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What is Core Aeration?
In simplest terms, it is the process of making finger sized holes in your lawn and depositing the removed material on the surface to break down. This allows fertilizer, water and oxygen to get to the roots where healthy grass originates.
How do I know if a yard needs aeration?
Known clay soils, heavy traffic, more than 1/2″ of thatch, standing water after irrigation or rain, or lawns that brown easily in heat are all excellent candidates. In reality, any yard, healthy or not, can benefit from annual aeration.
How often should a lawn be aerated?
You should Aerate your lawn on a regular basis.
Will aeration make the grass grow faster?
Yes. Healthy grass will grow faster and thicker but if you are unwilling to mow lush green grass, aeration, fertilizing and watering are counterproductive.
Is aeration a one-time fix that can be discontinued when the lawn has improved?
No. Aeration needs to be an ongoing part of a lawn care plan just like fertilizing, weed and pest control, irrigation and mowing.
How deep and how many cores are required for effective aeration?
Generally, cores every 4″– 6″ and from 2″– 3″ deep will give best results. It is commonly accepted that the deeper and the closer together the better. The cores left in your yard will usually be about 5/8″ diameter.
How long will it take for the cores left in the lawn to disappear?
Depending on weather, soil conditions, watering and mowing frequency, the cores will break down and start disappearing in about two weeks. This process will add nutrients to the lawn. Raking up the cores reduces aeration effectiveness. DO NOT RAKE UP THE CORES
How wet should the yard be for best aeration results?
Dry ground reduces the depth of cores and aeration effectiveness. Wet, muddy soil allows deep aeration but at the expense of crusting the soil in the hole, reducing access to the roots and making cores left in the yard a muddy mess that does not break down as fast. Normally, aerating 24 hours after a 1/2″ rain or normal watering is best.
Should newly seeded grass or sod be aerated?
No. Sod should not be aerated for at least 12 months. Newly seeded lawns usually can be aerated in the second full season of growth. Multiple pass aeration prior to seeding or sodding is a good way to prepare the soil.
Can aerator tines damage sprinkler heads or other items in the lawn?
Yes. You must flag all items in the yard to avoid damage caused by the tines.
When should the lawn be fertilized?
Fertilizing immediately after aeration will achieve the best return on your fertilizer investment, as it will more easily get to the root structure at this time.
Will the lawn require more fertilization after aeration?
No. The same amount of fertilizer will give quicker and more long lasting results as it will get to the roots where real health occurs.
Is reseeding after aeration a good practice?
Yes. If the lawn has areas where the stand of grass is thin, broadcast seeding 1–2 weeks after aeration will improve germination, as the seeds will intermix with the deterioration of plugs and have direct access to non-compacted soil in the holes in the turf.
Is dethatching (power raking) necessary in addition to aeration?
Dethatching only adds to the benefit of Aeration. Dethatching removes dead thatch from grass and is needed every Spring but does not improve compaction which is where Aeration comes in.
Should the lawn be watered after aeration?
Yes. Water helps breakdown the cores left in the yard and is particularly effective on the newly exposed root system.
American Landscape & irrigation can take care of your Aeration needs. Rates vary by yard.
Please fill out the form below and we will get back with you. You can also call Clarence at (406) 855-3040 to schedule your Aeration today!