Core Aeration
Aeration is an important part of your lawn care plan, especially if you plan on overseeding. It helps to remove thatch and ensure that your grass gets plenty of nutrients to grow in thick. Here’s what you need to know about core aeration for your lawn.
What is Core Aeration?
Aeration removes thousands of small plugs or cores of soil and thatch measuring 1″ to 3″ in length from your lawn. These cores “melt” back into the lawn after a few rainfalls, mixing with the thatch on your lawn, while the holes catch fertilizer and water. Turf roots naturally grow toward these growth pockets and thicken in the process.
Core aeration helps control thatch, improves the soil structure, helps create growth pockets for new roots, and opens the way for water and fertilizer to reach the root zone of your lawn. Aeration also relieves pressure from compacted soils, letting oxygen and water move freely into the root zone.
Core Aeration FAQs
When Should You Aerate Your Lawn?
The best time to aerate your lawn depends on the type of grass you have.
For cool-season grasses like fescue, early fall is the best time for core aeration.
If you have warm-season grass like Bermuda, St. Augustine, zoysia, or centipede, you’ll want to aerate in early spring. This gets your warm-season turf ready for the spring/summer growing season.
How Often Should You Aerate Your Lawn?
If your lawn sees heavy traffic and/or your soil is compacted, we recommend yearly aeration. Relieving the pressure from compacted soil is key for proper oxygen and water flow.
If your lawn happens to be on a sandy or softer soil, you can aerate every 2-3 years.
What Do You Do After Aerating Your Lawn?
Since aerating allows your lawn to absorb water a nutrients more easily, here are a few things you should do after aerating:
- Fertilize your lawn
- Water regularly to ensure roots get plenty of water
- Overseed your lawn, if needed
- Apply a pre-emergent weed killer if you are not overseeding
Resist the urge to pick up the soil plugs, and let them break down naturally. The plugs will break down with rain, watering, mowing, and regular lawn use.
Keep Your Lawn Healthy With Core Aeration
Barefoot Lawn Care provides core aeration for lawns in both the Raleigh and Wilmington areas every spring and fall. To discuss whether your lawn is in need of aeration, or to schedule your service, contact us today!
