Certified Business
with over 10,000 orders
with over 10,000 orders
Aerating Lawns: What, When, How, and More
What is Lawn Aeration?
Lawn aeration is one of the best things you can do for your lawn. It's a simple process that has a big impact. Aeration involves making small holes in the soil that allow air and water to reach the grassroots. This helps the roots to grow deeply, creating a stronger, livelier lawn.
There are many benefits to aerating your lawn. It helps to improve drainage, reduce compaction, and promote healthy root growth. Aeration also provides an opportunity for overseeding. This is when you spread new seed over the lawn, which germinates in the aeration holes and thickens up the turf. Overseeding is a great way to fill in bare spots and give your lawn a boost of color.
To help you mark your aeration work and ensure that your lawn care tasks are clear and effective, consider checking out Ace Supply USA's marking flags. They are perfect for keeping your project organized and visible. Visit Ace Supply USA today to get the best marking flags for your lawn care needs!
Also Read:
When Should I Aerate My Lawn?
If you're not sure when the best time is to aerate your lawn, don't worry - we can help you figure it out! It mainly depends on where you live and the seasonal temperature extremes.
If you live somewhere with very cold winters and hot summers, you likely have cool-season grasses - such as bluegrass, ryegrass, or fescue - the best time to aerate is in the early spring or early fall. These grasses are very common in the Northeast, Northern Midwest, and Northwest. If you live in somewhere with cool/warm winters and hot summers, you likely have warm-season grass - such as St. Augustine, Bermuda grass, or buffalo grass - you'll want to aerate in the late spring or early summer. These grasses more commonly grow in warmer climates, like the Deep South and lower Southwest/Southeast.
How To Aerate My Lawn?
You can either hire a lawn service company to do it for you, or you could buy, rent, or borrow the equipment do it yourself. If you choose to do it yourself, here is what we recommend:
The Day Before Aeration
-
Water the areas of your lawn you plan to aerate for 15-30 minutes. This will soften the soil and make it much easier for the machine.
-
Either purchase, rent, or borrow a core aeration machine. If you have a large lawn you may wan to use a riding style aerator, otherwise a walk behind version will work good.
Important: Use marking flags to mark the location of sprinkler heads, tree roots, or any other hazards that could be damaged by the core aerator.
Aeration Day
-
Start aerating your lawn using the machine. Make sure you go over the entire lawn at least once. If you have never aerated before you may want to go over it twice.
-
During this process the aerator will leave little cores on the ground. Leave them there and they will break down back into the soil.
-
Once all the aeration is complete, water the lawn for 15-30 minutes.
-
Continue watering your lawn every 2-3 days for the next 2 weeks.
More:
Benefits of Lawn Aeration
Improved Soil Health
Aeration significantly enhances soil health by reducing compaction and improving air circulation. This process allows beneficial microorganisms to thrive, promoting a healthier soil ecosystem. Research shows that aerated lawns have up to 30% more microbial activity compared to non-aerated lawns.
Enhanced Water and Nutrient Absorption
One of the key benefits of aeration is improved water and nutrient uptake. The small holes created during aeration allow water, fertilizers, and essential nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil. This results in more efficient use of resources and stronger, healthier grass.
Better Root Growth
Aeration stimulates root growth by providing easier access to air, water, and nutrients. As a result, grass develops deeper, more extensive root systems. Studies have shown that aerated lawns can experience up to 70% increase in root mass compared to non-aerated lawns within a single growing season.
Types of Lawn Aerators
Plug or Core Aerators
These are the most effective type of aerators. They remove small plugs of soil from the lawn, creating holes that allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper. Core aerators are ideal for heavily compacted soils and provide the most thorough aeration.
Spike Aerators
Spike aerators simply poke holes in the ground without removing soil. While less effective than core aerators, they can be useful for light aeration in sandy soils or for small areas.
Slice Aerators
These machines use rotating blades to cut slits in the soil. They're less common but can be effective for improving water penetration and reducing surface compaction.
Liquid Aerators
A newer option, liquid aerators use chemical solutions to break up compacted soil. While convenient, they're generally less effective than mechanical aeration methods for severe compaction issues.
What Should I Do After Aerating My Lawn?
At the bare minimum, keep watering your lawn every 2-3 days for the next 2 weeks. However, if you want your lawn to reach its maximum potential, do these tasks:
-
Overseed Your Lawn – This is where you spread new grass seed over the existing grass. This new grass seed will fill the openings from the core aerator and help your lawn grow back thicker and healthier!
-
Fertilize – After aeration is the perfect time to fertilize, especially if you overseed as well. This allows the nutrients to get deep into the soil and gives your lawn a great head start into next season.
How Often Should I Aerate My Lawn?
At least every 2-3 years. It depends on how much activity your yard sees each year and also how much clay is in your soil. If you live in a location with high clay soil content, it is best to aerate your lawn every year.
There are a few visual indicators of when a lawn should be aerated. If the soil is hard to the touch, or if the grass always looks stressed then those are key signs. If your lawn has water that pools on top and does not drain well, then that is another sign. You can also test the soil with a screwdriver. If you can easily push the screwdriver into the soil then it is ok. However, if it is difficult to push the screwdriver into the ground then it is likely time for aeration.
Although it is only needed annually at most, lawn aeration is crucial for helping your lawn reach its full potential. Lets get out there and impress the neighbors with a lush green lawn next season!
Combining Aeration with Other Lawn Care Practices
Overseeding After Aeration
Overseeding immediately after aeration can significantly improve the success rate of new grass growth. The aeration holes provide ideal conditions for seed germination and establishment. This combination can increase grass density by up to 30% in a single season.
Fertilizing Post-Aeration
Applying fertilizer after aeration allows nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil profile. This targeted application can improve nutrient uptake by up to 50%, leading to stronger, healthier grass growth. It's recommended to use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer for best results.
Signs Your Lawn Needs Aeration
Thatch Buildup
If your lawn has a layer of dead grass and roots more than half an inch thick between the soil surface and the green grass, it's time to aerate. Excessive thatch can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the roots.
Compacted Soil
Walk on your lawn. If it feels hard underfoot or if you have difficulty pushing a screwdriver into the soil, your lawn likely needs aeration. Compacted soil restricts root growth and nutrient absorption.
Poor Water Absorption
If you notice water pooling or running off instead of soaking into the soil after rain or irrigation, it's a clear sign that aeration is needed to improve water penetration and reduce runoff.
DIY vs. Professional Aeration Services
While DIY aeration is possible, professional services offer several advantages. They have access to commercial-grade equipment and expertise to ensure proper aeration depth and coverage. The national average cost of professional lawn aeration is $143, with most homeowners paying between $82 to $251. For a typical 10,000 square foot yard, core aeration costs between $75 and $250. Consider these costs against equipment rental fees and your time when deciding between DIY and professional services.
Aeration for Different Grass Types
The timing and frequency of aeration can vary depending on your grass type. Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue benefit most from fall aeration, while warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia prefer late spring to early summer aeration. Adjust your aeration schedule based on your specific grass type and local climate conditions for optimal results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, lawn aeration is a vital process for maintaining a healthy and vibrant lawn. By understanding when and how to aerate effectively, you can greatly enhance the health of your soil and the strength of your grass. As you prepare for your aeration project, don’t forget the importance of marking hazards in your yard. Ace Supply USA offers high-quality marking flags to help you easily identify sprinkler heads, tree roots, and other potential obstacles, ensuring a smooth aeration process. Check out Ace Supply USA today to get the marking flags you need for your next lawn care project and take the first step toward a lusher, more resilient lawn!