aerating lawns?

Answer 1

One of the best things you can do for your lawn to keep it healthy! Aerating your lawn is a great way to reduce thatch, loosen up compacted soils and make it easier for water and nutrients to reach the roots of your turf.

Over time, when we mow, the excess dead grass clippings do not decompose all the way and just lay in the "thatch" zone (area between the soil surface and sheaths of grass blade) preventing water and nutrients from reaching the soil and root zone. Repeated foot traffic and activity on the lawn over time will compact the soil and will cause what is called "hardpan"..By aerating and taking plugs of soil from the turf, you open up the soil to allow much needed oxygen, water, and nutrients to reach the roots where it is needed the most.

A two-step approach is the way to go also. And what is meant by this is, when you aerate, you also overseed the lawn at the same time. This will help fill in any bare areas or thin areas that has plagued the lawn, making the grass thicker, healthier, and more able to smother out pesky weeds that try to establish themselves in the turf. Power aerators are pretty cheap to rent at the local rental center and are as easy to use as a lawn mower. You can do a whole lawn area that is 3,000 sq. ft. or more, in less than an hours time. It is best to do this at least once a year, and twice is even better yet. Once in April or May to help the turf get through the hot summer months, and once in Sept or Oct. to help with root growth in the fall. Many of the championship golf courses aerate their "greens" 3 times per growing season to keep them healthy and green. Hope this answers your question.

Added Info: something I forgot to mention. The only "good" aeration is done with the power aerator and not the spiked shoes or the forked tools you poke in the ground. You need to remove a 3" to 4" plug to accomplish a good aeration and these spiked shoes aren't going to do it.. Sorry!
http://www.alamia.com/images/doorpages/AERATORS.htm

**Billy Ray**

Answer 2

What planet is acksherly on??
Best thing you can do is aerate the lawn, either with a commercial machine(Hire) or the good old fork, insert it into the ground as far as you can, push with foot, about 100mm apart. Spead screened top soil over lawn, to fill in holes, the spread lawn fert and water in. Then wait for a dark green lawn
If you have the time and energy you can save a heap of money, which you can use for the drinks at the Bar Be Que on you great looking lawn

Answer 3

You will only have aeration holes every few feet. You would be exhausted trying to aerate every square foot of the entire yard. For a more complete and thorough job rent a plug aerator every few years. Or buy a spike aerator, you can use them every month, it won't hurt anything. Some landscapers use ONLY spike aerators.

Answer 4

Getting a professional aerator is the best way. It will pull up little plugs of sod. Then, I like spreading fertilizer over it so the nutrients will sink in. Then, a deep watering.

This is done in the late winter or early spring normally but anytime is ok. Getting rid of trash trees and vegitation will also help keep the soil from compacting quite so much. Good luck.

Answer 5

you can aerate lawns a few ways
via an aerater , spikes on shoes similar to football boots
or by piercing with a garden fork
by aerating lawns you giving new grass a better chance to grow and also to miniamlise claying

Answer 6

Its a way of getting oxygen deep into your lawn. It is done by a large machine that punches holes deep in the lawn but leaves the dirt and grass right next to the hole. Over time the holes are supposed to fill in and therefore making the lawn healthier and stronger. In my opinion, it does work and is good for its purpose but is not necessary to have a good, healthy lawn.

Answer 7

Punching little holes in the ground.... to me, a total waste of money and time.... =)

Answer 8

wait till spring -great idea in the drier climates