In Full Control

by C&RB Staff (editor@clubandresortbusiness.com)
May 2007
 

Like most aspects of grounds maintenance, topdressing has evolved considerably over the years. Not long ago, most turf care professionals viewed it as almost an afterthought to aerating or overseeding. But as one industry expert explains, keen-eyed superintendents began to notice other benefits of this necessary evil. “They saw how heavy applications of topdressing helped control thatch and level off the greens,” he says. “So it stood to reason that lighter, more frequent applications of material would help even more.”

Standing in the way of this theory was the reality of increased disruption to play and higher costs associated with labor and supplies. “Both superintendents and manufacturers had to figure out how to facilitate this increased topdressing frequency without disrupting play, and do it in a way that minimized waste,” the expert says.

Turf equipment engineers set to the task and developed spreaders that gave operators unprecedented levels of control, with fine-tuned motors, self-cleaning belts and more. These new units allow users to lay down a tremendously fine layer of topdressing material, and three-position switches add further benefit. They engage the spinners before the belt, eliminating the unintentional piles that are deposited with traditional on/off switches.

This enhanced control not only allows budget-minded supers to accurately monitor how much material they output, it also significantly cuts down on labor. The manual manipulation of the topdressing sand into the green involves a lot of manpower, and is extremely disruptive to play.

“Greens staff used to have to brush the sand into the canopy, and remove excess material by hand,” says the industry consultant. “Now with such light applications possible, superintendents can just run a quick cycle on their irrigation to wash the sand in, or in some cases do nothing at all.” Some equipment allows superintendents to angle the spreading mechanism and drive material deep into the turf canopy. This further reduces both labor costs and interruption.

Wider swaths now mean the average putting green can be done in just a few passes (“Some units have 30-foot swaths. Crews can set out in the morning, topdress all 18 greens and still stay ahead of the first group”). It all means that superintendents are now empowered to use topdressing without interrupting play. How they use it is up to them.

See related story, Top Dressing for Success.