Fouled drainage and low turf quality rejuvenated by linking the rootzone to existing drains
Tulliallan Golf Club 7th Green
Issue: Original construction soil push up green which had last been drained in the early 90's by the previous Head Greenkeeper. 80ml drain pipes were in situ at 6m spacings but unfortunately the drainage had fouled over the years and turf quality was suffering through wet periods of the year.
Solution: The decision was made to strip back the turf and then use the FR1 trencher with maximum blade of 4 ½” x 12” to rejuvenate the existing drainlines, down to the gravel layer above the drainage pipe. The green staff checked the drains were flowing to the outlet before rebuilding from base, using 2-6ml grit, Pro-Golf Rootzone and finally relaying the original turf. The team then changed the cutting blade on the FR1 to the 1” x 7” blade and sand slitted at 20cm spacings across the rejuvenated drainlines, thus linking the entire rootzone to the existing drains. Research carried out by ForthRoots with the STRI prove that the performance of the sand slits produced by the FR1 can be further enhanced by taking the Graden Sandfill over the surface of the green, across the sand slitted turf so this process was also carried out by the team at Tulliallan to maximise the results.
Results: David Gillon, Head Greenkeeper, agrees that this case study shows the full flexibility of the FR1 trencher and Tulliallan’s 7th Green has performed very well following the work carried out. David believes that drainage is a huge part of having a successful parkland golf course, especially with wetter summer conditions being more common and is now considering other areas on the course that would benefit from the drainage techniques that the FR1 can perform.
Dr. Christian Spring (STRI) says:
"The installation of 1” wide sand slits at 20 mm spacings resulted in drier, freer draining and firmer turf."
"The installation of 1” wide sand slits at 20 mm spacings resulted in drier, freer draining and firmer turf."
A Problem We've Solved
Existing drainage failing due to drainage lines in incorrect position, leading to puddling and waterlogging on hotspots.
Solution: Use ForthRoots FR1 to dig micro-trenches of less than 1" width, backfilled with quality drainage sand to link to main drains.