Core aeration is one of the best things you can do for your lawn. It is the process of mechanically removing small plugs of soil from the lawn to reduce soil compaction.
Many benefits
Core aeration allows air, water and nutrients to more readily reach the root zone by relieving compacted soil and opening up the thatch layer. It stimulates new growth, improves drainage, provides a better environment for overseeding and increases the effectiveness of applied fertilizer and control products.
How it works
Soil core aeration involves running a machine across your lawn. The aerator pulls a plug out the soil about 1½“ deep and about ¾” thick. These cores are left on the surface of your lawn to dry out. Then the next time you mow they’re crushed and the soil is mixed into the thatch layer on the surface, adding microorganisms to the thatch layer and allowing the thatch layer to decompose.
Keeping it green
Aeration should be done at least once a year, but specifically when dealing with compacted soil or heavy clay soil. Aeration is also effective prior to overseeding, top dressing and fertilizing to maximize nutrient deliver and seed germination.
