Firm greens: three general principles

I've observed, measured, and studied putting green firmness on every common species (and on some rare ones too). These are some general principles common among firm surfaces. These principles do not always match with conventional wisdom about what leads to firm surfaces.

Here are the principles.

1. Avoid soil decompaction

For surfaces to play firm, you want to soil to be as compacted as possible. Remember that another term for aerification is decompaction. Coring, solid-tining, and venting all make the surfaces softer.

2. Grow as little grass as possible

Firm surfaces aren't getting much N. Your PACE Turf weather page…