Aerating

What is Aerating?

Caring for your lawn also means caring for the soil. Lawns where soil oxygen (air), water and nutrients are easily accessible by grass roots produce a healthier, thicker lawn. Soil that has become compacted over time does not allow grass roots to receive adequate oxygen (air), water and nutrients. A great way to correct this is by aerating or core aerating your lawn. Aerating allows water, oxygen (air) and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil, resulting in better nutrient availability for grass roots. This also encourages the grass roots to grow deeper as the soil is easier to penetrate.

Aerating or "core aerating," occurs when small holes penetrate the soil removing a portion of the soil, grass and any other material at the soil level.

• Aerate during the Spring.
• Use an aerating machine that removes plugs. We recommend using a machine that removes the plugs from the soil. Aerating machines are available at most rental centers or you can hire a professional service.
• Recommended "plug" sizes. The holes should be at least 3/4" diameter, penetrate 3" to 6" deep and be approximately 3" to 4" apart. Note: The removed plugs do not need to be removed as they will dissipate in a few weeks.
• Always aerate a moist soil for best results. Make sure soil is not too wet and not too dry.