Hollow Tining – January – Course Closed
What is Hollow Tining?
Hollow Tining is when we mechanically remove cores of soil from the greens to allow more oxygen, nutrients and water to penetrate into the roots.
Drainage: Hollow Tining also helps address the problem of thatch. (Thatch is a layer of grass stems, roots, and debris that settle and accumulate over time.) A thin layer is acceptable but too much thatch will hold water like a sponge.
Soil Improvement: Tining finally removes accumulated fibre in the grass’s root zone. It enables the easier exchange of a poor soil for a better one through top dressing. That’s why the greens are normally covered in sandy top dressing immediately after they’re cored.
Why is it done?
Root development: Over the year, course traffic and maintenance compacts and hardens the ground. As a result, drainage is less efficient and the grass’s roots are prevented from absorbing essential oxygen in order to thrive.Drainage: Hollow Tining also helps address the problem of thatch. (Thatch is a layer of grass stems, roots, and debris that settle and accumulate over time.) A thin layer is acceptable but too much thatch will hold water like a sponge.
Soil Improvement: Tining finally removes accumulated fibre in the grass’s root zone. It enables the easier exchange of a poor soil for a better one through top dressing. That’s why the greens are normally covered in sandy top dressing immediately after they’re cored.
When is it done?
Hollow Tining is generally done when the temperatures allow for quicker recovery of surfaces and also prepare the greens for the rain season by improving drainage.
It’s important that the Tining is completed before the weather turns wet so there’s time for growth and for the holes to seal up.
