A new system for providing drainage for compact or waterlogged ground has been developed by Terrain Aeration.
The Terralift concept has been used by Terrain Aeration for more than 25 years after being developed in Germany to aerate around tree roots with a blast of compressed air. During this time, the company has treated all kinds of turfed surfaces for waterlogging, compaction and panning, from sports fields, golf courses and bowling greens to treating trees in London parks, green spaces and the gardens of new house builds.
But the new Super Scamper Terralift machine, built by Terrain Aeration, takes the concept to a new level for treatment for waterlogging.
The machine hammers a hollow probe one metre into the soil (with the help of a JCB road breaker gun). Once reaching this depth, a blast of compressed air is released to fracture and fissure the soil. On the tail end of the air blast, dried milled seaweed is incorporated which, over time, expands and contracts with the moisture content in the soil and helps to keep the fractures open longer.
The probe is removed and the process repeated using two-metre spacings in a staggered grid pattern. The hole is then backfilled with an aggregate allowing air and water to percolate into the fissures. The top 1' - 2' should have a cap of normal top dressing to encourage the grass to grow over the holes.
The result is an improved healthier root system, a healthier sward as well as less disease damage to the turf. There is no mess. Treatment can be carried out mid-season if needed but pre or end of season is the best time.
Despite people's fears that the Terralift 'makes the Earth Move', the ground is only fractured from one metre's depth back up to the surface. The slight 'heave' settles down and you are left with a smooth playing surface. Before Terralift treatment it is best to have the area spiked or hollow tined purely to relieve the surface tension and allow air to gently blow through the top surface without causing any disruption.
The Super Scamper Terralift is a compact design which enables it to fit through narrow gaps for access to bowling greens and gardens. The machine is equally effective in treating open landscape areas and had its first outing at the National Trust's Stourhead estate.
