Aerating, Aerifying, Who Gives a $%*#? (Happy Gilmore reference)
No matter how you say it, aerating your lawn is perhaps the most important cultural practice you NEED to perform.
Why Do I Need to Aerate?
Naturally, through heavy use from play, sports, pets, vehicle traffic, parking, etc, soil compaction occurs. Compacted soils greatly reduce the pore space within the soil that would normally hold air. Roots require oxygen to grow and absorb nutrients and water.
Compaction has a negative impact on nutrient uptake and water infiltration, in addition to being a physical barrier to root growth. These negative effects can be seen during periods of stress such as heat and drought. The results are poor top growth and lawn deterioration.
- Increase water, nutrient and oxygen movement in the soil
- Improve rooting
- Enhance infiltration of rainfall and/or irrigation
- Help prevent fertilizer/pesticide run-off from overly compacted areas
- Increase the activity of soil microorganisms that decompose thatch
- Improve drought tolerance
- Improve heat tolerance
- Release carbon dioxide
- Encourage new, deeper root growth
The typical times to aerate your lawn are Spring and Fall when the grass is actively growing. However, if your lawn is struggling to survive the summer heat, soil compaction may be one of the reasons, resulting in the roots to suffocate with limited air movement as well as not allowing must needed water and nutrients to infiltrate the soil and reach the roots.
Aerating your lawn will provide an immediate positive impact. My advise would be to perform the aeration towards the evening hours so as to avoid exposing your lawn to damage during the hottest part of the day.
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