It might have a fancy name, but mechanical core aeration is simple, and can make a huge difference in the health of your lawn. We use specially designed aeration equipment, which consists of a series of hollow coring tines. When these tines are rolled over the lawn, they puncture the soil, removing small soil plugs (or cores) and leaving small holes behind. The cores of soil and thatch that are pulled up by the machine are then left on the lawn because they contain beneficial microorganisms, which will help break down the rest of the thatch. The holes that are left throughout the lawn when the cores are removed allow air, nutrients, and water to reach the soil.

What Are The Benefits of Mechanical Core Aeration?

Regular aeration benefits your lawn in several ways:

• Reduce Soil Compaction: When performed annually, aeration reduces soil compaction, creating room for water, air, and nutrients to reach the root system.

• Reduce Thatch: Regular aeration helps reduce thatch, the layer of living and dead plant material that sits above the soil level. When thatch becomes too thick, it can restrict root development and harbor disease and pest activity.

• Enhance Deep Root System: Aeration encourages the development of a deep root system. A deeply rooted lawn will be much healthier and better able to withstand drought, disease, and insect stress.

• Combine with Overseeding: Overseeding, another service available at certain Weed Man locations (including Canada and the northern U.S.), involves spreading grass seed over the lawn. When performed in conjunction with aeration, the seeds are able to fall into the holes and germinate, resulting in a thicker, healthier lawn.

When Does My Lawn Need To Be Aerated?

Depending on your geographic region, soil conditions, and grass type, the right time to aerate may vary. In general, we recommend aerating your lawn at least once per year, either in the fall or spring (depending on where you live). However, certain lawn conditions (like thick layers of thatch or heavily compacted soil, such as clay) may require you to aerate your lawn twice per year, in both the spring and the fall. Lawns that have been affected by drought, disease, or insect damage would also benefit greatly from core aeration. Even if you have a newer lawn that is already in good condition, annual aeration is important to maintain the long-term health of the turf.

Talk to your local Weed Man professional to determine what aeration schedule will work best for your lawn. Get a free quote today!