Why does your lawn need Aeration?

The soil upon which your lawn grows is a complex ecosystem containing vast numbers of bacteria, fungi and other simple lifeforms. This diverse ecology is crucial for the healthy development of the grass plant and keeping it thriving is one of the cornerstones of a healthy and attractive lawn.

 

Most lawns will gradually become compacted over time via the action of rain and foot traffic. Clay lawns are particularly problematic in this regard. This compaction squeezes the air from the soil and leads to lower oxygen content, which limits the development of beneficial organisms within the soil. Compaction also hardens the soil and makes it more difficult for the grass roots to penetrate, leading to a smaller, less extensive root system and weaker top growth.

 

Often overlooked but crucial for a great looking lawn, aeration is of huge importance as it allows air, water and nutrients to penetrate freely into the root zone, nourishing the soil and the life therein. Aeration also helps to alleviate compaction thus stimulating new and deeper root development.

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How do you aerate a lawn? 

There are two methods we use for aeration: solid-tine and hollow-tine and our lawn care expert will advise you on which is the best to use for your lawn. 

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Solid-tine

Solid-tine aeration spikes the soil allowing oxygen to enter, carbon dioxide to leave and nutrients/water to penetrate. By lifting the soil slightly it also has a modest effect on compaction. This type of aeration can be performed multiple times a year if needed.

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Hollow-tine

Hollow-tine aeration removes cores from the soil, providing all the benefits of solid-tine aeration plus a greater impact on compaction. This method leaves longer lasting channels and works particularly well when performed in combination with a top dressing. The channels create perfect entry points for the top dressing, which further improves the profile and permeability of the soil. For optimum results the hollow-tine/top dressing combination is also an excellent time to overseed and thicken the lawn since the aeration channels provide the seed with a safe, sheltered place in which to germinate and grow.