Determining How Often to Have Your Lawn Aerated

August 29, 2016

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Owning a home with a luxurious lawn is a dream of many buyers, but that grass requires extensive maintenance. Mowing, fertilizing and other chores are part of your everyday life. However, you should also consider regular lawn aeration. This procedure involves the creation of holes in your lawn. These spaces allow oxygen to permeate the soil, which gives the grass a fresh resource for vigorous growth. Learn about the best frequency with which you should perform aeration. Your Ann Arbor MI home’s value can improve with a striking lawn appearance.

Heavy-Duty Use

Many homeowners see their grass as a play area. You might perform several activities on the lawn, such as playing catch or running through sprinklers. All of these actions, however, are detrimental to your lawn. The soil becomes compacted, which contributes to less water and oxygen at the root level. If you plan on using the lawn for heavy-duty use year-round, aerate the grass at least twice a year. Aerate after winter and in the fall, for instance. The grass will have a better lifespan as a result.

Grass Species

Determining aeration frequencies also depends on the grass’s species. There are warm- and cool-season grasses. For Michigan homes, most people have cool-season species because of the harsh winters. These grasses react best to aeration when it’s performed in the spring or fall. Active growth is what you want so that the removed soil plugs can be filled with seedlings before winter’s chill sets in. If you aren’t sure about your grass species, ask a professional for advice.

Thickness Factor

Several grass species have so much growth that they create a thatch or thick layer below the visible blades. If this thatch is too thick, however, it can actually impede the lawn’s ability to remain healthy. Aerate your lawn once or twice a year if your thatch is thicker than one inch. Each removed plug will also reduce the thatch’s thickness too. The lawn has a chance to thin out this deteriorating mass as extra oxygen and water enter the deeper soil levels.

Thinning Spots

Your grass definitely needs an immediate aeration if you notice thinning areas across the surface. You might have lush grass in one corner, but it fades into bald areas nearby. These thin areas might be caused by uneven compaction, such as residents cutting through the grass to the front door. Aerate the grass during its growing season, and try to detour any traffic around the area. Grass grows best when it’s not stressed by foot traffic. Add stepping stones to this area or fence it off entirely. The bald spot will return after aeration if the grass isn’t relieved of the foot traffic.

Although you can buy those spikes shoes for quick lawn aeration, it’s a better idea to use a tool that actually pulls soil sections from the ground. If you press the soil down with the spikes, you’re actually compacting the soil and reducing oxygen supplies. Professionals in Ann Arbor MI will always use soil-removal strategies during aeration. Follow their lead with your lawn.