What is lawn core aeration and why does my grass need it?
We’re happy to help you learn about lawn aeration. In Cumming, Georgia, our hot weather can lead to a dry, hard, compacted lawn. When this happens, air and water struggle to penetrate your lawn and feed your grass roots. Lawn Core Aeration helps to alleviate that issue, revitalizing your lawn in a way that has multiple benefits.
How do you aerate my lawn?
We use a machine called a “core aerator” (pictured left). A core aerator removes plugs of soil and organic matter from the lawn and deposits them on the surface where they are left to dissolve and decompose over time. This decomposition or breaking down of organic matter feeds the soil and all of the beneficial microorganisms in the soil. This ecosystem that exists in the soil is an important part of having and maintaining a healthy lawn.
What else can lead to compacted soil and lawns?
Sometimes soil compaction occurs long before you moved into your home, during the initial grading of your lot. Too often when a lawn is graded, the topsoil is removed, leaving the clay subsoil exposed. The sod that is installed on top of this clay subsoil is left to try and survive with nothing more than the topsoil and organic matter that is contained within the sod itself.
Annual core aeration results in improved water, nutrient, and air movement within the soil and helps the beneficial microorganisms turn that hard clay into organic matter which feeds the lawn. The objective is to turn that clay into organic rich soil and to relieve the compaction in order to promote a healthy deep root system that your lawn needs in order to thrive and withstand our hot dry summers.
Typically this subsoil contains a high amount of clay, lacks organic matter, and becomes hardened and compacted when dry. This is common in the northern half, or Piedmont, of Georgia. It is difficult to establish and maintain a healthy lawn under these conditions. The best means of improving this problem is by cultivating the soil thoroughly with aeration. Aeration can be done anytime the grass roots are actively growing.
What else does aerating do?
We’re glad you asked! Core aeration also reduces thatch buildup which will also improve water absorption and nutrient uptake to the lawn. Thatch is defined as an accumulation of dead and living plant material (stems, roots, and shoots) that develops between the soil surface and the green leaves of a turf. Thatch development is a natural process that occurs during normal growth of turf grasses.
Although some thatch is desirable, thatch becomes undesirable when it exceeds a depth of 1/2 inch. When your lawn has excess thatch buildup or is compacted, it is very difficult for the lawn to absorb the nutrients and water that it needs in order to survive and thrive. When too much thatch exists, the fertilizer and nutrients can’t penetrate the soil and are either washed away or are not being utilized by the lawn. So essentially, even when you are on a lawn care program your lawn isn’t getting what it needs and what you are paying for.
Anything else I should know?
It is important to remember that for a plant to use fertilizer efficiently, it must have a well-developed root system. Poor growth of lawns is quite often due to factors other than soil fertility. No amount of soil testing or fertilizer applications will overcome physical problems related to the plant root system. This includes low areas in the lawn where there is excess soil moisture or compacted areas that do not allow adequate water and air movement into the soil. Soil testing and fertilizer application also cannot overcome problems associated with excess shade, thatch, or improper management.
Great! So, now what?
As you can see core aeration is a vital part of a healthy, thick weed free lawn. If you live in the Cumming, GA area and your lawn isn’t as thick and healthy as you would like, it is probably due to soil compaction and not being aerated annually. Being on a lawn care service program of fertilization and weed control is only part of what it takes to have a healthy, thick weed free lawn. If you’re not having your lawn aerated every season you will never achieve a healthy, thick weed free lawn.
Yes, it’s that important!
Let us come out and aerate your lawn today and get that lawn looking its best!
Your lawn will thank you for it!
When you’re reading to schedule your lawn aeration service, please give us a call at 678-234-1745
