Lawn Aeration: What Is It?

The practice of loosening compacted soil to enhance the passage of nutrients, air, and water to the roots is known as lawn aeration. Usually, a mechanical core aerator is used to accomplish this, making holes in the lawn to improve its general health.

Plug and spike aerators are the two primary varieties. A spike aerator makes holes in the soil to allow nutrients to get to the roots, whereas a plug aerator removes tiny soil cores and leaves them on the lawn's surface.

Compared to spike aeration, plug aeration is typically thought to be more successful since it breaks up compacted soil and produces bigger routes for nutrients.

What Makes Aeration Vital?

Lawns naturally compact over time as a result of foot activity, mowing, and other daily tasks. The density and hardness of the soil caused by this compaction might degrade the quality of the grass.

Compacted soil keeps vital nutrients like fertilizer, water, and the air from getting to the grass's root zone. By loosening the soil, aeration makes it possible for these nutrients to deeply penetrate and feed the roots, strengthening the grass.

Aeration also aids in the reduction of thatch buildup, which is a coating of dead grass and roots that can develop over time. By preventing water and nutrients from getting to the soil, thatch chokes the lawn. Aeration breaks up this accumulation by removing soil cores and leaving them on the soil's surface, allowing microorganisms to naturally decompose it.

A healthier, thicker lawn with a deeper, more robust root system is the outcome of aeration.

RELATED: 5 Clever Ways to Repurpose Your Grass Clippings

Does Aeration Help My Lawn?

While it's not necessary for every yard, aeration can significantly help a failing grass. Although most lawns benefit from the procedure, some are more in need of it, especially those with soil that contains a lot of clay, which compacts more readily.

The screwdriver test is an easy technique to see if your lawn needs aeration. Put a big screwdriver into several lawn sections. Aeration could help your lawn by loosening the compacted soil if it's hard to get it all the way into the ground.

When Should Your Lawn Be Aerated?

The greatest time to aerate your lawn is during the busiest growth season, when the grass is at its healthiest. Usually, this occurs in the late spring or early autumn. Since the grass isn't under stress from harsh weather conditions like heat, drought, or cold temperatures, aerating at these times guarantees a quicker recovery.

Aeration once a year is adequate for the majority of lawns. However, aerating twice a year might be beneficial if your grass has serious compaction problems. However, lawns that are already in good condition or have sandy soil might only need to be aerated every two to three years.

RELATED: 12 Common Garden and Lawn Weeds You Should Know—and How to Eliminate Them for Good

How to Aerate Your Lawn Step-by-Step

If you have the proper equipment, aerating your lawn is a simple process. A core aerator and a lawnmower are required. Consider renting a powered walk-behind aerator from a home improvement store if you don't already have one, or utilize a tow-behind aerator if you have a riding lawnmower with a hitch.

Step 1: Give it a lot of water a week beforehand

A week or so prior to aerating, start giving your lawn deep soaking. By softening the soil, this improves the efficiency of the aeration process.

Step 2: Give your lawn a mow

Mow your lawn an inch or two shorter than normal on the day you intend to aerate. To ensure a clean surface, make sure to bag all of the cuttings.

Step 3: Identify any barriers

To prevent damage during aeration, identify and mark any electrical wiring, stones, tree roots, sprinkler heads, and shallow subsurface utilities.

Aerate the lawn in step four.

To guarantee complete coverage, run your aerator over the lawn in two or three separate directions. Making as many holes as you can is the aim. The soil cores will break down and replenish the lawn's nutrients if you leave them on the surface.

Step 5: Optional Fertilization

Consider adding sea kelp or a liquid fertilizer after aerating. Because of the open soil, nutrients can enter deeply, speeding up recuperation and improving outcomes.