memorise when to oxygenate , methods for aeration , and provision measure .
Mowing , lacrimation , weeding , fertilization , and cuss restraint are common yard sustenance practices , but aeration is a introductory lawn tutelage step many mass skip . Although the chore can be dull , it ’s not difficult , and the benefit of aeration — immature , salubrious grass — are worth the time and sweat .
The end of oxygenise a lawn is to penetrate the soil with small gob so air , urine , and plant food can more well reach dope stem . Several method and tools are used to accomplish the chore manually or automatically . When make up one’s mind how to aerate your lawn , take your cubic yard size , pot type , and budget .
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
Why Aerate Your Lawn?
Over meter , soil — especiallyclay — lean to compact and harden due to fundament dealings , mop , and poor drainage . This prevents water , oxygen , and nutrient from reaching the athirst roots of your grass . As a result , your lawn becomes thin , pale , and patchy . Lawn aeration breaks up hard soil so the grass roots can feed more easily . When determining how to aerate your lawn , consider two basic types of aerators :
Both wear out up hardened earth , but plug aerator are more in force .
When to Aerate Your Lawn
The best time to use aeration equipment depends on your eatage case . Cool - season grasses , such as fescue , bluegrass , orryegrass , should be activate in former fountain or early fall . strong - season sward , let in Bermuda Mary Jane , zoysia , or St. Augustine , does best with aeration in the late leap .
Regardless of your lawn ’s grass case , do not oxygenise the lawn within one year ofplanting supergrass seedorsod . seedling need fourth dimension to reach maturity date before being capable to withstand aeration .
How to Aerate Your Lawn Manually
Large stretches of weed postulate mechanical aerator tool , but a hand-held ( or wear upon - on - the - metrical foot ) aerator will operate forsmaller landscapes . There are several types of manual aerators : aerator shoes , hand-held aerator , and manual drum aerators .
Aerator Shoes
Aerator horseshoe with sturdy metal buckles are a great budget - friendly choice for small pace . The lawncare tool straps on over unconstipated footwear andhas needlelike spike beneath the soles that dig holes in your yard as you walk across your grass . Penetrate the turf thoroughly by making multiple passing game over your lawn in different directions .
Handheld Aerators
hand-held aerators add up in various configurations , but most resemble a pitchfork . The manual cock is broadly speaking a spike aerator , but some handheld aerator are designed to removeplugs . Using a handheld aerator is simple but tiring : Stab the spike deep into the grass , take out the tool out of the soil , and repeat , taking care to cover the entire lawn . Consider investing in an aerator with a foot bar for extra leveraging .
Manual Drum Aerators
Manual drum aerator , sometimes called lawn spikers , are spike- or vane - covered heavy drumfish with prospicient handgrip . Push the drum aerator across your lawn , make at least two consummate circuits in different directions . Most manual drum aerator are spike lawn tools , but some are plug aerators .
How to Aerate Your Lawn Mechanically
Consider mechanical tools to oxygenise your lawn more promptly and efficiently . Mechanical aeration methods are idealistic for large yard and are a estimable pick if you have concerns about hurting your back . These heavy - duty aerator ordinarily remove plugs of soil and grass , which is the best method acting of lawn aeration . Lawn aerator letting is uncommitted at many garden heart and household melioration storage as an choice to purchasing a creature .
Pull-behind Aerators
draw - behind aeratorslook like manual drum aerator , but rather than you labour the peter , ariding lawn mowerdoes the work . Pull - behind aerators are generally heavy and spikier than manual lawn aerator , more effectively start the task .
Gas-powered Aerators
Gas - powered aerators look like lawnmowers , but instead of spinning blades that slue grass , they have spinning spike that aerate the soil . Some multi - functional models contain adethatcherdrum for bring convenience , capture the constitutional junk that work up up between the aerator and filth .
Tips for Aerating Your Lawn
A few crest for how to aerate your lawn will come in ready to hand , regardless of the aeration method and putz you opt .
Preparation
A few days before aeration , scan up any lessen leaves or debris . Mow your grass to about half its usual tallness andwater itwell . Mark the locations of sprinkler head and other modest in - ground obstacle with flags or chicken feed .
During Aeration
Aerate the lawn using your chosen tool . If it ’s a spike aerator , make at least two pass over the thou , each in a different direction . If using a fireplug aerator , one pass is sufficient .
Aftercare
forget any soil plugs on the lawn ; they will return nutrient to the ground as they break down . Fertilize your lawn or apply a top salad dressing ofcompost . This is also a good time toreseedany nude patches . devolve to watering andmowing your lawnaccording to your steady schedule .
Frequently Asked Questions
You should aerate your lawn at least once a class . Heavily used yard and landscapes with clay soil should be aerated more often .
Yes , you could irrigate and fertilize your lawn after aeration . In fact , newly aerated hole give water and plant food the most direct path to supergrass base .
usefulness lines and pipe are generally buried late enough to debar price during aeration . Wires and underground sprinkler systems , however , are potentially at risk . Use flags to mark hide aim , helping you avoid them when aerating your lawn .
Credit: Blaine Moats
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
