As you may or may not know, our family has a lawn aerating business called Holle Lawn Aerating (or HLA)! What really is aerating, though?
When is Aeration Performed?
Aerating your lawn can be necessary due to various reasons.
Aerating you lawn is necessary when the ground has become compacted (when vehicles or equipment is driven on the lawn, when kids or pets run on it, when new planted grass seeds begin growing, etc.). For cool-season grasses (common in northern lawns), early fall or early spring are the best times for aerating! For warm-season grasses (common in southern lawns), the best times to aerate is in the late spring or very early summer. Aeration is ideally performed every year!
Benefits of Aerating?
Grass roots need air, water, and nutrients to grow thick, deep, and strong. When soil becomes compacted, the flow of these essentials is inhibited. Grasses that have been deprived of these nutrients lose their health, their color, and eventually die out completely. Aeration creates holes in the soil to allow water, nutrients, and air to reach the roots, as well as alleviate the compacted ground. Even a single aeration session can open the soil for these essentials to reach the roots and strengthen your lawn. Not only does aeration produce greener, thicker, and healthier lawns, but the roots of the grass will grow deeper and require less water. This will save you money in the long run!
How is Aeration Performed?
The aerating process can be performed in a variety of different manners, having many benefits and downfalls. Aerating equipment comes in three main types, from small, manual versions to large, tractor-like machinery. Spike aerators are one way in which aeration can be completed. This specific form pokes holes a couple of inches into the soil. Many homeowners might wear spiked “sandals” strapped to their shoes to aerate as these do additional yard work. While this form can help on a small scale, it may cause greater compaction. Secondly, slicing aerators have rotating blades that cut or slice through the soil.
Similar to spike aerators, slicing aerators leave soil in the ground, but create airways for essentials to reach the roots without causing compaction. Lastly, core or plug aerators use rows of hallow tines that remove plugs from the soil. Our family performs this form of aeration by using a small “tractor” and an extension on the back. The extension contains small “pipes” in which the soil is removed. Small flags are then placed where sprinklers are to avoid breaking them! Our family in itself has a great deal of history surrounding such aeration!
Aeration is performed by working back and fourth across your lawn. Several passes should be made in different directions to ensure optimal coverage! Aeration machinery can be rented, or a lawn service may be hired! After your lawn is aerated, allow the plugs to dry where they fall. They will break down and add beneficial soil. Fertilizer should be used after aerating to allow extra nutrients to reach the soil!
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