green Section Staff