Everyone loves a green, plush, beautiful lawn. There is nothing better than returning home from work after a hard day and being able to take off your shoes and walk upon your soft lawn. A great back yard is a wonderful place to create memories with your family and allows you to relax and reconnect with nature. Aeration is one of the key treatments to ensure your root system is deep and strong, and it is a critical component of any lawn maintenance strategy.
Why Is Aeration a Thing?
A great lawn does not happen by accident, and it can be a big job to ensure your lawn looks exactly the way you want it. Raising a great lawn takes the same diligence and understanding as raising any other crop. You must care for the nourishment of your turf and be mindful of the root system and watering needs.
Without proper lawn care, you are likely to develop bare spots, weeds, and have thin or dry blades of grass. A well-tended lawn has tremendous curb appeal and can improve the value of your property. Aeration is a way to see a dramatic improvement in your yard.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aeration
What Is Aeration?
You might have seen a lawn covered with little black plugs of turf. That lawn has just received an aeration treatment. An aerator is a lawn care device about the size of a push lawnmower that you pass over your yard. The aerator pulls plugs out of the turf, creating cylindrical holes throughout your lawn.
These holes allow moisture and nutrients to penetrate deep into the soil. The holes often soften up the compacted hard soil beneath, so the root system of your lawn can flourish, expand, and experience robust growth.
How Often Should You Aerate?
A good rule is to aerate your lawn once a year usually in the early growth season of the spring. You can also aerate in the fall, or just prior to when you perform an overseeding treatment. The treatment only takes about as long as it usually takes to mow your lawn, and your lawn care specialists will have the proper equipment, so there will be no need to rent or maintain an aerator.
What Happens to the Plugs?
After the treatment, some individuals feel they have to gather or rake up the plugs that have been extracted from the turf. However, we recommend that you leave these plugs and allow the lawn to reabsorb them.
Through watering and mowing, the plugs will naturally disintegrate and return to the aeration holes. Usually the process takes a week or two. Leaving the plugs helps protect the new root systems that are developing in the holes and creates a healthier yard.
The Benefits of Aeration
Aerating your lawn is an amazing procedure that has many benefits to your yard. It is almost like acupuncture for your lawn, or a deep tissue massage that allows the turf to become rejuvenated and stronger. The holes allow water, fertilizer, and other nutrients easier access to the roots. The process also promotes root growth, breaks up the compacted hard soil, and increases drainage. It is an important treatment to perform prior to overseeding to ensure that you get the best results.
You should always aerate your lawn at least once a year or more at the recommendation of your lawn care specialist. If you would like to learn more about the process, or schedule a maintenance appointment, contact Weed-A-Way today to learn more. Get ready to have the kind of lawn that works as an oasis of relaxation.
