Lawn Aeration
In this article, we talk through the benefits of lawn aeration, common mistakes to avoid and the different methods to aerate your lawn to make sure it’s healthy and thriving.
Why Should You Aerate Your Lawn?
Lawn aeration is an essential part of lawn care because it helps to keep your lawn healthy and green. Aeration helps to loosen compacted soil, which can occur due to heavy foot traffic, mowing, or even rainfall. When the soil becomes compacted, it makes it difficult for water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots of the grass, which can lead to a dry and lifeless lawn. Aerating your lawn can also help to reduce thatch, which is a layer of dead grass that accumulates on top of the soil.
When Should You Aerate Your Lawn?
The best time to aerate your lawn is during the growing season when the grass is actively growing. For warm-season grasses, the ideal time to aerate is in the late spring or early summer, while for cool-season grasses, the best time is in the fall. Aeration should not be done during the dormant season or when the grass is stressed due to extreme temperatures or drought.
a manual spiked lawn aerator
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake that people make when aerating their lawn is not removing the soil cores that are left behind after aeration. These soil cores can become compacted and create a barrier that prevents water, air, and nutrients from reaching the roots of the grass. It's important to remove these cores by raking them up or mowing over them.
Another mistake is aerating too frequently. Aeration should only be done once or twice a year, depending on the condition of your lawn. Over-aeration can damage the roots of the grass and create more problems than it solves.
Different Types of Lawn Aerators
Spike Aerator: A spike aerator uses solid tines to poke holes into the soil. This is the most common type of aerator and is often the most affordable. However, spike aerators can create compaction around the holes, which can make it more difficult for water, air, and nutrients to penetrate the soil.
Plug Aerator: A plug aerator uses hollow tines to remove small plugs of soil from the lawn. This type of aerator is more effective than a spike aerator because it removes soil instead of compacting it. However, plug aerators can be more expensive than spike aerators. The large, petrol aerators are also expensive, heavy and daunting to use.
Slicing Aerator: A slicing aerator uses rotating blades to cut through the soil and create small slits. This type of aerator is less invasive than a spike or plug aerator and can be used more frequently. However, slicing aerators are not as effective as plug aerators in removing soil cores.
Lawn aeration is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy lawn. By allowing water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots of the grass, you can promote growth and prevent a dull and lifeless lawn. Remember to aerate your lawn during the growing season, remove the soil cores, and avoid over-aerating. When it comes to choosing a lawn aerator, consider the pros and cons of each type to determine which one is right for you.
Alternatively, as it is something that needs to be done very infrequently, have us aerate your lawn for you.
