Aerating is the process of removing small plugs of dirt out of the ground. Most aerators dig holes around 3 to 5 inches in-depth. The advantage of aerating is to loosen earth compacted by animals, children and general usage. The plugs of soil pulled out of the ground during this process eventually decompose and add to the nutrients in the ground. Not all lawns require aerating, but for most yards this process is essential to ensure healthy grass.
Aeration Benefits
Establishing a healthy green lawn requires knowing when to seed, apply fertilizer, aerate and water. It is important to know the types of grass to plant in sunny or shady areas. Most lawns require aeration and reseeding at least once a year. One of the best seasons to aerate is fall. Aeration loosens the soil, while providing deep holes for grass seed and creating a better environment for germination. The perforations in the soil also prevent fertilizers from being washed away and keep potential contaminants out of nearby lakes and streams. Autumn is a great time to loosening dense soil allowing the grass seeds an opportunity to put down a healthy root system. The stronger the roots the more resilient the lawn will be to a wide range of plant diseases, adverse conditions and drought. Encouraging grass growth in the fall sets the stage for additional root development throughout the winter months. Winter is the season when the grass may appear dormant; yet underneath the ground roots are growing and providing the basis for a heartier lawn in the spring. Water is more rapidly absorbed into loose soil and nutrients are less likely to be lost by runoff. Aeration"s coring process makes holes in the earth forcing air into the soil. This maintains the necessary conditions required for earthworms and microorganisms that are helpful to plants. Routinely turning the ground can prevent thatch from forming in the yard. Thatch is a combination of dead and living organic matter. It can pose a problem by creating the perfect setting for disease, insect pests and bald spots where grass cannot grow. Heavy nitrogen fertilizers and over watering are the main culprits in the development of thatch. Aeration along with proper lawn maintenance can prevent this problem from occurring.
An Important Part of Lawn Maintenance
A lawn that is not routinely aerated will suffer in the long run. The more compact the soil the less likely the grass will be able to achieve vigorous root growth and a more lush appearance. Aeration adds to the total well-being of a yard. The key to a great looking lawn is yearly aeration, seeding and regularly scheduled care.
Aeration Benefits
Establishing a healthy green lawn requires knowing when to seed, apply fertilizer, aerate and water. It is important to know the types of grass to plant in sunny or shady areas. Most lawns require aeration and reseeding at least once a year. One of the best seasons to aerate is fall. Aeration loosens the soil, while providing deep holes for grass seed and creating a better environment for germination. The perforations in the soil also prevent fertilizers from being washed away and keep potential contaminants out of nearby lakes and streams. Autumn is a great time to loosening dense soil allowing the grass seeds an opportunity to put down a healthy root system. The stronger the roots the more resilient the lawn will be to a wide range of plant diseases, adverse conditions and drought. Encouraging grass growth in the fall sets the stage for additional root development throughout the winter months. Winter is the season when the grass may appear dormant; yet underneath the ground roots are growing and providing the basis for a heartier lawn in the spring. Water is more rapidly absorbed into loose soil and nutrients are less likely to be lost by runoff. Aeration"s coring process makes holes in the earth forcing air into the soil. This maintains the necessary conditions required for earthworms and microorganisms that are helpful to plants. Routinely turning the ground can prevent thatch from forming in the yard. Thatch is a combination of dead and living organic matter. It can pose a problem by creating the perfect setting for disease, insect pests and bald spots where grass cannot grow. Heavy nitrogen fertilizers and over watering are the main culprits in the development of thatch. Aeration along with proper lawn maintenance can prevent this problem from occurring.
An Important Part of Lawn Maintenance
A lawn that is not routinely aerated will suffer in the long run. The more compact the soil the less likely the grass will be able to achieve vigorous root growth and a more lush appearance. Aeration adds to the total well-being of a yard. The key to a great looking lawn is yearly aeration, seeding and regularly scheduled care.