Roots need more than just water and fertilizer to survive. They also need OXYGEN! Roots absorb neither water nor fertilizer unless oxygen is also present in the soil. Aeration dramatically reduces soil compaction by removing plugs of soil from the lawn and leaving holes which allow oxygen to reach the roots, creating growth pockets for new roots. This practice intensifies rapid and healthy root growth.

A healthier root structure improves the lawn’s ability to reach water and other nutrients deep in the soil. This makes your lawn more resistant to heat and drought.

Commonly Asked Questions Regarding Core Aeration

How big are the plugs that are removed from the ground?
The soil plugs are about 3” inches long and about 3/4" wide, about the size of your thumb.

How long do the plugs remain after aerating?
It depends on the time of year, amount of rainfall, etc., but they typically dissolve within a couple of days. Mowing will break up most of them, and nature will do the rest over a short period of time.

How often should a lawn be aerated?
Because all lawns grow better with increased oxygen, water and nutrient flow, experts agree lawns should be aerated at least once a year.

What time of year is best for a lawn to be aerated?
Core aeration can be done any time the grass is actively growing. For cool-season grasses (bluegrass, fescue, ryegrass), the best times are March, April, and September. Warm season grasses (bermudagrass, buffalograss, zoysiagrass) can be aerated from late May through July.

Should I overseed my lawn at the time of aeration?
Yes. This is a a very good idea as the seeds will penetrate the holes left by the aeration. Once the seeds take root, you will have a greener, thicker, more lush lawn the following year.

I have a spike aerator that I purchased at my local hardware store that pulls behind my riding lawnmower, how is Core Aeration any better?
The spike aerator method actually causes more compaction around the area of the hole since you are merely pushing the soil down. With core aeration, you are removing soil and depositing it on the surface, thus relieving compaction.

How much does it cost?
It typically costs between 2-3 times what you would pay to get your lawn professionally mowed. To rent a core aerator, it runs $36.00 for a two hour minimum, plus you need a truck to transport the unit. The units used at rental stores are tough on your body and are difficult to use. Please be careful if you choose to go that route!

The benefits of Core Aeration:

1. Helps conserve water
2. Enhances heat and drought stress tolerance
3. Improves fertilizer and pesticide penetration and effectiveness
4. Reduces water runoff and puddling
5. Reduces soil compaction
6. Allows for better gas/air exchange in the root zone
7. Promotes efficient water percolation
8. Improves turfgrass rooting
9. Improves resiliency and cushioning
10. Enhances thatch breakdown while removing a limited amount
11. Modifies layered soil conditions
12. Helps prepare soil for overseeding