What Is Lawn Aerating
Lawn aeration is the process of penetrating sod/grass with small holes/plugs to allow air, moisture and nutrients to grass roots. The roots will develop and become stronger and deeper. The lawn will become thicker and improve health.
So do all need to aerate their lawn? Not necessarily. but typical winter weather in Chicago will require aeration. Snow and cold temperatures compact the top layer of sod and soil and will starve the roots of the needed nutrients and moisture. Another reason for aerating your lawn: heavy traffic use via vehicles or walking.
When To Aerate
When should I aerate my lawn? In the Chicagoland area, its best to aerate in the fall and/or spring.
Aerating Tools
Two main aerating tools exist — a spike aerator and a plug aerator. With a spike aerator, you simply use the tool to poke holes into the ground with a solid tine, or fork. Plug aerators remove a core or plug of grass and soil from the lawn. For the best results, use an aerating tool or machine that actually removes plugs of soil. Poking holes is less effective and can actually cause additional compaction in the areas around the holes.
Look for an aerating tool or machine that removes soil plugs approximately 2 — 3 inches deep and 0.5 — 0.75 inches in diameter, and about 2 — 3 inches apart. These machines can be rented from lawn and garden stores or home improvement centers. Always follow the directions provided by the store. You may want to consider sharing the rental cost with a neighbor who is interested in aerating the lawn.
How to Aerate Your Yard
If you're convinced that your lawn is in need of aeration, here are some lawn care tips on how to do it:
Before you get started, make sure the soil is moist enough. There's nothing more frustrating than trying to aerate soil that is bone dry. Aerating the day after a rain shower or watering your lawn the day before is advised.
Most aeration machines cover only a small percentage of soil surface per pass, so make multiple passes over the most compacted areas. Save resources (and your energy) by leaving unaffected areas alone
The excavated soil plugs should be allowed to dry and then broken up to give your lawn a uniform, clean appearance. Break them up by running them over with a lawn mower or pounding them with the back of a rake. (Your lawn mower blade may need to be sharpened after breaking up the plugs.)
An aeration myth is that if you apply a pre-emergent herbicide on your lawn in the spring, aerating your lawn will destroy the herbicide "barrier." This is not true — research shows that aeration will not affect crabgrass control or weed prevention.
After aerating, it's important to continue basic lawn care practices such as proper fertilizing, mowing and watering.
Aeration is a beneficial practice toward achieving a beautiful lawn, but most people don't realize it or understand the process. If your lawn is a candidate, make it an integral part of your lawn care regime. Your lawn will thank you for letting it breathe again!