What is aeration

Landscaping

The answer to 'what is aeration' is aeration is the process of making small holes in your lawn to allow air, water and nutrients to reach the grassroots. This is an important lawn care practice that helps to alleviate soil compaction, improve drainage, and encourage a healthier, more vibrant lawn.

During aeration, a machine with hollow tines or spikes is driven over the lawn, punching thousands of small holes in the soil. This allows oxygen, water and important lawn nutrients to better penetrate the soil and reach the roots of your grass. Aeration also helps to reduce thatch buildup and promotes deeper root growth for a stronger, more drought-resistant lawn.

Sources

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. 1

    Prepare the Lawn

    Before aerating, mow the lawn and water it thoroughly a day or two in advance. This will help the aeration machine penetrate the soil more effectively.

  2. 2

    Use a Core Aerator

    Rent or hire a professional to use a core aerator, which has hollow tines that pull small soil plugs out of the lawn as it moves across the surface.

  3. 3

    Dispose of Soil Plugs

    After aerating, you can leave the soil plugs on the lawn to break down and filter back into the soil, or rake them up and dispose of them.

  4. 4

    Overseed After Aerating

    For best results, overseed your lawn after aerating to fill in any bare spots and thicken the grass.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I aerate my lawn?

Most experts recommend aerating your lawn once or twice a year, typically in the spring or fall when the grass is actively growing.

What's the best time of year to aerate?

The best time to aerate your lawn is during the active growing season, either in the spring or fall. Avoid aerating during the heat of summer when the grass is dormant.

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