Core Aeration
Core aeration is a process that involves removing small plugs of soil from the lawn, creating holes that allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the root zone of the grass more easily. These holes are created using either a manual or mechanical machine that has long hollow spikes, or tines, that push into the ground and pull out the plugs of soil as they come out. These plugs can be either raked up off the lawn, or left on the lawn to break down. It is usually recommended to leave the cores of soil on the lawn, as this provides additional benefits to your lawn as well. This service is typically done in the growing season, so either spring or fall, and is done once or twice a year. Lawn aeration is one of the most popular lawn services due to the fact that it is one of the best things you can do for your lawn, and is extremely cost effective. Some of the many benefits of core aeration include:
Improves soil aeration: Core aeration physically removes small plugs of soil from the lawn, creating holes that allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the root zone more easily.
Enhances root growth: With improved soil aeration, the roots of the grass are able to grow deeper and stronger, resulting in a healthier and more resilient lawn.
Reduce soil compaction: Aeration helps to break up compacted soil, making it easier for water and nutrients to reach the roots of the grass, as well as making it easier for the roots themselves to grow and thicken within the soil.
Improves water absorption: Aerated soil absorbs water much better, reducing runoff and promoting deeper watering.
Enhances fertilizer effectiveness: Fertilizer use will be much more effective when applied to an aerated lawn, as it can reach the roots more easily, and be taken up the grass more efficiently.
Enhances thatch decomposition: Aeration can help break down thatch (the layer of dead grass and organic matter that accumulates on top of the soil), also making it easier for water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots of the lawn.
Promotes a thicker lawn: With stronger, deeper roots and improved soil conditions, the lawn will naturally become much thicker, and more lush
Improves grass seed germination: With less compact, more aerated soil, conditions for seed germination improve, making it easier for grass seed to grow and establish a thicker lawn.
Increases drought tolerance: By promoting deeper root growth, core aeration can help a lawn to access water at deeper levels within the soil, making it more resistant to drought damage.
Improves heat tolerance: Aerated soil cools more quickly than compacted soil, making it easier for the grass to withstand higher temperatures.
Reduce moss and weed growth: A thick healthy lawn that is well aerated and fertilized is less likely to be overtaken by moss and weeds.
Enhance soil structure: Aeration can help improve the structure of the soil, making it more porous and better able to hold and retain water and nutrients
Increases soil microbial activity: With improved soil structure, there is an increase of beneficial microorganisms in the soil, which improve soil fertility and the overall health of the lawn.
Improves soil drainage: By breaking up compacted soil and creating channels for water to flow through, core aeration can help improve drainage and reduce standing water in the lawn.
Enhances the effectiveness of soil conditioners: Soil conditioners such as gypsum or lime work better on an aerated soil, as they can penetrate the soil better and be distributed more evenly.
Cores provide top dressing: As the plugs of soil break down, they add soil top dressing to the lawn, helping in thatch decomposition and providing more nutrients to the lawn as well.
Water bill reduction: Through soil decompaction and thatch decomposition, water efficiency greatly increases. This means you can water your lawn less while still achieving the same results.
Enhances the beauty of the lawn: By promoting a thick, lush, green lawn, core aeration can enhance the overall beauty of the lawn, making it much more attractive and enjoyable.