Aeration

What:

Aeration is a mechanical process of punching holes the size of a finger into the turf. We run a 300lb machine over the yard pulling up cores of grass. Leave the cores on the yard and let them dissipate naturally. 

Why:

Aerating the yard helps break up compacted soil allowing the roots more room to grow. This process will help thicken up turf grass, choking out any weeds. Weeds grow in bare or thin areas, so if someone is looking for natural weed prevention (no chemicals) this and fertilization would be their best option. Aeration helps with drought stress as water can more easily make it to the root system before evaporating and for that same reason can also help with drainage issues for better flood prevention. 

One of the most common questions from homeowners is how to determine if they should be aerating their lawn. Your lawn is probably a good candidate for aeration if it:

• Gets heavy use, such as serving as the neighborhood playground or racetrack. Children and pets running around the yard contribute to soil compaction.

• Was established as part of a newly constructed home. Often, the topsoil of newly constructed lawns is stripped or buried, and the grass established on subsoil has been compacted by construction traffic.

• Dries out easily and has a spongy feel. This might mean your lawn has an excessive thatch problem. Take a shovel and remove a slice of lawn about four inches deep. If the thatch layer is greater than one-half inch, aeration is recommended.

• Was established by sod, and soil layering exists. Soil layering means that soil of finer texture, which comes with imported sod, is layered over the existing coarser soil. This layering disrupts drainage, as water is held in the finer-textured soil. This leads to compacted conditions and poor root development. Aerating breaks up the layering, allowing water to flow through the soil more easily and reach the roots.
• If water pools after rainfall or watering and takes a long time to be absorbed, it’s a sign that soil may be compacted. Aerating your soil extends your grass’ root system for better water absorption while also loosening the soil and allowing the water to penetrate deeper.  
• If it’s been two or more years since your last aeration. Heavy rain and general use naturally compacts soil over time.