There are things you need to do, including regular watering, fertilizing, and mowing, to keep a lawn at its best. Another item to add to the list is aeration. Aeration is the process of poking small holes into the soil. Here are five essential benefits of doing aeration on your lawn.
1- Decreases Lawn Density
One of the main objectives of having a nice lawn is to have a place for your family to play and entertain. The soil; however, becomes compacted after a summer of cookouts, endless games of tag, and the daily game of fetch with Fido. Compacted soil prevents the grass roots from getting the air, water, and nutrients it needs, resulting in brown spots throughout your yard. However, removing dead grass and soil makes the lawn less dense, and the roots can get everything they need to grow beautiful grass.
2- Thatch Control
Thatch is a layer of dead grass and debris between the healthy grass and the root system. A small layer of thatch is normal and not harmful. However, once the layer gets to be more than a half-inch thick, it can begin to choke your lawn. Not only does the thatch layer prevent the grass from getting food and water, but it also becomes a hideout for many different types of pests. Pests can also damage the lawn.
Aeration has a two-fold purpose in this case. Small holes in the grass will help remove the thatch and create a less dense layer. The holes allow the root system to get sun, water, and other nutrients.
3- Puddles In The Yard
After a rain, does the water puddle or runoff instead of going into the ground? It means your lawn does not have the proper drainage. One of the best ways to improve your lawn’s drainage is to aerate it. By making small holes in the yard, more water will be absorbed into the soil, allowing the grass to get water. It will also prevent puddling and runoff, which could lead to erosion. The small holes will not be too noticeable, and in a week, the holes will begin to fill with new grass. The new grass means the roots are now benefiting from rainwater.
4- Beneficial Nutrients and pH Balance
Nutrients often need assistance getting through the soil. Aeration creates a pathway from the surface to the root system, enabling the grass to get the food it needs to be healthy. The process also helps your lawn maintain the proper pH balance. Lime and sulfur are added to the ground to maintain the correct level. When added after aerating, the additives can reach the roots. Roots will become strong, and your lawn will be healthier.
5- Prepare for a Greener Spring
Before your lawn goes dormant in the winter, a few steps will help make for a greener spring. Aerating your lawn in the fall will allow it to reap the benefits of fall fertilization. The fertilizer will help the lawn recover from a hot, dry summer before the first freeze. In return, your lawn will be healthy for spring.