Aeration For Your Garden and Lawn

All gardeners need to be aware that lawn aeration If your lawn area is starting to look patchy and thin, then chances are you'll have to aerate your lawn area. If your yard has heavy traffic or the soil is clay a type, then it needs to be done every second year based on the state of the lawn area and soil. If your land type is a sandy loam then lawn aeration would not be a problem for you.

Core aeration is a important part of taking care of your lawn by core aerating your lawn you are supplying the soil with air, core aeration also enhances thatch breakdown by introducing the helpful bacteria that feed on thatch. Core aeration of your lawn can be done at any time on condition that it is not through the middle of summer time or winter when the ground might be frozen or very hot and dry conditions. After a lawn has been aerated it is effective to give the lawn area fertilizer and a deep watering. The size of your lawn area will determine the type of lawn aerator that will perform the best job. On most lawn core aerators are the best choice. For those not sure which kind to use it is best to ask your local lawn care agent for advise.

Aeration is most effective when actual cores or plugs of soil are pulled from the lawn. Holes should be two to three inches deep and no more than two to four inches apart. When ever aeration is done its always followed be fertilizing and watering the lawn after wards.

Lawns that have a problem with thatch it is important to leave the cores on the lawn, allowing them to work back into the grass. Lawns may be fertilized and seeded immediately after aeration. Lawn aeration ensure that the plant receives oxygen for root growth and reduces soil compaction which improves water penetration. Core aeration is the best way to reduce thatch buildup and to reduce soil compaction. One of the difficulties with core aeration devices is that a substantial amount of soil, grass and roots in the form of cylindrical plugs are left on top of the soil. These soil plugs must either be removed or allowed to break down as a result of being exposed to the elements. Generally, the larger the soil plugs the longer it takes.

Lawn aeration benefits;
Reduces soil compaction in severe traffic spots Save water waste by increasing water penetration, this reduces water run-off. Helps with water puddling and overflow. Improves fertilizer uptake Improves infiltration for nourishment into the root zone. Helps improve the recycling flow of air, water, and fertilizer. Helps thatch breakdown.