You fertilize, mow, and water regularly. Do you still really need to aerate your lawn? At Lawn Doctor of St. Charles, we know that if you’re noticing standing puddles of water and weak growth, then yes, aeration is likely needed. But how does it work – and help your lawn grow and thrive? We break it down for you below.
Lawn Aeration: What it is & How it Works
Lawn aeration is simply the process of loosening up compacted soil and breaking up surface thatch, so more nutrients, water and air can penetrate and reach grass roots. While there are several different methods for aerating, at Lawn Doctor of St. Charles, we rely on what’s known as core or plug aeration. Using an aerator, small plugs of soil, thatch and grass are extracted from your yard. This, in turn, opens it up, de-compresses the soil, and breaks down surface thatch.
The Benefits of Lawn Aeration
Your lawn is a living, breathing entity. And if it’s not taking in enough air, water, or nutrients – whether due to compacted soil or heavy thatch – it’s going to start to suffer. That’s when you’ll notice weak growth, puddling water, and brown spots in your lawn. As time goes on, your lawn will also become more susceptible to weeds, diseases and insect infestations, which is why you need to aerate. Doing so can help in a number of ways, including with:
- Stronger, healthier, deeper growing roots
- Enhanced tolerance to heat and drought
- Less water running off
- More efficient nutrient absorption
- Increased air exchange
- A healthier, more vibrant lawn
How Often to Aerate
At Lawn Doctor of St. Charles, we know there’s no hard, fast rule surrounding aeration frequency. How often to aerate depends on factors including the condition of your soil, as well as the type.
For instance, clay soils are dense – and therefore prone to compaction. As a result, they need to be aerated more often. Also, if you park vehicles regularly on your lawn, or if your lawn experiences heavy foot traffic from people and pets, then you may need to aerate every year. If you have sandy soil, on the other hand, and it’s generally in good condition, then aerate every other year or every few years instead. If you’re not sure, you can always call in the lawn aeration experts at Lawn Doctor of St. Charles for a free consultation.
Lawn Aeration from Lawn Doctor of St. Charles
Ready for a healthier, thriving lawn? Our lawn aeration services are available to customers all over the St. Charles area, including in University City, Webster Groves, Maryland Heights, St. Peters, and O’Fallon. Call us today at 636.410.9952 to learn more and schedule your free consultation.
