Few things are more beneficial to the maintenance of your lawn than aeration. Aeration occurs when oxygen, nitrogen, and other atmospheric gasses enter the soil. This process happens when you use turf aeration equipment to remove minute bits of soil and grass from the lawn in order to enhance this otherwise natural occurring phenomenon. In the lawn service industry, this procedure is more commonly known as “core aeration” or “soil cultivation.”
When properly done, aeration can help homeowners grow healthier lawns and lower the requirements of maintenance by assisting with the following:
- Increasing the exchange of gases between the air and soil
- Improving water absorption
- Enhancing fertilizer usage
- Mitigating water runoff
- Strengthening grass roots
- Mitigating compact soil
- Increasing heat tolerance
- Enhancing grass and soil resiliency
Many homeowners find that their lawns benefit most from aerating at least once a year. Lawns that receive a lot of foot traffic, as well as those that are in areas with a lot of clay may require more than one per year. In these situations, it is best for turf aeration equipment to be used with close tine spacing and deeper penetration.
Many homeowners find that their lawns benefit most from aerating at least once a year. Lawns that receive a lot of foot traffic, as well as those that are in areas with a lot of clay may require more than one per year. In these situations, it is best for turf equipment to be used with close tine spacing and deeper penetration.
Cool season grass such as ryegrass or bluegrass should be aerated in spring between March and May, or in autumn between August and November. This is since this timing allows for enhanced root growth and improves growth. Bermuda grass and other warm season grass should be aerated between May and July. It is important to remember not to attempt aeration when warm season turf is dormant. Weeds are very opportunistic and will be encouraged by the lack of competition.
