Aeration is right around the corner. With every job there are things that you have to do and things you want to avoid. The same applies to aeration. Whether you are new to aerating or just need a refresher this article will get you on the right path.
The process of aeration is removing cork size holes from the ground to allow soil and roots to breathe and become less compact. By making the lawn less compact, it is allowing nutrients to spread throughout the area. This is recommended to keep a lawn happy and healthy all year long.
Do’s
Aerate Once a Year:
The average residential lawn only needs this service once a year. It all varies on the amount of traffic your lawn receives. If you have a golf course that sees a large amount of foot traffic, it will need to be aerated several times a year. The average lawn in the Kansas City area will need to be done once to twice a year.
Seeding After:
The aeration is completed and now it is time to overseed. Overseeding is applying a large amount of seed to your lawn. This is done, so that the nutrients and air can promote the growth of the new seed. It has healthy soil to start growing in.
Water Heavily:
Watering frequently until the grass has germinated can take 2-3 weeks. There should be enough water each day to see small puddles on the lawn. The grass needs this to grow, it also washes nutrients into the soil holes.
Don’ts
Rake Up Soil Plugs:
Those plugs still hold the nutrients that your grass already had in it. With watering and time they will dissolve and disappear. The goal is not to take away dirt from your lawn, but to loosen it.
Aerate When It’s Hot:
Evaporating is increased when it is hot, doing more harm than good to your lawn. Regular watering will help to prevent this. Aerating in these conditions removes the water you are trying to put in the soil which can lead to burnt grass.
Use a Spike Aerator:
A spike aerator is just spikes that are poking holes into the ground instead of removing the holes. The goal is to loosen the soil, this creates a more compact soil. When compacting the soil like that it makes it harder for water and nutrients to reach the roots of the soil.
Now that you know what to do and what not to do with aeration, it’s time to start planning for the fall. A professional will know exactly what your lawn needs to thrive and it is best to consult them be performing any major lawn care. It will always be cheaper and easier to contact a professional first compared to messing up and then calling them to fix it.
Get a FREE fall services estimate by clicking here or calling (913) 568-5013.
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