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Aeration of a lawn consists of extracting cores of soil from the lawn area. This is accomplished with a machine having hollow tines or spoons, mounted on a disk or drum. The machine extracts cores of soil 1/4 to 3/4 inch in diameter, and 2 to 4 inches in depth, when driven across the lawn. The two major reasons for aerating a home lawn are to help control thatch development, and to help reduce compaction in the surface zone of the soil.
Thatch is a layer of organic matter containing live and dead plant material between the soil surface and the actively growing green vegetation. Development of thatch greater than 3/4 inch thick can lead to greater drought, insect and disease problems. Aerating a lawn helps control the development of thatch. It increases the activity of the soil micro-organisms that decompose the thatch layer. Aeration results in a mixture of thatch and soil, which retains more nutrients and water than a layer of pure thatch.
Compaction occurs when the lawn is used frequently as a play area, or when vehicle traffic has been allowed on the lawn. In many cases, soil compaction occurs as a result of construction activities. In addition, rooting depth and the growth of grass roots may be reduced due to less oxygen movement to the roots. Aeration of the lawn leaves open holes which gradually fill with uncompacted soil. Following aeration of a lawn, water infiltration is higher, oxygen movement to the roots increases, and grass growth is stimulated.
In Minnesota, the best time of year for lawn aeration is late summer, between August 25 and September 20. At that time, the lawn is generally coming out of a summer stress period, and into a period of vigorous growth. Weed competition is minimal during that period. The lawn recovers from aeration quickly.
Machines to aerate lawns are available for rental from lawn and garden centers, rental shops, or hardware stores. Be sure the machine has hollow tines or spoons which bring the extracted soil core to the surface.
| Title: | Aeration of Lawns | Number: | 520 |
| Script writer: | Don Taylor | Source: | Sustainable Urban Landscape Information Series |
| Date: | 1992/1998/2004 | Reviewer: | Bob Mugaas |
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