Green Speed

The great debate about green speed has raged on since the beginning of the game. But what are the factors known to affect green speed?

In order of their impact on green speed these are the top 7 factors that you should bear in mind. Obviously there are others such as weather patterns, level of play etc, but these are largely out of the greenkeepers control and in any case do not figure highly in green speed management.

1. Thatch Layer Control and Management
2. Compaction Control and Relief
3. Localised Dry Patch Management
4. Sward Composition (grass types)
5. Mowing Frequency
6. Regular Cultural Practices (irrigation, aeration, fertilisation, top-dressing)
7. Mowing Height

Some surprises in there I am sure, particularly the relatively low  importance of Mowing Height. Of course we have to apply a large element of common sense here. We are assuming that the green is being mown at an appropriate height of around 4-5mm. Aside from that, however, it is our experience that mowing height is much less important than mowing frequency