Aeration is used in order to achieve and maintain a beautiful healthy lawn. We always suggest you employ sound lawn care practices which include properly mowing, fertilizing and watering your lawn. It’s also very important that quality nutrients reaches the soil beneath your grass. Aeration when done at the right times is an extremely vital element to growing a healthy lawn because it allows vital air “Aeration” and water to penetrate the built-up grass, compacted soil or lawn thatch.
Let’s look at what Aeration is?
Aeration is a technique that involves perforating or cutting out the soil with precise small holes to ease the flow of air, water and nutrients directly to the grass roots below your lawn. This special technique helps the roots grow deeper into the ground which produces a stronger, more vigorous lawn. This depth within the root systems allow for longer durations without water, and limits the amount of stress on the lawn from other harmful insects, fungus, or pesticides. The main reason for aerating is to alleviate soil compaction in high traffic areas or highly compacted dirt.
Should You Be Aerating Your Lawn?
One of the most common questions we receive from curious homeowners is, “How do I determine if I should be aerating my lawn.” From our experience your lawn is probably a good candidate for aeration if it has any of the following:
- Receives heavy use, for example serving as the neighborhood playground. Your children and pets run around the yard in a similar pattern and contribute to soil compaction.
- Your lawn was established as part of a newly constructed home or development. These types of properties often compact the topsoil of newly constructed lawns. Due to the top soil being comprised of stripped or buried construction debris, and compacted by constant heavy construction vehicles.
- Dries out easily and has a spongy feel when you walk on it. This could mean your lawn has an excessive “thatch” issue. A good test is to take a shovel and remove a thick slice of lawn about four inches deep. If you find the thatch layer is greater than (1/2″) one-half inch, aeration would be recommended.
When is the Right Time of Year Aerate Your Lawn
The best time of the year for aeration is during the growing season, in Florida this is mid spring to summer. When the grass can heal and fill in any open areas after soil plugs are removed.
Count on Beachside Lawn Care to provide expert lawn care services, contact us today, for more information or to schedule aeration for this upcoming year!