The Hidden Benefits of Topdressing

Published January 8, 2009

In previous blog entries, I had mentioned the value of topdressing in relationship to the smoothness of the putting surface as well as a method to dilute the thatch. One great benefit of frequent topdressing that I didn't mention was the protection of the turfgrass crowns. The crown in a grass plant can be considered its heart, a centralized part of the plant where all of the growth to create leaves and roots emanates from. If the crown gets injured or dies the whole plant is affected. As topdressing is added, the crown becomes buried until it is well beneath the mowing surface. By having the crowns buried beneath the surface they are better protected from stress caused by mower and foot traffic. This added blanket of sand, even though it may be only a quarter inch or so, can also be enough to buffer the crown from environmental conditions that often cause additional stress.

Often times, you'll find me out on the golf course with a soil probe in the evenings checking for soil moisture. This is also my opportunity to monitor the crown depth as well. If I see the crowns creeping too close to the surface, I'll increase the amount of sand we're applying. The whole key to a successful topdressing program is matching the amount of sand with the growth of turfgrass plant. As thousands of new plants are emerging everyday, close monitoring is essential.

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