Lawn Aerating

Aerating your lawn is basically a way to allow more air to circulate through your lawn. If your lawn is exhibiting signs of compaction then lawn aerating is the best method to restore vibrancy and health back to your grass. When you aerate your lawn, you are removing plugs or small sections of the lawn. This breaks up the roots of unhealthy weeds that may be overtaking your yard, and allows more healthy nutrients, minerals, air, and water to circulate through your grass. Also, if you have a build up of thatch, lawn aerating will remove the thatch and bring your yard back to its healthy, vital state.

There are two methods that you may use for lawn aeration. One is the manual aerator, which you push and the other is a power aerator that is available for rent through many home improvement shops. When choosing between lawn aerators you can select between coring and spike methods. Coring lawn aerators will remove plugs or cores of grass and soil, where as spikes put holes into the ground, yet don't extract plugs of grass. In most cases, it is recommended to use a coring model. You should choose between a manual or power lawn aerator based upon how much time you can invest in aerating your lawn, how much energy you have to invest, as well as your personal budget. Many find that it is less time consuming and more cost effective to rent a power aerator.

When choosing a manual lawn aerator you should ensure whether or not the aerator has spikes or a corer. Remembering that a spikes model will not extract any cores of turf should help you make the best decision for your needs. Additionally, you should avoid the use of shoes that promise to be aerators. These may seem as if they are a convenient method of aeration, but they only further compact soil and are very ineffectual. If you are using a power aerator, you may find that it is difficult to operate, as these are heavy-duty pieces of equipment. Whether operating a manual or power aerator, it is imperative to use the most effective safety equipment to ensure that you are well protected. This includes wearing eye protection, closed toed shoes, and other safety gear.

It is important to take necessary precautions when aerating your lawn. You should always map out any underground pipes or sprinkler systems to ensure that you do not inadvertently hit them when operating your aerator. It is also wise to estimate the size of the area that you will need to aerate before beginning your project as well.

Most people recommend that you water your lawn at least one day before you plan your aeration. This ensures that the soil will be pliable and well hydrated, and in turn will make your project easier. If you have clay soil, it will be imperative to ensure that it is moist. It's also a good idea to leave the plugs of grass that you extract on top of your lawn for at least a day. You can later mow the lawn, ensuring that the plugs are broken down.