Lawn Aeration

You might have heard of dead skin cells that can be one of the reasons behind the dull and unhealthy looks of the skin. After exfoliation, such skin looks bright and healthy. The same applies to soil too. In case of a lawn, the upper layers of the soil get compacted due to the constant movements of kids and pets. Apart from that, layers of dead grass may also accumulate and get compacted with soil. As the soil get compacted, the roots that lie inside or beneath it find it difficult to absorb water and essential plant nutrients. The roots cannot spread and grow. This causes dullness of the grass, that will eventually die. You might have noticed that those parts of the lawn, that are constantly in use, have dull and unhealthy grass. You may suspect that the problem is insufficient water supply, pest attack or disease. You end up trying all the solutions, but to no avail. In such cases, lawn aeration can solve your problem.

What is Lawn Aeration

It is one of the lawn maintenance methods that prevents compaction of the soil and controls lawn thatching (build up of dead organic tissue that blocks oxygen to the soil). Lawn aeration is done with the help of equipment called lawn aerators, that can be as simple as shoes with spikes to specialized machines. The operation of lawn aeration tools can be in two ways. They may either make holes in the surface of the lawn or create cavities, by removing plugs of soil. These holes/cavities made by these tools allow water and nutrients to reach the roots and also makes it possible for the soil to shift more easily. In short, as the soil in the lawn, gets compacted, aeration is done, so that the thatch layer is broken and the compacted soil loosens up.

Lawn aerators can be classified as spike aerators and core aerators. While spike aerators punch holes in the surface of the lawn, core aerators possess hollow spikes, that pull out plugs of soil. If thatching is the problem and there is no compaction, then, spike aerators can be used, so as to aerate the lawn. If compaction is the problem, then, core aerators must be used, so that the soil gets loose and have enough space to shift. It is also said that spike aerators, like, spiked shoes can promote soil compacting, by pressing the soil, while making holes. So, core aerators are always preferred for serious soil compaction.

Lawn Aeration Benefits

As mentioned above, aeration is one of the best lawn repairing methods, in case of soil compaction. Otherwise too, it is recommended, once or twice a year, as a part of lawn care. This is usually done during the late spring (for warm season grass) season or early fall (for cool season grass). Lawn aeration improves the drainage of the soil and provides sufficient oxygen to the worms and other microorganisms in the soil. These worms and microorganisms become active in decomposing thatch. It also enhances the movement of water and nutrients within the soil and the roots will be benefited. As the soil loosens, the roots get enough space to spread and grow. This results in denser growth of the grass. However, there are various factors that have to be considered before aerating your lawn. It can be done, if the grass is getting dull and thin, even after watering and feeding or if the water does not sink in for a long time. These symptoms can be commonly seen in lawns, which are used heavily or where thatch layer is thicker than half an inch or in lawns with clay soil.

Some Lawn Aeration Tips

Aeration is best done before fertilizing and reseeding lawn. It will be better to water the lawn thoroughly, one day before the process of aeration. It is also advisable to undertake lawn weed control methods before aeration. It is also recommended that lawn aeration must not be done during drought. If you have clay soil, you have to aerate the lawn twice a year and in case of soil with sand, aeration is needed only once. You can crush up the soil plugs and mix it with compost or peat moss and fill the holes. Use a slow release grass formula and water the lawn. However, moving is not recommended for another three to four weeks. Lawn aeration can be done by yourself, if you have the tools. Otherwise professionals can be hired. Aeration cost depends on various factors like area to be covered, type of tool used and whether you do it by yourself or hire professionals.