Learn Your Lawn: Core Aeration

WHAT IS CORE AERATION?

Core aeration is the process of removing small cores of soil and thatch (the thin layer of organic debris below the grass roots) from your lawn. In general, it is recommended that you aerate your lawn at least once per year. 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, once in the spring and once in the fall. Lawns with areas 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.

HOW DOES CORE AERATION WORK?

• The Equipment: 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: The cores of soil and thatch that are pulled up by the machine are then left on the lawn. The cores contain beneficial microorganisms, which will help break down the thatch in the rest of the lawn. Depending on the amount of rainfall, the cores will break down and disappear after a couple weeks.

• The Holes: 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 AERATING MY LAWN?

• 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 most Weed Man locations, 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.