Aeration: What, Why and How!
WHAT:
Core aerating involves the removal of cores, or plugs of soil from a lawn using a special machine called an aerator. The aerator contains hollow spikes which dig into the ground, pulling up plugs of soil. The holes left in the ground are usually 3 inches deep and about as wide as a finger. The cores are left on the lawn and break down to return nutrients and organic matter to the soil.
WHY:
Aeration improves the soil structure and increases plant root growth. This allows the grass plants to have deeper, healthier roots which makes grass less susceptible to drought and helps maintain a greener, lusher lawn.
HOW:
The holes allow air, water and fertilizer to move freely to the root zone, where it can be taken up by the grass plants. Aeration also reduces thatch buildup and compaction of the soil. Top dressing with sand or organic matter, in conjuction with aeration, helps improve the existing soil structure.
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