Venting is an aeration practice that can help maintain proper gas exchange and cool the root zone. But not all venting tines are created equal. In fact, the soil profile that each type of tine opens for gas exchange varies widely.

Aeration_Images500x333-1

The three most common venting tines are solid, cross and slicing. Be familiar with the key characteristics of each tine, so you can choose wisely and return your course to play faster. View aeration tips here.


“Aeration Tips” Turf Management Basics S1 E2


Solid Tine: Solid round or needle tines have a round appearance. For instance, a ¾” (19 mm) solid round or needle tine has a circular footprint and a hole perimeter of 2.35″ (60 mm). This helps improve gas exchange, reduce heat stress and relieve compaction. Its footprint is also the most visible to golfers.

Aeration_Images500x333-2

Cross Tine: The cross tine has all the benefits of a solid round tine with a cross-style hole configuration. The same ¾” (19 mm) size cross tine creates a larger hole perimeter of 3″ (76 mm), exposing more of the soil profile to the atmosphere. The cross tine footprint is not as visible to golfers as the solid tine footprint, but it has the largest hole perimeter.

Slicing Tine: The slicing tine opens a small rectangular space for gas exchange. In comparison to solid and cross tines, a ¾” (19 mm) slicing tine has the smallest hole perimeter at only 1.88″ (48 mm). When used in a golf environment, its footprint is least visible to golfers.

Aeration_Images500x333-3

Toro TITAN® slicing tines have become increasingly popular over the past several years. They have the smallest hole perimeter, leave the least visible footprint, and return the surface to play more quickly. Are you planning to vent aerate your turf this season? If so, you may want to look in to Toro TITAN tines. Contact your Toro distributor for more information.