If your lawn has thinning grass, yellow or brown patches, or compacted soil, it may be time to consider an aeration procedure. Aeration is the process of breaking up hard, compacted soil to allow moisture and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots.

The two types of lawn aeration are liquid aeration and core aeration. Liquid aeration utilizes a liquid solution to penetrate and break up hardened soil, while core aeration requires specialized equipment to pull small portions of soil from the ground.

Both techniques are effective at improving the overall health of dehydrated, impacted soil and encouraging new grass growth. However, there are some differences between the two. Learning about the different types of aeration can help you determine the best course of action to take when rejuvenating your lawn. 

What Is Liquid Aeration?

Liquid aeration is a lawn care technique in which a specialized liquid solution is sprayed onto grass and soil. Once the solution works its way through the soil, it travels to the grass roots to increase oxygen levels and promote moisture penetration. When compared to core aeration, liquid aeration is less invasive and generally recommended for lightly impacted soil. 

Is Liquid Aeration Effective?

Liquid aeration is generally effective on soil that’s mildly impacted. The technique is noninvasive and not recommended for heavily impacted soil or heavy thatch. It’s also not a good option in high-drought areas. 

The Pros and Cons of Liquid Aeration

Liquid aeration is a helpful lawn care technique that safely loosens soil in a noninvasive fashion. The procedure is best suited for lawns with minor soil impaction issues and difficult-to-access roots, and it’s not usually recommended for severe soil impaction and drought-affected grass. Some pros and cons of liquid aeration include:

Pros

• Ideal for hard-to-reach areas. When liquid aerator solution is applied to soil, it’s capable of reaching hard-to-access areas, allowing for optimal water and nutrient absorption beneath the soil.
  
• Noninvasive. Liquid aeration solution is sprayed onto the soil with a hose or sprayer. This noninvasive technique makes liquid aeration a popular alternative to core aeration. 
• Cost-effective. Since liquid aeration is minimally invasive and doesn’t involve removing soil, it’s considered a cost-effective alternative to core aeration. 
• Better water absorption. Liquid aeration techniques break up lightly impacted soil, 

Cons

• Potential for ineffectiveness. In some cases, liquid aeration may be ineffective in soil conditions that are overly dry or overly wet.
  
• Slower results. Since liquid aeration must penetrate the soil, results may take longer than mechanical core aeration. 
• Doesn’t work well with heavily impacted soil. Liquid aeration isn’t recommended for heavily impacted soil, as the spray application may not be strong enough to penetrate the affected areas. 

What Is Core Aeration?

Core aeration is a lawn care procedure in which a specialized machine called a lawn aerator is used to create small holes in lawns and soil. The aerators are equipped with hollowed-out tines that pull “cores” from the ground. Core aeration is generally recommended for lawns with heavy thatch, impacted soil and/or moisture drainage problems. Removing the soil cores and breaking up the underlying soil creates a route for water and nutrients to safely reach the roots. 

Is Core Aeration Effective?

Core aeration is considered an effective solution for lawns with heavy soil compaction and drainage issues. The process involves removing small portions of compacted and/or dried soil and breaking up the remaining soil. When performed regularly, core aeration makes it easier for moisture and nutrients to enter the grass roots, allowing for a healthier lawn. 

The Pros and Cons of Core Aeration

Core aeration offers many benefits for lawns with impacted soil, heavy thatch and/or water drainage issues. However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider, and it may not be the best solution for every type of lawn. Here are some pros and cons of core aeration:

Pros

• Reduced thatch: Excess thatch can harm your lawn, suppressing nutrient and moisture absorption. Core aeration breaks up hardened, impacted soil, so nutrients and water can flow down to the roots.
• Enhanced germination: Core lawn aeration creates the ideal environment for seeds to germinate and develop into seedlings. The enhanced environment also makes overseeding safe. 
• Encourages a healthy, dense lawn: Core aeration treatments are specifically designed to break up compacted underlying soil. More balanced soil clears a path for fertilizers, water, air and essential nutrients to reach the root system. This encourages healthy grass growth and helps improve overall lawn density. 
• Minimizes the need for fertilizer: Core aeration procedures make it easier for your lawn to absorb and utilize fertilizer. Over time, this can help reduce the need for frequent fertilizing, allowing for easier maintenance. 

Cons

• Excess stress on the lawn. The digging involved in core aeration may lead to excess stress on the grass and underlying soil. If the procedure is performed aggressively or too often, recovery may be slow, 
• Unattractive lawn appearance. The holes and soil plugs that remain in and on your lawn after aeration treatment can create a temporarily unattractive appearance. 
• May increase the chance of weed growth. The holes left in your lawn sometimes create the perfect environment for weed growth. If you notice weeds in the core holes, address them right away.

Aeration is an ideal lawn care solution for lawns with compacted soil and drainage issues. For over 50 years, Lawn Doctor has provided professional lawn care services throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, and we’re happy to be of service. To learn more about liquid and core aeration services or to schedule an appointment, contact the Lawn Doctor team today.