What does lawn aeration involve?
Lawn aeration involves the removal of small soil plugs or cores from the grass or lawn. There are hand aerators are available but the most effective way of aerating your lawn will be with a mechanical aerator. The aerator machine should have having hollow tines or spoons mounted on the disk or drum. This mechanical aerators are known as a core aerator. They extract between 12mm and 20 mm diameter cores of soil from your lawn. These plugs are deposited on the lawn. Aeration holes are typically between 25mm and 150mm deep and 5cm and 15 cm apart.
Some aerators push solid spikes or tines into the soil without removing a plug (spiking). This is not an effective way to aerate because they cause compaction. Core aeration is a recommended for any lawn that has been compacted, heavily used turf and has thatch build up.
What will aeration do to my lawn?
As lawns age or sustain heavy use, soil compaction occurs. Soil compacting is more severe in poorly drained or wet sites. Compaction reduces the pore space within the soil that would normally hold air.
Your lawns roots require oxygen in order to grow and absorb nutrients and water. Compaction reduces total pore space and the amount of air within the soil and has a negative impact on nutrient uptake and water infiltration. This compaction results in poor top growth and your lawn will deteriorate.
Core aeration has substantial benefits because aeration:
- Soil microorganisms that decompose thatch are stimulated.
- Increases water, nutrient and oxygen absorption into the soil.
- Improves the rooting.
- Enhancing infiltration of water whether from rainfall or irrigation.
- Fertiliser and pesticide run-off from overly compacted areas is reduced or prevented.
How will I know if I my lawn needs aeration?
If in doubt about aeration, call us at Lawn Care Plus and we will come out and give you a free assessment.
Other reasons to aerate your lawn include:
- If your lawn is heavily used or driven upon on a regular basis, this causes the turf to thin
- The thatch layer is in excess of 12mm.
- Your soil is clay soil.
Manual Lawn Aerator
Lawn Aerator shoes
Soil aeration is an important aspect of lawn care that involves creating small holes in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the roots of your grass.
While it’s possible to do soil aeration on your own using a manual aerator or renting a machine, it’s often better to hire a professional to do the job. Professional lawn care companies have specialized equipment that can aerate your soil more effectively and efficiently than a manual aerator, and they also have the expertise to know how deeply to aerate and how often to do it.
Lawn Care Plus can also perform other lawn care services like fertilisation and weed control at the same time, saving you time and effort. By hiring a professional to do your soil aeration, you can ensure that your lawn is receiving the care it needs to thrive, resulting in a healthier and more beautiful lawn
I am a lawn care treatment specialist whose passion for working outdoors has blossomed into a thriving business. What sets me apart is my dedication to understanding each lawn's unique needs. I don't just apply generic treatments; I assess soil conditions, identify specific grass types, and tailor my approach accordingly. This personalised touch has earned me a reputation for delivering exceptional results. I now offer comprehensive lawn care solutions, including planting, executing meticulous cleanups, and even crafting stunning landscapes. My team and I value building relationships with our clients, taking time to educate them about proper lawn care practices, empowering them to maintain healthy, beautiful lawns year-round.
