how does aeration work

Landscaping

The answer to 'how does aeration work' is that aeration is the process of creating small holes or perforations in your lawn to allow air, water, and nutrients to better reach the grassroots. This helps reduce soil compaction and improves the overall health and appearance of your lawn. Aeration is typically done with a specialized machine that punches holes in the soil, either by using hollow tines that remove small soil plugs or solid tines that simply poke holes in the ground.

Aeration is an important part of lawn maintenance as it helps increase oxygen levels in the soil, improve water and nutrient absorption, and encourage deeper root growth. This leads to a thicker, healthier lawn that is more resistant to drought, disease, and weed growth.

Sources

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. 1

    Prepare the lawn

    Mow the lawn to the recommended height and water it a day or two before aerating to soften the soil.

  2. 2

    Aerate the lawn

    Use a core aerator machine to punch holes in the soil, typically 2-4 inches deep and 2-6 inches apart.

  3. 3

    Clean up

    After aerating, remove any soil plugs or debris and apply a topdressing or overseeding if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I aerate my lawn?

The best time to aerate your lawn is typically in the fall or early spring when the grass is actively growing.

How often should I aerate my lawn?

Most lawns should be aerated once a year, though high-traffic areas or heavily compacted soils may benefit from aerating more frequently.

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