Most people know that a healthy lawn needs to be mowed, watered, and fertilized. But some homeowners get frustrated when they religiously tend to their lawn, yet it still won't grow or keeps turning brown. That is because you may be missing one crucial lawn care step. Aeration helps ensure that the roots of your grass are actually receiving the nutrients it needs to grow, so it is a vital practice for a lush and healthy lawn. If you need help with your landscaping and lawn care at the Lake of the Ozarks, Paradise Landscaping is here to help. Keep reading for the first 3 questions and set of answers of our 2 part blog series: 7 Lawn Aeration FAQs.
7 Lawn Aeration FAQS: Part 1
1. What is aeration?
Aeration is the process of putting a bunch of small holes in your lawn to allow air, water, and nutrients to get down to roots of the grass. Aeration alleviates soil compaction which occurs when the soil is too dense, compacted, or covered with a lot of organic debris. Compacted soil chokes the roots of the grass and prevents circulation of the water, air, and nutrients the grass needs to grow.
2. Why is it important?
Aerating your lawn allows water, air, and fertilizer to penetrate the soil and reach the roots of the grass. This process of the grass to grow deeper and stronger, producing a thicker and more resilient lawn. Aeration also helps the grass uptake more soil water by reducing water runoff. This makes your lawn more tolerant and resistant to drought.
3. How can I tell if my lawn needs aerating?
- If your lawn gets heavy usage such as having children or dogs running around, it is probably a good candidate for aeration. Lots of traffic contributes to soil compaction.
- If your lawn feels spongy and dries out easily, it probably has a thatch problem. Thatch is a layer of organic material that develops between the living grass and the soil. Thatch can choke the living grass by preventing water and nutrients from reaching the roots.
- If your yard turns brown easily or doesn't green up after fertilizing it is probably because water and nutrients are not getting down to the roots of the grass.
- If your yard has standing water after it rains, this is a good indication that it needs to be aerated.
- If your lawn was established by sod or as part of a newly built home, it may need to be aerated. The soil around newly built homes is often compacted by construction and could be stripped. Lawns established by sod are often suffering from soil layering which disrupts drainage.
Stay tuned next week for Part 2 of our 7 Lawn Aeration FAQs blog series. If you are interested in having the professionals aerate your lawn for you, call Paradise Landscaping at 573-964-6515. We are happy to help you beautify your landscape by giving your lawn the loving care it needs!
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