From family picnics to birthday parties and games of tag, your lawn sees plenty of action. But heavy usage and foot traffic can lead to problems with soil compaction and thatch build-up, which can suffocate roots. So if you’re noticing bald spots or thinning grass in your lawn, it might be time for aeration – and the experts at Lawn Doctor of Doylestown can help.
How Will Your Lawn Benefit from Aeration?
There are two different types of lawn aeration – spike aeration and core aeration. With spike aeration, a roller with spikes on it is used to perforate your lawn. However, this approach can actually cause additional compaction in areas around the holes. That’s why, at Lawn Doctor of Doylestown, we only rely on core aeration. With this process, aeration equipment is used to core out small holes throughout your soil. It sounds simple, but can lead to big benefits for your lawn in the form of:
- Improved air exchange
- Improved water and fertilizer absorption
- Stronger root system and thicker growth
- Enhanced ability to absorb heat
- Enhanced ability to tolerate extreme climate conditions
Is It Time to Aerate Your Lawn?
If you’re not a lawn care expert, sometimes it can be tough to tell whether aeration is in order. Some telltale signs that your lawn is suffering from compaction and thatch build-up include: weak growth, bald patches, yellowing grass, and standing water in puddles throughout your yard. Also, clay soils tend to need aeration more often, as do lawns with heavy foot traffic or vehicles regularly parked on them. If you’re still not sure, simply take a screwdriver or shovel and stick it into the soil. If it’s a struggle to drive in, then your soil likely needs to be aerated.
When is the Right Time for Lawn Aeration?
At Lawn Doctor of Doylestown, we know timing is everything when it comes to good lawn care – and that holds true for aeration, too. But the right time depends on the type of grass you have in your lawn. Cool season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, should be aerated in the fall or in early spring. On the other hand, warm season grasses, like Buffalo or Bermuda, need to be aerated at the end of spring, just before your lawn’s peak growing season begins. As your grass grows, it will fill in the holes left behind by aeration.
How Can Lawn Doctor of Doylestown Help with Aeration?
Proper lawn aeration involves the use of specialized equipment and expertise, which is why it’s best left to professionals, like those at Lawn Doctor of Doylestown. That way, you can avoid expensive mistakes that could harm your turf while having more time for other priorities, rather than yard work. Within the weeks and months that follow our aeration services, you’ll see the difference in your lawn with thicker, more luscious growth.
