Often overlooked, aeration is a low-cost way of achieving a lush green lawn, making it the envy of your Lehigh Valley neighborhood. But what exactly is lawn aeration, and why is it important? When is the best time to aerate your lawn? Read on to find out!
What is lawn aeration?
Aeration involves making small holes throughout your lawn to enable air, water, and nutrients to get to the roots. This ensures the roots grow healthier and deeper, resulting in a beautiful lawn.
Why aerate your lawn?
You may be wondering: “Does aerating help my lawn?” In many ways! Here are some compelling reasons to include lawn aeration on your lawn care checklist:
Less soil compaction
With clay soil common in the Lehigh Valley area, soil compaction is an issue you often have to deal with. Aerating your lawn reduces soil compaction, allowing for efficient water, nutrients, and air circulation.
Fewer weeds
Aeration creates an environment that is less conducive to weed growth. With air, water, and nutrients penetrating more effectively, the lawn grows thicker and outcompetes weeds.
Reduced thatch
Thatch - a naturally occurring layer of dead grass and debris - can build up and prevent water, air, and nutrients from getting to the roots. Aeration helps break down thatch and promotes its decomposition by microorganisms.
Thicker, beautiful lawn
Aeration makes the soil looser, enhancing nutrient uptake and better water retention. The result is a healthy, thick, beautiful, and luscious green lawn!
Signs it’s time to aerate your lawn
Aerating your lawn once a year can keep it looking its best. How do you know the right time for lawn aeration? Here are some signs to watch out for:
There’s thatch
When thatch is excessive - more than half an inch thick - water, air, and nutrients can find it difficult to get to the roots.
Heavy foot traffic
If kids play on your lawn regularly or it gets a lot of foot traffic, the soil can easily compact. Compacted soil prevents air, water, and nutrient infiltration.
Presence of clay soil
The soil in Lehigh Valley and other areas in PA contains clay, which is dense and easily compacts, preventing the lawn from getting essential materials.
Water pooling on the lawn
Have you noticed rainwater pooling on the lawn or running off rather than being absorbed? This is a sign of poor drainage. Aeration can loosen the soil and ensure proper water drainage.
Sparse growth
If there are areas in your lawn with sparse grass growth, it indicates that the roots are struggling to grow. Aeration can correct this problem.
Fails the screwdriver test
Finally, take your regular screwdriver and stick it into the ground. If you have difficulty pushing in a screwdriver, you can expect the plant roots to encounter similar resistance.
When is the best time for lawn aeration?
When it comes to lawn aeration, timing is everything. If you are in Lehigh Valley or surrounding areas, it’s best to aerate your lawn once a year due to the prevalent presence of clay. The best time to aerate is in fall as the weather is cool and the grass is actively growing.
What next after lawn aeration?
Immediately after lawn aeration, we recommend taking advantage of the improved soil-seed contact by overseeding to fill in bare spots. Other lawn care activities you should carry out include fertilization, watering, and regular maintenance.
