17 Jul Benefits of Aerating your Lawn
One of the most important things you can do for your lawn’s health is aeration. Aeration is the process of creating openings in the lawn to help reduce the soil’s density and help air, water, and nutrients move through the soil to the roots of the grass. It helps alleviate soil compaction and allows plant roots the room they need to stretch out, grow, and become more vigorous and dense. On top of allowing air in, it also creates pockets for your fertilizer to work its way in. The more your fertilizer is absorbed into the soil, the more effective it will be. Over time, aerated lawns are less susceptible to disease, thatch buildup, and develop an increased tolerance to heat and drought.
As the aeration process takes place it deposits the cylinder plugs of soil and thatch back onto the surface which helps break up any excessive thatch build-up. Thatch is a thin layer of decomposing organic matter on your lawn’s surface. While it is typically beneficial, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. This is where mother nature takes over and the deposits from the aeration process start breaking down the thatch and soil into a natural compost. This compost helps reintroduce beneficial microbes into the soil.
Aeration can be done anytime during the growing season. The two most popular times to aerate are in the spring and fall. Spring aeration gives the grass a little extra boost and provides faster greening; fall aeration helps strengthen underground root systems while providing an excellent bed for overseeding.
In the fall, your lawn switches its focus from growing grass to growing its roots. Fall aeration helps prepare your lawn for its winter dormancy. When aeration is combined with overseeding, it helps maximize seed-to-soil contact; which means you’ll see more of your freshly planted seedlings sprout. It will also help improve your lawn’s resistance to disease and insects.
Even though your lawn might appear to be slowing down in the fall, your efforts this time of year make a lasting impact on the health of your lawn. Fall aeration strengthens your turf’s roots, making them heartier and healthier next spring and for years to come.
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