Hollow tining is the practice of sinking a hollow steel tine into your grass surface and removing the plug of grass and soil. This will then be deposited temporarily on the surface. This is then removed and topdressing is spread and worked in.




 
 
 
 
 
 
Hollow-tining creates aeration, which is the most effective way of reducing sub-surface thatch and soil compaction (usually found on clay soils). This operation of the removal of thousands of cores, each about the size of a man’s little finger, from the lawn is usually carried out towards the end of the year in Ocober.
You should be aiming to get down at least 3” and preferably 4” or 5” although you may require a machine to achieve those depths.