Lawn Aeration

 

What is aeration?

 

Aeration is the naturally occurring process of air exchange between the soil and its surrounding atmosphere. This process is enhanced by mechanically removing small plugs (cores) of thatch and soil from the lawn, hence the term “core aeration”.

 

What are the benefits of aeration?

 

Aeration contributes to the lawn’s overall, general health and vigour and reduces maintenance requirements through:

 

· Improved air exchange between the soil and atmosphere

· Enhanced soil water uptake

· Improved fertilizer uptake and use

· Reduced water runoff and puddling

· Improved turfgrass rooting

· Reduced soil compaction

· Enhanced heat and drought stress tolerance

· Improved resiliency and cushioning

· Enhanced thatch breakdown

 

Why is aeration necessary?

 

Over time, soils become compacted. Loose, fertile soil gets either carried away as runoff or “worked” further into the subsoil through traffic and irrigation. This high density soil reduces the air spaces necessary for good (grass) root development. Aeration relieves this compaction and introduces much-needed oxygen into the root system. Thatch also accumulates over time. Left unmanaged, the thicker layer of thatch can lead to serious maintenance and pest problems. Aeration will combine soil (the plugs) with the thatch debris which reduces its accumulation and accelerates the decomposition.

 

When should lawns be aerated?

 

Generally, ALL lawns can benefit from regular aeration. As a guideline, one aeration every 2 years would be appropriate for a healthy lawn. Lawns growing in heavy, clay-based soils need more frequent aeration (1 or 2 times per year) to effectively deal with the compaction issue. Heavily thatched and high traffic lawns similarly need aeration at least as often.

Ideally, the best time to aerate is in the spring while the lawn is actively growing. It is a good idea to wait until after the first mowing of the season and just before the first good fertilizer application. If a second aeration is needed, fall is the best time, after the high heat of the summer has passed.

the Grass Care Professionals