Aeration is the process of loosening the hard soil by making numerous holes in it. Tiny clay particles get packed together by rain and foot traffic. And hence, most of the lawns grow on compacted soils. Compact soil produces weak, thin and off-color grasses which are unable to withstand high temperature stress and insect damage. Aeration allows better water soaking of soil and penetration of water and other nutrients and hence, ensures deeper roots and healthier, greener lawns.
Various motorized aerator machines are available in the market. Punch core aerators have hollow tines (also, known as spoons) which pulls up a large plugs of approximately 3 inches of soil as the machine travels along. They open up air pockets that can be filled with a light weight compost and thus, improving the soil structure and its fertility. These aerators work via hydraulics and usually resemble an apple corer moving up and down the soil, removing cores of soil. They are very effective and are highly recommended for grass aeration. Solid-tine spike aerators pulled by lawn tractors insert narrow solid rods in the soil and since they do not core out any plugs of soil, they often increase the compaction of soil rather decreasing it and are not at all recommended for aeration.
Aeration is carried out in criss-cross ornamentation. The machine is worked on all over the lawn in a single direction and then it is again directed at right angles to the earlier direction and moved throughout the lawn. 12 holes per square foot of the lawn have proven to be ideal. Odd looking large chunks of soil must be allowed to get dry and then they are pulverized in order to help in thatch decomposition over the ground.
Annually once or twice one needs to aerate the lawns. Fall is generally considered to be the best time to do so, as the grasses would be poised for a rapid growth during that time. Depending on the type of grass the time to aerate will vary. For instance, September and October suits best to Fescue grasses, whereas April is time of choice for Bermuda and Centipede grasses. Summer months are advised to be avoided, as aeration this time will further increase the stress on the grasses already suffering from dryness due to the summer heat. Seasons that are congenial to weed spawning are to be avoided as well, because aeration this time may help weeds to take a foothold in your lawn. Lawns that are weak are very much susceptible to weeds post aeration; hence applying herbicide is often advised for such situation.
Some activities need to be done both 'pre' and 'post' aeration. Pre aeration activities include watering of the soil and mowing of the lawn. Thorough soaking of soil makes it nice, soft and loosens it up so that it can be easily worked upon by the aerator. The mowing proves helpful as it puts less strain on the aerator and makes it easier to mix with compost. Post aeration activities include watering, adding compost and raking the lawn. Watering and raking breaks up the plugs created by the aerator. After aeration, the lawn is to be watered regularly and finally the lawn becomes greener and healthier due to higher flow of nutrients and the improved soil structure.
Various motorized aerator machines are available in the market. Punch core aerators have hollow tines (also, known as spoons) which pulls up a large plugs of approximately 3 inches of soil as the machine travels along. They open up air pockets that can be filled with a light weight compost and thus, improving the soil structure and its fertility. These aerators work via hydraulics and usually resemble an apple corer moving up and down the soil, removing cores of soil. They are very effective and are highly recommended for grass aeration. Solid-tine spike aerators pulled by lawn tractors insert narrow solid rods in the soil and since they do not core out any plugs of soil, they often increase the compaction of soil rather decreasing it and are not at all recommended for aeration.
Aeration is carried out in criss-cross ornamentation. The machine is worked on all over the lawn in a single direction and then it is again directed at right angles to the earlier direction and moved throughout the lawn. 12 holes per square foot of the lawn have proven to be ideal. Odd looking large chunks of soil must be allowed to get dry and then they are pulverized in order to help in thatch decomposition over the ground.
Annually once or twice one needs to aerate the lawns. Fall is generally considered to be the best time to do so, as the grasses would be poised for a rapid growth during that time. Depending on the type of grass the time to aerate will vary. For instance, September and October suits best to Fescue grasses, whereas April is time of choice for Bermuda and Centipede grasses. Summer months are advised to be avoided, as aeration this time will further increase the stress on the grasses already suffering from dryness due to the summer heat. Seasons that are congenial to weed spawning are to be avoided as well, because aeration this time may help weeds to take a foothold in your lawn. Lawns that are weak are very much susceptible to weeds post aeration; hence applying herbicide is often advised for such situation.
Some activities need to be done both 'pre' and 'post' aeration. Pre aeration activities include watering of the soil and mowing of the lawn. Thorough soaking of soil makes it nice, soft and loosens it up so that it can be easily worked upon by the aerator. The mowing proves helpful as it puts less strain on the aerator and makes it easier to mix with compost. Post aeration activities include watering, adding compost and raking the lawn. Watering and raking breaks up the plugs created by the aerator. After aeration, the lawn is to be watered regularly and finally the lawn becomes greener and healthier due to higher flow of nutrients and the improved soil structure.
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Have one of our staff contact you for a free custom quote on you lawn aeration job please contact ENJ Construction for a free quote. ENJ Construction is a fort mcmurray based landscaping company that provides fair and professional work at a reasonable price.
