Aeration
Aeration - Give your lawn a healthy treat
What Is Aeration?
Technically speaking, aeration is the naturally occurring process of air exchange between the soil and its surrounding atmosphere, practically speaking, aeration is the process of mechanically removing small plugs of thatch and soil from the lawn to improve natural soil aeration. It is commonly called "core aeration" in the lawn and service industry, and you may have heard of it as soil cultivation (coring, spiking and slicing). Most homeowners simply call it aeration.
Aeration Benefits:
Core aeration can help make your lawn healthier and reduce its maintenance requirements through these means:
•Enhanced soil water uptake
•Improved fertilizer uptake and use
•Reduced water runoff and puddling
•Reduced soil compaction
•Improved fertilizer uptake and use
•Reduced water runoff and puddling
•Reduced soil compaction
•Enhanced heat & drought tolerance
•Improved resiliency & cushioning
•Stronger turgrass roots •Enhanced thatch breakdown
•Improved air exchange between the soil and atmosphere
•Improved resiliency & cushioning
•Stronger turgrass roots •Enhanced thatch breakdown
•Improved air exchange between the soil and atmosphere
Aeration Equipment Affects the Outcome:
The type of aeration equipment can determine how effective the treatment will be. In general, turf responds best when core holes are close and deep. Equipment with hollow tines removes soil cores. Equipment with open tines divots the soil surface. Aeration equipment also varies in tine size up to% inch diameter and in depth of penetration up to 4 inches, depending on the manufacturer's specifications.
How Often Should You Aerate a lawn?
Most lawns benefit from annual aeration. Heavily used lawns, or those growing on heavy clay or subsoils may need more than one aeration each year. Again, turf responds best when tine spacing is closer and penetration is deeper.
When is the Best Time to Aerate Lawns?
If you have a cool season turfgrass such as Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, both spring and fall are ideal times to aerate. In spring aerate between March and May. Perform fall aeration August and November. Aeration before or at the time of late season fertilization enhances root growth and improves spring green up and growth.