CORE AERATION
Core Aeration is one of the best ways to keep your lawn healthy. We do our aeration first in April and May once the ground has thawed, and again in August and early September, well before the first frost. Our professional grade aerators penetrate deeply into the root zone, so be sure to flag any irrigation heads to avoid damage.
A lawn can be aerated once or twice per growing season, and as long as it is done at the right time of year it will not cause damage. Most of our clients book a Spring Clean Up Package which includes Power Raking, Aeration, Edging and the First Cut and Trim of the season. That being said, work done in the Fall will greatly improve the lawn the following Spring, and a lawn can benefit from doing more than the bare minimum.
Check out the information below to learn more about aeration.
How Do I Aerate My Lawn? – You can aerate your own lawn fairly easily by renting an aerator, or you can hire a professional lawn care company like The Lawn Caddies to do it for you while you kick back.
When Is The Best Time Of Year To Aerate? – It is best to aerate in early spring and early fall, but it should be avoided during or before periods of drought, heat, and cold (frost).
What Is Core Aeration? – Using a powered aerator, small “plugs”, or cores of earth are removed from the lawn leaving behind small holes about an inch in diameter.
Why Should I Aerate? – The holes created allow for in the turf allow for better transfer of air, water, and nutrients directly into the root zone. Aeration is also beneficial in reducing soil compaction and breaking up the thatch layer.
What About The Mess? – The plugs are left behind on the lawn to naturally break down. It takes a few weeks, but as the cores break down they reintroduce nutrients, bacteria, and even over time help to keep the surface level.
Should I Do Anything After? – Fertilizer and grass seed applications are made more effective if services like aeration and power raking are done just prior to application. Making sure a lawn has adequate water after will also improve results.
What Else Can I Do To Have A Green Lawn? – Proper mowing and watering techniques are key to ensuring a healthy lawn above and below ground. A good fertilizing program with a weed control plan will ensure the lawn has the food it needs without competition. Aeration, overseeding, and power-raking done at the right time of the season will enhance the lawn and help it replenish.