Simple Methods For Lawn Aeration

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008 at 1:00 pm

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No matter how well you maintain your lawn throughout the years, it will still need to be aerated in order to maintain good water and air flow to the soil. In order for water and air to penetrate the soil properly, there should be small pockets, like pores, that allow for the air and water to flow properly. Over time, though, foot traffic, grass clippings and debris will begin to close off those pockets, making it harder for water and air to penetrate the soil. When this happens, the soil and grass will no longer be able to breathe properly.

Gardeners will notice that their lawn just doesnâ€™t achieve its optimal lushness, no matter how often they cut, water, weed eat and fertilize. Lawn aeration is a simple procedure that can help to reestablish the pockets needed to allow water, air and nutrients to penetrate the soil, returning the lawn to its optimal beauty.

So how do you go about lawn aeration? Although it sounds like a difficult process that would most likely involve a landscaping professional, lawn aeration can actually be done at home. Of course, if you have a large amount of land, you may want to consider hiring professionals or a professional equipment to help speed up the process, but for most homeowners with a regular sized lawn, aeration should not be a difficult task. Lawn aeration from a professional landscaping company will cost at least a few hundred dollars, depending on the size of the land.

Economical Lawn Aeration Methods

Other more economical forms of lawn aeration include purchasing lawn aeration shoes. Of course this will only work if your yard is small enough to cover by walking across in a short amount of time. Lawn aeration shoes cost between $20-$50, look similar to cleats, but instead have long spikes on the bottom that will re-open pockets in the soil for proper nutrients to get back into the soil. These shoes can be purchased at a local lawn and garden store or can be ordered online through a specialty lawn and garden company.

Another way to go about aerating your lawn is to rent or buy your own lawn aeration machine from a landscaping company or from a lawn and garden store. Renting a machine costs roughly $50, while purchasing your own machine will cost between $150-$200, depending on the brand purchased. The plus side of an aeration machine is that it can cover more ground in a shorter period of time than with a pair of lawn aeration shoes. The machine is fairly compact, approximately the size of a large seed spreader, and can fit easily into a storage shed or garage.

How often Should You Aerate

So, how often should you aerate your lawn? This truly depends on how often you mow, how often it rains in your area and how often you fertilizer the [lawn] . Keep in mind that the main factors for compacting the lawn soil are debris, such as grass clippings, leaves, and fertilizers, as well as excessive water that will also compact the soil. Even the healthiest lawns need to be aerated at least once a year, but for gardeners who are watering, fertilizing and mowing more often, it doesnâ€™t hurt to aerate at least twice a year. You may want to get into the habit of aerating at the beginning of spring and again in the fall to receive the most benefit. Most lawns will become compacted from the winter weather and can be rejuvenated in the spring. Lawns will also become compacted from all the summer mowing, watering and the fall leaves collecting on the lawn, so aerate again in the fall months.

Choosing the Best Spike Aerator (thehomeadventure.com)

Lawn Care: Aeration Tips and Basics

Lawn care, aeration and basic soil cultivation know-how are essential to keep your lawn greener and in tip-top shape. Lawn Care: Aeration Tips and Basics originally appeared on Free PLR Articles on January 27, 2010.

Publish Date: 01/27/2010 17:42

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