When the topic of lawn aeration arises, many of us begin to think about a large piece of equipment that’s hard to navigate. We begin to stray away from the idea of completing an aeration project because we visualize a landscaping project that takes all day to complete—not to mention, a yard can look pretty unsightly after aerating. 

Contrary to popular belief, there are actually a lot of benefits to aerating your lawn that make the project well worth your time and energy.

What is Lawn Aeration?

Over time, weather, foot traffic and other environmental factors promote a compact soil surface. Fertilizer is often wasted if the soil is too compact as nutrients never reach the root zone. Core aeration pulls out cores of soil from the surface of the lawn. As a result, this loosens the soil’s surface and allows nutrients, oxygen and water to reach grass roots.

The Benefits of Aerating Your Lawn

There are many benefits to aerating your lawn—both short-term and long-term. Take a look at just a few ways aerating can help your lawn below!

Aeration Loosens Up the Soil 

As previously mentioned, aeration loosens up the soil’s surface so that nutrients, oxygen and water can reach your lawn’s root zone.

Aerating Promotes Fertilizer Efficiency 

Fertilizer can’t reach your lawn’s root zones when the soil is too compact. When you aerate, it loosens up the soil and more fertilizer reaches the root zone, making the most of your fertilizer applications.

Aeration Allows Grass to Spread and Grow 

After an aeration project is complete, the once compact soil is now loosened up enough for grass roots and underground runners to spread throughout the soil. This promotes new growth.

Aeration Reduces Standing Water or Run-Off 

When soils are too compact, water from irrigation or rain accumulates and can create puddles, or standing water issues, as well as run-off. 

Aerating Helps with Thatch 

Although aerating and dethatching are two different projects, aeration helps dethatch lawns to a certain degree by punching through any thatch layers along the soil’s surface.

Aerating Promotes a Healthier, Thicker Lawn 

When you’ve given your lawn more access to nutrients, water and oxygen and allowed it to grow deeper roots or spread laterally, you’ve created a formula for a successful lawn.

Aerating your lawn is nothing but beneficial for its overall health. Although it may seem like a hassle, aerating is well worth your time and energy if you want to get the most from your lawn. If you have any questions, stop by one of our retail locations or contact us. For more care tips, visit our Care page and select your grass type.