Lawn core aerators: Improve your lawn with aeration

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Lawn core aerators: Improve your lawn with aeration

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Lawn core aerators are used to loosen compacted soil. Over time and with increased use, the dirt beneath the grass packs together, making it difficult for grass roots to grow deep into the ground.

It is harder for water and nutrients to flow through the soil to the roots in such packed soil conditions. This affects the health of the grass plants. Core aerators pull cores of dirt from the ground, loosening up the dirt and creating more pathways for water and nutrient flow as well as root growth. Manual, gas-powered and tow-behind coring aerators will all improve the appearance and health of the lawn.

In heavily compacted lawns, the grass roots can’t push down into the soil, so they grow horizontally. Having most of the roots in the first few inches of dirt means that all of the grass is trying to get water and nutrients from that top section. Shallow roots result in grass plants that are more likely to brownout or die during hot temperatures or dry conditions. After aerating, the roots can grow deeper, will need less water and be better able to withstand hot temperatures.

Since core aerating removes some of the dirt and grass from the lawn, it does cause some stress to the plants. Generally, it is best to aerate in the spring when there are cooler temperatures, plenty of available water and enough of the growing season left for the grass to not only recover but actually get healthier. Many lawns can also be done in the fall, a few weeks before the grass goes dormant for the winter. Most experts agree that aeration can be done every three years for lawns that are in good condition and don’t get compacted quickly. For lawns that have a lot of clay soil and/or see heavy use, every other year or even every year may be better to keep the lawn healthy.