The confusion around aeration and what it actually does has plagued homeowners too long. Today I am going to share the secrets of what, why, when, and how the pros take care of aeration.
What Is Aeration?
Aeration is the process of removing "plugs" of soil from the turf area to lower compaction. This is achieved by sticking hollow tines in the ground and pulling out the plugs of soil. Have you ever seen a yard that looks like someone threw corks all over it? That is a lawn that has just been aerated. Aerations are done in the cool seasons of the year because the process is mildly stressful on the lawns and the rain is needed to help break up the plugs in the lawn.
Pro tip: You can rake over the plugs when they are dry to help break them up and help them decompose faster
Why is Aerating Important?
There are two main reasons aerating is crucial for a healthy lawn.
1) Managing Thatch
Thatch is the layer of living and decomposing roots, stems, and leaves on the ground where your grass grows. Thatch is super important to keeping the roots of the grass healthy and maintains moisture.
BUT... Thick thatch can wreak havoc on your lawn.
First, punching holes in it. Then bringing it to the surface, so it breaks down adding nutrients back into the soil.
Second Aerations encourages healthy plant growth which stop the buildup of thatch.
Pro Tip#2: Over Fertilization (when your grass grows too fast) will cause increased buildup of thatch. Make sure your lawn is not growing faster that 1/3 its height per week.
2) Lowering Compaction
Compaction is exactly what it sounds like, the soil your lawn getting compacted over time. Which is caused by foot traffic, lawn mowers, wet conditions, and any other pressure on the ground.
Compaction wont immediately kill grass, but will restrict the growth and weaken it overall. This will cause more weeds, insects, and diseases. Also, leading to yellow and thin grass.
Here are some of the general problems with compaction:
Do you need to Aerate?
NOT ALWAYS. Here are the 5 signs you need to aerate.
1. Shallow Roots: We could(and will) write an entire article about shallow roots. For starters you test for them by pulling up on your grass, and if the piece your pulling on comes out with the roots it is a sure sign you have shallow roots
2. "Spongy Feel:" If your lawn feels spongy it is due to thick thatch that needs to be broken up.
3. Ripped grass blades: can happen when grass is not firmly planted and it cut. (Note: Could also happen from dull mower blades)
4. Discoloration even after rain: Brown patches if not from Insects or disease are usually the result of compaction.
5. Thin lawn: Lawns should NOT bald with age. If that is the case your lawn has been compacted meaning new seeds cant break ground and grow.
If you need an Aeration, here is how you can DIY:
Plan for at least 1/2 day
1. Get into your truck or car with a hitch because aerators are heavy and dirty. If you plan to use a truck your will need friends to help you get it in and out. Or rent a trailer if your going solo.
2. Head over to Sunbelt Rentals (Formerly Georges Tool Rental) or your rental dealer of choice.
3. Pay to rent an aerator for a day
4. Wait around while they load you up and strap it down
5. Use proper lifting form to unload aerator or park trailer and roll it off
6. Set tines to proper depth for your soil compaction and conditions. Plugs should be 2-4 inches in length
7.Aerate the lawn, while your going in a straight line it is EASY but as soon as you have to turn be prepared to either raise the tines, or use a lot of muscle because they are stuck into the ground
8. Re-load and strap equipment, and head back to rental place
9. Wait around while team unloads your truck or trailer
10. Head home and look at your handiwork.
If you are unsure whether you need an aeration or not we will come out for FREE and do an evaluation. OR if you need an Aeration but do not want to DIY we would be more than happy to give you an estimate in minutes. Please call us today.
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