Benefits of Core Aeration

Benefits of Core Aeration

Over time your turf naturally becomes compacted,  as a result the sub-soil will be undesirable for a healthy lawn.  Activities such as mowing, running, walking, and watering contribute to this compacting factor, which will reduce air space within the soil for roots to grow freely.  Also, compacting soil will cause unnecessary runoff of water and nutrients.  Fertilizers will have a hard time finding it's target, the roots!  Water will tend to roll off the surface and puddle rather than naturally leaching through freely to feed those all important roots.  Proper air gaps and loose soil allows roots to thrive, move and grow.  All of these factors are necessary to obtain a healthy, resilient, thick, emerald green lush lawn.

Soil compacting can be relieved by a machine called a core aerator.  This machine sends hollowed spikes 2-3" into the ground, the hollowed spike then retrieves itself and creates a finger sized hole, throughout the lawn you will see numerous plugs.  This is truly a positive process for you lawn, your lawn will have improved air exchange, water and nutrient supply to its root structure.

Timing:

The best time to aerate is Fall time!  Remember, in spring everything comes to life, weed seeds are most actively looking for a seed bed.  Weeds may have a greater chance to germinate with your turf opened up as core aeration does.  Also, the war against crabgrass is vital, pre-emergent application and core aeration are indeed a conflict of interest.  Core aeration is an extremely aggressive process performed to your turf, therefore it has to be done during a cool season.  Pre-emergent applications are only used during early spring, it's imperative not to disrupt the barrier formed by the pre-emergent.  Can you aerate prior, yes you can, however the potency of the barrier may be less than optimum.