The summer heat can wreak havoc on your Hudson, OH lawn. An effective solution to the stress of the heat and to encourage new growth can be to have a landscape professional aerate your lawn in the fall and sometimes spring.
Core aeration is the process of removing small plugs of soil in the lawn. The holes left behind serve several purposes. First, the hole provides a place for new grass seed to land so it can germinate faster with less chance of washing or blowing away. Second, the holes remove the thatch that can cover the soil to prevent the oxygen and water from reaching the grass roots.
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Lawn Aeration Benefits
The benefits of this lawn process can reap big dividends for your lawn. Here are some of the advantages.
Removes thatch: When your grass is mowed, some grass clippings can fall on the soil to lay there even when the mower has a bagger. As the clippings collect there, they can form a barrier over the soil that can prevent the essential air, sun, and water from reaching the grass roots. This can cause your grass plant not to thrive, but aeration takes care of that.
Removes soil compaction: Related to thatch is soil compaction. This happens when your grass has lots of summer foot traffic. The soil packs down and it is difficult for the roots of the grass to get what they need to remain healthy. The small holes can reduce the compaction, making your lawn able to absorb more minerals.
Aids with runoff: Watering your lawn is an essential part of caring for the grass. However, sometimes the water just runs off because the soil can be too dense. Aeration removes the barrier over the soil to let the water reach the roots instead of pooling and running off.
Provides a place for new seed: New grass seed is usually spread in the fall when the temperatures are falling but the ground is still warm. Without aeration, the seed sits on the compacted soil and can stay there without germinating. Once the ground has been aerated, the seed has a protected place to land where the water, sunlight, and air can reach it. This can be an ideal germination spot for new grass to fill in bare spots and encourage thicker growth.
Promotes better fertilization: Like new grass seed, fertilizer needs to reach the roots of the grass plant and aeration allows that to happen. When the nutrients reach the roots, the plant has the chance to absorb the food for the winter dormancy. This can allow your grass to emerge from the winter season ready to flourish because it has stored food available.
Many lawn care professionals recommend aerating in the fall to accomplish the above benefits but also to prepare your grass for winter. The cold, harsh weather can take a toll on grass that has not been fed, watered, and nurtured.
Sometimes, they will recommend aerating in the spring when the lawn is a new growth and could use another boost of grass seed and fertilizer. Ultimately, they know the best practices for your lawn to thrive and grow thick and lush, giving you the lawn that is the envy of the neighborhood.
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