Should You Aerate Your Lawn

By Jodi Nations

When a lawn appears sick even though it has received plenty of water and fertilizer and issues like worms, infestations and other problems have been ruled out, the need for aeration may be the problem. When soil becomes compacted, aeration may be the cure. The top few inches or so of topsoil needs to be able to breathe and absorb water and other nutrients. When it becomes packed down and hardened, this becomes harder to achieve.

When the soil becomes compacted, the lawn starts to wilt and dry up because water and nutrients are not able to reach the roots. Aeration is a great way to help crucial nutrients and water reach the roots, while increasing oxygen levels in the soil. Oxygen-rich soil helps promote root growth and enables grass to withstand drought. Aerating improves the health and beauty of the lawn.

Timing is important in deciding when to aerate, and the frequency of aeration depends on several factors, including the type of soil and the variety of grass. Soil with lots of clay should be aerated in the spring and fall, and soil with more sand should be aerated in either the spring or fall. Warm-season grasses should be aerated in late spring or early summer, while cool-seasons grasses, which can be found throughout Colorado, should be aerated in the early spring and the late fall.

It is recommended that aerating be undertaken on a day with mild temperatures when the soil is a bit moist. Watering the lawn the day before aerating is suggested. The ground should be moist but not saturated. Aerating in high heat and drought is not advised. Additionally, weed problems should be under control prior to aerating, and newly laid sod should not be aerated until its roots have been well established.

Most people don't realize that aerating is essential to a healthy carpet of grass. While most homeowners don't own an aerator, either because of price or time constraints, aerating on a regular basis is highly recommended. That's where hiring a lawn care company to aerate makes good sense. Lawn care specialists can determine the type and frequency of the lawn's aeration needs. Hiring a lawn care professional to maintain the lawn's health and beauty is a wise and cost-effective move to ensure a lush, robust lawn. - 30234

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