Sand-banding.....Did it work?

Rewind back to May of this year: TDS West was on-site to complete sand-banding on #9 and #18 approaches to help alleviate the excessive puddling in these two areas and maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of our slit drainage system.  Sand-banding results in straight sand trenches that provide excellent drainage channels to help move water through the soil profile and into our slit-drainage system.  For a full refresher on exactly what sand-banding is, please read this previous blog post: http://qgolfclub.blogspot.ca/2012/03/another-drainage-update.html.

 

Now fast-forward to 6 months after the process to determine just how effective the sand-banding was.  Well, all I can say is that we are VERY impressed with the results!  The proof that the sand-banding has worked is clear to see during and immediately following heavy rainfall.  It rained throughout the night last night and I went out on the course today in the rain to take some profile samples of the sand-banding trenches to see how they were holding up.  Here is what I discovered:

 

taking a profile sample of a sand-banding trench on #18 approach

 

integrity of sand-banding trench holding up very well at 6 months

 

Okay, so now that we know that the sand-banding trenches are holding up well, just how effective has the sand-banding been for drainage?  Well, as much as I'd like for you to simply take my word for it, here are some photos that show just how well it is proving to work:

 

#9 approach prior to sand-banding

 

#9 approach 6 months following sand-banding

 

FYI, both of the pics above of #9 approach were taken following comparable amounts of rainfall.  Not too bad, eh?!?!

 

Now, let's see how the sand-banding on #18 approach measures up to how well it's working on #9 approach.  Again, as much as I'd love for you to simply take my word for it, I'll let the pics to the talking:

 

#18 approach prior to sand-banding

 

#18 approach 6 months following sand-banding

 

Yes, I am well aware of the two small spots on #18 approach that continue to puddle from rainfall.  Those are two very low areas that need to be stripped and properly graded so they drain properly.  We will be doing that in the coming weeks, along with some low spots on other fairways.  Until then, they will continue to puddle.

So it is clear that the sand-banding has proven to be very effective.  Not only are these two approaches no longer puddling, the overall turf health has greatly improved!  This is not surprising, but still a great side benefit of sand-banding.  Simply put, properly drained turf will always be healthier and will outperform poor draining turf.  

What we are not sure of yet is how long we can expect to reap the rewards of this process.  Although the concept has been around for decades, sand-banding in particular is a fairly new option for turf managers so very little data has been collected with regards to longevity of results.  Another thing to consider is that EVERY golf course is different and EVERY golf course will experience different results.  This is true with many aspects of golf course maintenance and is often overlooked and/or ignored.  While the course down the street may find that sand-banding provides 5-7 years of results, we may only see effectiveness for 2-4 years or maybe 7+ years!  It's difficult to say at this time just how long it will last, but one thing is for sure, IT WORKS!!!