Just like people do, plants need breathing room. While most
plants can get the air they need from the top, having adequate
circulation in the soil is critical for growing healthy
turf. If you’re noticing that last year’s lawn
is this year’s sponge, it’s time to rent or
purchase a lawn aerator.
Aeration keeps soil clumps from becoming rock-solid bits
of earth, helps water to drain through the soil, and removes
excess thatch build-up. In addition to benefiting your turf,
it also helps the micro-colonies of beneficial organisms
that live in your soil to stay healthy.
Although aeration, especially core aeration, is best when
done in the springtime, you can aerate your lawn any time
after the frost is out of the ground.
Before you invest in aeration, you may want to check your
lawn for thatch buildup. If you can easily push your finger
through your lawn to feel the soil, then aeration isn’t
a necessity. Still, it won’t hurt. Making a habit
of yearly aeration keeps your lawn healthy and keeps you
ahead of clumping, thatch build-up and poor drainage problems.
Small lawns with little thatch can be easily aerated by
walking over them wearing a pair of spiked shoes. The least
expensive type of aerator is a spiked pole, which you push
into the ground. However, the most effective type of lawn
aerator is a core aerator. If you have large areas of turf,
this is the type of aerator that will do the best job. In
addition, core aerators can be purchased to attach to most
riding mowers and lawn tractors.
The disadvantage of core aeration is that it does leave
plugs of earth scattered about your lawn. However, the plugs
can be removed, broken up, or will quickly decompose under
heavy spring rainfalls.
About the Author
Linda is a leading author of Lawnmower
Guides All about Lawnmowers and Lanwcare
