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What is lawn
aeration?
Aerating a lawn means supplying the soil with air, by poking holes in
the ground throughout the lawn using an aerator. It reduces soil compaction and
helps control thatch in lawns while helping water and fertilizer to move into
the root zone.
As lawns age or sustain heavy use from play, sports
activities, pets, vehicle traffic and parking, soil compaction can result. Soil
compacting forces are most severe in poorly drained or wet sites. Compaction
greatly reduces the pore space within the soil that would normally hold air.
Roots require oxygen to grow and absorb nutrients and water. Compaction reduces
total pore space and the amount of air within the soil. It has a negative impact
on nutrient uptake and water infiltration, in addition to being a physical
barrier to root growth. This results in poor top growth and lawn deterioration.
Aeration improves airflow in the sensitive root-zone area. The most common and effective aerating technique is core aeration.
Core aeration involves the removal of small soil plugs or cores out of the lawn. Most aeration is done with a machine having
hollow tines or spoons mounted on a disk or drum. This machine is known as a core aerator; it extracts 1/2 to 3/4
inch diameter cores of soil and deposits them on your lawn. Aeration holes are typically 1-6 inches deep and 2-6 inches apart.
Core aeration should be done at least once per year, especially at the beginning of spring.
On heavily compacted soils or lawns with heavy thatch build-up, a second aeration is recommended during the growing season.
What does aeration do for my lawn?
Increases the activity of soil microorganisms that decompose thatch.
Increases water, nutrient and oxygen movement into the soil.
Improves rooting.
Enhances infiltration of rainfall or irrigation.
Helps prevent fertilizer and pesticide run-off from overly compacted areas.
Contact Shields Lawn Care, LLC to schedule your lawn aeration.
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