Next question to ask as a matter of urgency:
Does anyone have plans to get rid of compaction once and for all by hiring in a guy with a tractor and a big spiker that can go in 12, 16, 18, 20 inches? You add your own number here.
Pointers:
- Compaction is an on-going issue; it’s natural and happens due to play, maintenance, weather etc.
- There are of course factors that make compaction worse or better such as soil type and maintenance.
- You can’t “get rid” of compaction once and for all; compaction management is an on-going bowling green maintenance task.
- Compaction relief is best tackled mainly throughout the winter months by old fashioned (unfashionable) deep slit tining to 6-8 inches depth.
- Green flooding is more commonly caused by thatch than compaction
- Deeper isn’t better in this case; anything deeper than 8 inches risks damaging the subgrade of your green permanently.
- Don’t take a tractor on your green please!