What Are the Benefits of Core Aerating Lawns?

Aerating the lawn can save you money in the long run by giving grass roots the space to grow and by giving rain water and fertilizer a place to go into the soil more easily.

Identification

Core aeration literally puts holes into the ground usually 3 to 4 inches deep. You can use an attachment to your tiller as pictured or you can get a manual one that has two prongs at the bottom and use your foot to push them into the ground. The prongs are hollow so that the thatch and soil plugs will come up as you push down.

Benefits

Aeration reduces the compaction of the soil, especially in areas where clay is present. It also helps reduce puddling and helps get fertilizer to the grass root system.

Time Frame

Experts recommend aerating at least once a year, generally in the fall. You can also throw down grass seed and fertilize around the same time. For areas of the country where clay is the prevalent soil or the grass gets heavy use, you can aerate in the spring as well.

Considerations

Consider aeration if your thatch layer is more than half an inch, you have heavy clay soil, erosion issues, puddling when it rains even a little, or if the grass is driven on or heavily used, causing it to look thin or unhealthy.

Function

In order to aerate effectively and somewhat easily, the soil should be moist but not wet. You should go in two different directions, but be cautious on steep slopes and near buildings and tree roots.

Resources

• Virginia Cooperative Extension