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Miscellaneous Lawn Questions

Q&A About Aeration

Core aeration is a mechanical process that places approximately 7 finger size holes per square foot into the soil.

Common Consumer Questions About Aeration

What is the benefit of these holes? The holes immediately fill with oxygen which encourages the roots to rapidly expand and fill the oxygen rich holes. The second benefit is to increase the level of oxygen in the soil. The increased oxygen improves the mobility of nutrients, water, and air both within the plant and between the soil and roots.

Why is lawn aeration necessary? Soils compact very readily from rainfall, watering, mowing, normal foot traffic, etc. Compacted soils do not contain sufficient amounts of oxygen to allow for healthy turf plant growth. Another common soil problem is called "soil layering". Soil layering develops when 1 inch or so of topsoil has been spread over the top of an existing subsoil. Most often the roots never penetrate the subsoil resulting in a very shallow root system. Core aeration will help develop these roots to grow into the subsoil.

How many times and when should I aerate? Aeration should be done twice per year. Avoid aerating during the heat of the summer.

Does aeration help reduce thatch? Core aeration helps control thatch build up. It accomplishes this by adding oxygen to the soil which increases the decomposition rate. Core aeration will not remove an existing 1 inch thatch layer, but it is very beneficial in containing the growth of thatch levels.

Should I seed in conjunction with a core aeration? Seeding right after an aeration is an excellent idea. The aeration pulls soil up to the surface which increases seed-soil contact which increases germination rates.

What are other methods to improve the soil? Adding Lime or Gypsum are also great amendments to build the soil naturally.

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