Lawn Care 101: Aeration - Your Grass Needs Space!

Last month we introduced the (hopefully not foreign) concept of dethatching, and this time we'll share with you the important second step required for a perfect lawn. Before long you can experience the joy of being the neighbor that everyone secretly hates! 

Quick recap: (although we're sure everyone read our wonderful thatching article) the process of dethatching your lawn involves renting a dethatcher to remove dead grass build up (thatch) residing between your grass roots and you. Thatch build up can literally choke your lawn to death, and will cause permanent growth damage if not removed periodically (you should really read the article). 

Aeration is the important post-thatching step to which we are referring. Aeration is pretty much as it sounds: you're providing the ground with air. Believe it or not your grass system really needs to breath... so give it some space! Unlike that tragic high school relationship, haven't you learned? Aerating your lawn will reverse the most common issue affecting all lawns (besides thatch build up) which is soil compaction. 

The painfully ironic truth about soil compaction is that it is caused by everything that you want a luscious lawn for: playing, walking, watering, irrigation, mowing, animals, those insane block parties you like to throw, etc. There is no way to prevent soil compaction, just like there is no way to prevent thatch development (or the neighbors pooch from digging up your dahlias). Unfortunately this natural occurrence will cause turf grass to grow slowly, lack vigor, and become thin or not grow at all. Compacted soils are dense and will not only be resistant to root growth, but also will cause water to puddle and run off. 

Aeration involves removing small plugs of soil from the lawn to improve it's circulation. It is also referred to as 'core aeration', or 'soil cultivation'. By simplying visiting your local rental store and picking up an aerator you can be on the way to improved air, water, and fertilizer flow; heat and stress tolerance; reduced water runoff and puddling; an overall stronger turfgrass root system; and improved resiliency and cushioning. Have you laid on your lawn recently? Nothing ruins a family picnic like sore bums. 

 We promise you that the folks at Delux Rental will walk you through the very simple steps of using an aerator: guiding you to the appropriate size/model/type for your lawn care needs. You can even choose between walk behind units or tow-able (why not let your tractor do all the work?).

JUST REMEMBER TO DETHATCH YOUR LAWN FIRST! Our advice to you. As always, happy lawning from the folks at Delux Rental!

*Article written April 18th, 2017 by Crystal Scott with Delux Rental.