We are in the process of trying to get approval for enough capital dollars to purchase 2 sets of verti-cut reels. With this economy and each set costing over $6,000, this might be a hard sell to get the needed money.
Verti-cut reels are an important part of our maintenance program as they are needed for several different functions. These reels attach to our greens mowers, replacing the grass mowing blades and are used to "thin out" the turf, which helps transition greens back to the summer Bermuda from the winter over-seeded turf. Another use is to help remove the thatch build up in the greens during the summer months, and a third use is to help keep the poa-anna seed heads under control in the late winter and early spring. And of course, the most important use is to renovate the greens and prepare a good seed bed for over-seeding. The verti-cut units that we have been using for the last few years, only attach to our oldest (15 year old) mowers, that no longer have the power to operate them. We would liked to have been lightly verti-cutting the greens on a weekly basis for the last month or so to help control the poa-anna seed heads and help slowly transition the greens back to Bermuda grass, but have been unable to do so. The good news is that my request has gone directly to the Corporate Agronomist, who is helping to get this approved as soon as possible.