Everyone knows that good lawn care entails proper mowing, watering and fertilizing. But there’s one more procedure you should consider to ensure your lawn’s peak health: aeration.
Here’s why it’s important: The soil in your yard can become seriously compacted over time. Some well-traveled areas may feel like concrete underfoot and become a site for pooling rain. Grass in such spots struggle to keep a foothold.
These are all signs that you may need to aerate the ground. Typically, you can aerate lawns during fall (mid-October) and spring. If you have St. Augustine or Bermuda grass, however, you may want to consider doing so only in springtime.
The process itself is simple. By punching holes in the earth, you create pathways for water and nutrients to reach the roots of your grass. Densely packed ground inhibits root growth; aeration helps restore it.
One important benefit of aeration is that it solves problems caused by an overabundance of thatch. Excessive drying and other turf ills can result from too much organic matter between the soil line and the green part of the plant.
There are several different ways to aerate a lawn. If it’s a small area, you may consider a hand aerator. This tool resembles a rake with spikes. You simply walk around and punch it into the ground as you go. Hand-pushed rotary devices are also available, which offer superior coverage.
Some people aerate by using special “shoes” designed for the task. You strap these spiky platforms onto the bottoms of your shoes and walk. Wear them while mowing the lawn to accomplish both tasks, simultaneously.
The plug aerator is the most effective method. It’s a motorized tool that shoves sharp metal tubes into the ground, extracting half-inch-wide plugs. The holes are large enough to provide maximum soil penetration to water and nutrients.
It’s a simple-but-important process. So, give your lawn some extra air to breathe. You’ll be happy with the results.
Speaking of lawn care, Slug-A-Bug offers a range of services that can help you enjoy the yard of your dreams. We’ll get rid of the weeds and pests that prevent your grass from looking its best. Call us at (321) 259-7844 for a no-cost, no-obligation assessment.
For more information:
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/when-to-aerate-the-lawn/
https://lawnlove.com/blog/how-to-aerate-a-lawn-by-hand/
https://www.thespruce.com/when-and-how-do-you-aerate-your-grass-2130974