There are many different opinions and advice that you’ve probably heard when it comes to keeping your grass healthy – churn soil, water frequently, choose quality fill and fertilization, remove weeds – the list goes on and on. One of the best solutions to growing the most outstanding grass for your home or commercial property, though, relies on aerating the lawn.
Grass needs several things to grow properly and produce the greenest color and softest feel, including ample sunlight and water, access to fresh air and vital nutrients. Three of those main components to lawn health are easily provided, though proper air circulation is often the most difficult to effectively achieve.
When grass gets compacted from frequent use – most commonly from kids running on it daily or people walking across the lawn, excess lawn thatch or heavy organic debris – the grass compaction can basically starve grass roots from the essential air it needs to grow. That’s where aeration comes in.
So what exactly is lawn aeration?
Aeration allows air and water to penetrate compacted or built-up grass. The process involves perforating small holes into the soil to allow water, nutrients and air to more effectively reach the grass roots.
What is the end result from aeration? It helps the grass roots grow more deeply and create a stronger and resilient lawn. Aeration also will usually alleviate future soil compaction, though heavily traveled areas may still need spot aeration to maintain a healthy bed of grass.
There are particular times of year when aeration is more suitable. For aeration to have the greatest impact, aerate the lawn during the early spring or fall. Spring falls before the peak growing times of summer and after the snows of winter, making this time of year perfect for aerating the lawn.
To get an idea if your lawn could benefit from aeration, here are a few things to consider:
- Does your lawn feel spongy or ever appear to be dried out?
- Was sod laid or was there ever a layering of soil?
- Does your yard get a lot of daily traffic?
You can aerate your lawn yourself with the use of simple aeration tools. There are two primary types of lawn aeration tools – spikes and plug aerators. A plug aerator removes a plug of grass from the lawn soil, while a spike tool pokes small holes into the ground to provide more plentiful opportunities for rainwater and air to reach the roots.
Lawrence Tool Rental has both spike and plug lawn aerators in stock to rent to help you get your lawn looking great this year. We can assist you in choosing the best tools for your needs, as well as advise you on the proper use of the tool. To rent aeration equipment or to learn more, give us a call today at 317-826-2654.
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