What Is Lawn Aeration? We Answer Your Questions
Seal Of Approval Specializes In Lawn Aeration
A Lawn Aerator is a piece of machinery used to cut out round holes in the soil of your yard to promote grass growth.
What Is Lawn Aeration?
Lawn aeration, which is also called core aeration, is when a machine is used to perforate your lawn. Round plugs are pulled throughout your lawn by this machine. This is done so your lawn can encourage growth and thickness, breathe, absorb water, and break down thatch (explained below).
I always like to compare yard care to taking care of one’s own health. When one exercises, they will see results. When one exercises and eats healthy he will see better results at a faster rate. But obviously, this is common sense.
Even if your lawn looks great, applying fertilizer at the beginning, and end of each season helps with your lawn care. However, you will see better results when you aerate AND fertilize. By doing so, you will accomplish the full benefits of achieving and/or maintaining a healthy lawn.
What Is Thatch? Is It Bad For My Lawn?
Thatch can be described as yellow patches. It is a common issue people have with their lawn. It appears as a matted layer of roots that form on top of the soil. This causes your grass to suffocate and turn yellow. Lack of water and oxygen reaching the roots will result in your lawn becoming prone to disease, and insects. Another way to spot thatch is when you see water pooling in areas of your lawn when watering it. Regular aeration is considered one of the best ways to control thatch.
Thatch Is what is left when grass dries out and dies. Excessive thatch is bad for your lawn as it clogs the soil of your yard and does not allow moisture to be absorbed by your lawn.
Will Aerating My Lawn Make The Grass Grow Quicker?
Yes! The plugs that are pulled from your lawn will allow water, air, grass seeds, and fertilizer to get deep into the soil and produce a thick and healthy lawn.
Aerating your lawn allows for better moisture absorbtion and promotes the growth of a thick, lush, green lawn.
The Top Image Shows The Incredible Results Of Aerating A Lawn
When Will I See Results After Aerating My Lawn
Lawn aeration is similar to getting in top physical shape. There is no such thing as immediate results. However, exercise with a proper diet over a period of time will prove positive results.
Like exercise and proper health, lawn care is similar. Lawn aeration is ONE of the steps in having a golf course green type of lawn. Depending on the turf conditions, your visual results may or may not be immediate from a single aeration. However, root growth and the overall health of your lawn will begin to improve immediately.
Even in the toughest conditions, aeration in combination with an appropriate fertilizing, irrigation, and weed control program will show dramatic visual results in the second year.
Can Aeration Alone Fix A Yard In Distress?
Yes. However, results may vary. If your lawn looks like a stampede of animals ran through it, it will take time, care, and patience to restore.
Please keep in mind, general maintenance is essential in keeping your lawn optimal. As well as core aeration; lawn care should include fertilizing, over seeding, and watering. Keep your lawn looking it’s best by following our simple lawncare tips!
How Often Do I Need To Aerate My Lawn?
For optimal results, it is best if you aerate your lawn twice a year (once in the spring, and once in the fall). At a minimum, aeration should be done at least once; preferably in the spring.
Aeration needs to be a continual part of your lawn care plan just like fertilizing, weed/pest control, and mowing.
Even after your lawn is at its best, it is important to follow up with your general maintenance. Without it, your lawn could easily begin regressing and all of your hard work will have been for nothing.
How do I know if my lawn needs to aerated?
Dry & Hard Soil
If the soil in your yard dries out easily and has a spongy feel. This might mean your lawn has an excessive thatch problem.
Soil is compacted
High traffic areas appear worn out from heavy use, such as serving as the neighborhood playground or racetrack. Children and pets running around the yard contribute to soil compaction.
New Home or Lawn
Often, the topsoil of newly constructed lawns are stripped or buried, and the grass established on subsoil has been compacted by construction traffic.
Check out our 10 reasons to aerate
Can I Aerate My Lawn Myself? How Much Will It Cost If I Do It Myself?
You can find an aeration machine at your local Home Depot or rental chain. It will cost about $40 – $60 to rent. Please keep in mind that Seal of Approval will charge roughly the same price and we will come to your house at a scheduled time. We also offer free tips and advice for property maintenance care.
Can I Aerate Newly Laid Sod or Freshly Seeded Grass?
It is not necessary to aerate newly laid sod. The sod is still new and the aeration machine could rip out what has been placed on your lawn.
It is recommended that you wait 6-12 months before aeration over any new sod. Also, if grass is starting to germinate on your lawn from seeding then you should wait until the seedlings reach maturity.
Freshly sodded yards do not need to be aerated until 6 to 12 months after the sod was laid.
How Long Will It Take For The Soil Cores To Disappear From My Lawn?
It usually takes around two weeks for the cores to break down. Mowing your lawn and watering are the best solutions to breaking down the cores.
Please keep in mind that the cores are actually beneficial to the health of your lawn and the effectiveness of the aeration.