Do you use your lawn on a regular basis? Walking, running, playing, and entertaining on it can all lead to one thing: soil compaction. This compresses grass roots and stops the movement of air, water, and nutrients in the soil. That’s where aerating can help. But if you’re like many local homeowners in the Westfield, NJ area, you might not be familiar with lawn aeration and how it can benefit your yard. Lawn Doctor of Union County has the answers you need.
First off, aeration is simply the act of perforating your lawn to loosen up compacted soil conditions and break up heavy surface thatch. There are several different ways local homeowners can approach the job, with two popular ones being spike aeration and core aeration. With spike aeration, a roller with spikes on it punches holes into the soil surface. However, with core aeration – which is the method relied on by Lawn Doctor of Union County – a machine actually removes small, evenly spaced plugs of soil from your lawn.
The latter is more thorough and therefore the more effective approach, providing for longer-lasting results and added benefits. For instance, with pieces of soil actually pulled out of your lawn, this method better opens up airways and pathways for an increased level of nutrients and water to reach roots. In addition, the plugs left behind decompose on your lawn and release thatch-consuming microbes as they do.
Clearly, lawn aeration provides a range of benefits to local lawns throughout the Westfield area. But if you’re not sure your soil needs it, how can you tell? There are some common signs to look for, including:
- Wilting or yellowing grass
- Water that’s puddling in low-lying areas
- Water that’s running off in higher areas
- Spots in your yard that are suddenly bare or balding
- Spreading weeds and diseases
In terms of frequency for aeration, it depends on the condition of your soil, as well as how you use your yard. Clay soil, for example, should be aerated annually. If, however, you have a different soil type and your yard doesn’t get regular usage, then it might require less frequent aeration treatments.
The Westfield Area’s Lawn Aeration Experts: Get Started with Us Today
If you’re not sure if your lawn needs aeration or how often to perform the job, consider calling in the local area’s experts. One of Lawn Doctor of Union County’s experienced technicians can examine your yard’s condition and offer recommendations specific to it. We will thoroughly assess soil quality and factors contributing to compaction and thatch build-up, all to deliver custom-designed services that bring out the best in your lawn.
Our lawn aeration services are offered throughout Westfield, Union County, Scotch Plains, Clark, Cranford, and the surrounding communities. Call (732) 246-1101 today to learn more with a free consultation.
