The Benefits of Aerating Your Lawn

The major benefit of aeration is to loosen compacted soils. If the ground is not composed of clay soils, subjected to children or animals moving about or automobiles that may drive on it, the lawn may not require aeration. Ground subjected to winter freezing and thawing or that is home to a healthy earthworm population may remain open and not require aeration. Wet areas often become compacted and will need to be aerated. A simple inspection can determine if aeration is necessary. Soil that is subjected to heavy foot traffic should probably be aerated annually.

Aerating opens the soil by pulling out small plugs of soil about 3-5 inches deep and then depositing them on the surface to eventually decompose and disintegrate back into the ground. Make sure you leave them on the ground to decompose. This provides the opportunity for the grass root systems to acquire the nutrients, water and air that are essential for growth. Loose soils allow the roots systems to penetrate more deeply into the soil and become stronger and more resilient if they have to fight off the effects of drought or disease. Soil microorganisms become more abundant and help in breaking down and preventing the formation of thatch in the lawn. Aerating destroys heavy thatch in the coring process and aids in adding this nutrient rich compost back into the soil.

Aerating is an ecological friendly endeavor. Water is more readily absorbed by loose soils. Fertilizers which are subject to run off and contaminate adjoining water sources are less likely to run off because the loose soil more readily absorbs the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium that is contained in the fertilizers that are normally applied to lawns. Obviously the more fertilizer that ultimately is absorbed by the root system the more healthy the grass will be. Pesticides that may be applied to a lawn also become more effective in loose soil. Earth worm activity is promoted and after several succeeding years of aeration, it is likely that a year can be skipped.

Seeding after aeration will produce excellent growth and any compost that is spread will settle into the small holes as a result of the coring process and add substantial fertility to the soil.

Aerating is a win-win proposition for the soil and the environment as well as the owner of a lawn that will be the envy of all who gaze upon it.

Lawn Aerating

Compacted soils cause a severe strain on grass and could spell disaster for a lush lawn. Grass requires air to grow and areas that are compacted from play, pets, vehicles or wet soil conditions may suffer the effects of compaction. Clay soils are especially susceptible to compaction. To determine if aeration is necessary, one can inspect the grass. If more than an inch or thatch is present, it probably is signaling the need for aeration. Another way to determine if aeration is necessary is to dig up a small section of turf about 4-6 inches deep and examine the length of the grass roots. The roots should extend greater than two inches. The deeper the root system is, the healthier your grass will be. Aerating will open up the soil and foster lush growth and healthy grass.

Once it is determined that aeration is necessary, one must determine how to do it. The preferred method is called “core aeration”. It requires a special machine that removes small plugs of soil as it moves along. These plugs are normally ½ to ¾ of an inch in length and are generally spaced 6-8 inches apart. These are generally heavy machines which are available at rental centers and it will take a small truck or trailer to move it. Often rental centers will deliver the machine to you. Make sure you are familiar with the operation of the machine before beginning. They are not hard to operate, but a short orientation from a rental center employee might avoid a disaster if you haven’t used an aerator before. The machine is self propelled and moves the same as a lawn mower although it is a bit heavier. It is recommended that the lawn be “cored” first in one direction and then again perpendicular to the original line of coring. The small plugs of soil will be deposited on the ground and in a week or two will gradually disintegrate and disappear. Do not aerate if the soil is excessively wet. It should be a bit damp though as this facilitates the process. After aerating an opportunity is provided to over seed your lawn or to apply a top dressing if needed.

The core aerator will generally extend several inches into the ground. Be careful if you have cable systems, electrical wires or irrigation systems close to the surface. An aerator will destroy an sprinkler head if it is run over it.

Aeration promotes a healthy lawn and vigorous growth, the benefits of aeration when it is necessary will be easily recognizable during the growing season and you will be rewarded with a lush lawn.