Copyright 2010-2011 Updated December 9, 2011 Ultralawn, Inc. 1055 East 260th Street Euclid, Ohio  44132 (216) 731-7756 (440) 951-3738 About • Lawn Care • Trees/Shrubs • Pest Barrier • Questions • Contact Lawn Care   We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions Core Aeration Why Does my Lawn Need  Aerating?  Lawn aeration is generally recognized as the best way to improve air exchange, water, and nutrient intake of your turf grass. Some aeration occurs naturally, but due to soil compaction or other soil conditions, lawns rarely thrive without some means of a core aeration. The soil becomes susceptible to compaction and with recreational activities the level of compaction becomes increased. In addition to this compaction, thatch build-up (usually more than 1/2- inch) can be especially damaging to lawns. This thatch acts as a barrier, preventing water and nutrients from penetrating the soil where the turf roots are located. Core aeration benefits your lawn in six ways. ~It reduces soil compaction. ~It penetrates heavy thatch. ~It provides more efficient uptake of water and nutrients. ~It enhances root growth. ~In enriches the nutrient quality of the surface soil. ~It decreases surface water run-off. Why Should I Have My Lawn Aerated? This process mechanically removes small-diameter plugs from the soil and deposits the plugs on the lawn. The holes left in the lawn allow moisture and nutrients to more easily reach the roots. As the soil naturally expands to fill the holes over a few weeks’ time, the surrounding soil is allowed to loosen, reducing the overall compaction of the soil. The plugs that are scattered on the lawn eventually break down to form a valuable top dressing that enriches the soil near the surface and helps break down thatch. The best time to aerate is just prior to the fast growing season. This is in the early spring or fall, however if conditions in the spring are especially wet because of excessive rainfall it is best to wait until the fall. Core-aeration of extreme wet soil can actually increase the amount of compaction. We generally prefer aerating lawns in the fall so the aeration does not interfere with the crabgrass pre-emergent applied in the spring. The aeration loosens the soil giving plant roots room to grow. This is very helpful in providing a thick, lush, weed-free lawn.