What is Aeration? In the context of landscape and lawn maintenance, aerate means "to supply with air." The process of aeration serves a two-fold purpose: It helps control thatch development and reduces compaction on the surface of the soil.
As lawns age or sustain heavy use from play, sports activities, pets, vehicle traffic and parking, soil compaction can result. Soil compacting forces are most severe in poorly drained or wet sites. Compaction greatly reduces the pore space within the soil that would normally hold air. Roots require oxygen to grow and absorb nutrients and water. Compaction reduces total pore space and the amount of air within the soil. It has a negative impact on nutrient uptake and water infiltration, in addition to being a physical barrier to root growth. This results in poor top growth and lawn deterioration. Aeration reduces soil compaction, improves soil structure, reduces thatch, and allows air, nutrients, and water to reach the roots.
The results are a lawn with healthier and deeper roots, resulting in a stronger, more drought tolerant lawn.
When WesternLawns aerates, we leave the cores on the lawn. The cores breakdown as the lawn is watered and mowed. The soil then filters back in the holes creating pockets of loose soil.
For best results, aeration should be performed once per growing season after spring green-up and before the end of July on warm season grasses (Bermuda) and in the fall or spring on cool season grasses (Fescue, Rye).
Aeration relieves soil compaction, improves water and nutrient movement in the soil, increases rooting, and prevents thatch accumulation. Aeration improves the growing conditions for the turfgrass plants and results in a healthier, more vigorous lawn.
For more information on having WesternLawns aerate your lawn, call 405.943.4242 or email us at PeteMoss@WesternLawns.com.