Experteasy Published A Guide For Lawn Aeration
Lawn aeration eliminates soil compaction that prevents the circulation of nutrients and water. It is perforating the soil with holes to permit air, water, and other nutrients to penetrate the deep roots of grass.
The Benefits of Lawn Aeration
Lawn aeration relieves surface compaction and boost the growth of new roots, increases the depth of roots, improves the uptake of nutrients, reduces the reeds below the surface. It also stimulates soil-borne microbes, improves the permeability of the soil, improves drainage and reduce the risk of fungal diseases, and lastly improves the exchange of air between soil and atmosphere. Aerating the lawn is an eco-friendly practice to increase the oxygen in the atmosphere.
Tools and Equipment for Aeration
- Aerator Shoes or Sandals
You make little holes around your garden by wearing these over your normal shoes. You will need to use the shoes or sandals quite often and is best used in conjunction with a plug removing aerator.
- Long handled fork-like Aerators
These are easy and do not require a large storage space. There are two types, the spike and plug removing long handled fork-like aerators. The spike aerators have long spikes and are used as a fork. Plug removing aerators on the other hand has fewer prongs that remove plugs of soil.
- Motorized Mechanical Aerators
This can be self-powered and produces holes rapidly and efficiently. There are two variations in the mechanism for this aerators: drum and cam units. Drum-type aerators have a tine wheel that rotates and relies on weight for tine penetration and offers a fixed hole pattern. While cam units are driven by camshaft that drives tines up and down into the soil. Cam units can also produce denser hole when the speed slows and possesses fewer tines than those of drums. Cam units have a greater depth of soil penetration and are normally plug-removing aerators.
- Tow Behind Aerators for very large areas
This is commonly used by lawn care specialists and farmers. This is a large tow that is pulled by mowers and tractors. This also come in spike/slit or core/plug varieties.
Aerating your lawn once a year is ideal. The soil should not be waterlogged, it should be slightly soft and firm. It is not recommended to aerate during drought, and winter as the hole may crack open. The best season is during spring or late in summer.
