Benefits of Lawn Aeration

Aeration is the process of mechanically removing cores of turf to improve the flow of air, water and nutrients in dense, compacted soil. Soil compaction, caused by lawn traffic such as walking and mowing, is one of the greatest causes of turf deterioration. When soil is compacted, dirt particles are forced together, reducing the area where roots can grow. Aeration relieves soil compaction by improving the exchange of water and critical nutrients to grass roots. The benefits of Lawn Aeration include:

Aeration Video 1 Illustration of an aeration plug courtesy of BlueBird Aeration Video 2
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(1) Adequate amounts of vital nutrients including water, oxygen, nitrates, phosphorus, and potassium are unable to reach the roots. (2) Aerators relieve soil compaction by removing evenly-spaced cores of turf up to 3 inches in depth. (3) Once the soil is aerated air exchange is improved and the soil can easily absorb water, fertilizer and other nutrients. (4) Aeration promotes deeper root growth for a lawn that is lush, healthy and drought resistant.
Illustration courtesy of BlueBird

Before I arrive, please mark any obstructions such as sprinkler heads or drains.

Lawn Aeration is one of the most important things you can do to get and keep a healthy lawn.

The type of aeration that I perform is called “core aeration.” I remove little plugs of soil from your lawn. This brings air down to the root zone and releases trapped gases. The length of the plug can be up to 3” long, depending upon your soil conditions.

All those little plugs you see lying on your lawn break down and feed microorganisms that help reduce thatch production. Each one of those little plugs represents a hole that is left in your lawn. That hole actually acts as a reservoir that holds water and helps cut your watering cost. Also, each of those little holes becomes an individual germinating chamber when aeration is combined with overseeding in Spring and Fall. If you don’t like all those plugs laying on your lawn, you can always use a rotary lawnmower to break them up.

Aeration is usually performed twice a year.

Heavily compacted lawns that have sod laid over heavy clay need aeration twice a year. Generally lawns that have a lot of sand in the soil only need aeration once a year.

Aeration can be used to improve your existing soil.

In addition to aeration, bringing in compost and raking it into the holes can improve your soil. When the compost breaks down, organic matter is then introduced into the clay to nourish and enrich the soil, which then encourages worms and strong root growth.

Many people ask me about adding sand after aeration.

DO NOT ADD SAND! If you have clay and add sand, sand + clay = cement!   Golf courses have a mobile lab that comes out four times a year to analyze their soil composition. They know exactly what they need to do to improve their soil over time. When a homeowner haphazardly adds sand after aeration, big problems can occur. This is why I say add organic material and you will build a healthy soil profile.

Most homeowners mark their sprinkler systems before my arrival. This way I don’t destroy your sprinkler heads. I usually have irrigation flags with me that I can leave with you for future visits. Many people just use bamboo stakes or sticks the first time I visit.

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