What Is Core Aeration?
Core Aeration is a type of lawn aeration whereby a machine (a lawn aerator) with hollow tines mechanically removes plugs or “cores” of soil and thatch from a lawn.
What Does Core Aeration do?
This process reduces soil compaction, creating a channel through which oxygen, water, and nutrients can penetrate into the soil.
Why Your Lawn Needs Core Aeration.
- Compacted Georgia clay soils impede the movement of air, water
and nutrients to the grassroots. - Roots require oxygen to grow and to absorb nutrients and water.
- When compacted, soil contributes to the accumulation of thatch
because restricted oxygen levels impair the activity of earthworms
and other thatch-decomposing organisms. - Thatch accumulates faster on compacted soils and heavy clay soils
than on well-verified soils. - When thatch depth exceeds 1/2” it becomes a problem, reducing
water movement and encouraging shallow, weak root systems.
Thick thatch also can become a home for insects and disease. - Many people complain about moss growing in their lawns. Lawns
that drain poorly due to soil compaction are displaying a “Moss
Welcome” sign.
How Core Aeration Works
Core aeration involves the removal of small soil plugs or cores out of
the lawn. Known as a core aerator, the machine extracts 1/2 to 3/4
inch diameter cores of soil and deposits them on your lawn. Aeration
holes are typically 1-3 inches deep and 2-6 inches apart.
The Best Time to Core Aerate
The best time to aerate your warm-season lawn (Bermuda, Zoysia,
Centipede, St. Augustine) is spring and early summer, while the best time to aerate your Tall Fescue lawn is in the fall, in conjunction with fall reseeding.
For more information about our services at Simply Green Lawn Care Plus, visit our website or give us a call at 770-923-0387. Are you a current Simply Green Lawn Care Plus customer? Rate and share your experience with us in the review section of our Facebook page today. We always enjoy hearing from you!
