Core Aerating Lawns

Late summer and fall is a good time to reinvigorate heat and drought stressed lawns.

Core aeration can help reduce thatch and soil compaction by creating openings in the lawn so air, water, and nutrients can reach the grass roots.

Thatch is a layer of partially decomposed grass plants that prevent water and nutrients from reaching the grass roots.  One half inch or thicker thatch layers can result in thin, sparse and weed infested lawns.  Core aeration can help reduce the problem and improve your lawn’s health.

Rent a machine that removes and grinds the plugs or hire a professional to do the job for you.  If the cores remain intact, use your mower to grind them.  Be sure to sharpen your blades when done.

Topdress the lawn with compost or topsoil to speed the decomposition of the thatch layer.  This is also a good time to reseed the lawn.  The openings and thin layer of compost improve seed germination. 

A bit more information: Fall is also a good time to fertilize the lawn.  Use a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer, like Milorganite, that won’t damage young seedlings and drought stressed lawns.

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thatch lawns compaction

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