What is lawn aeration and the importance of it?

There are many elements of a lawn treatment that helps to create a beautiful and healthy lawn – including lawn aeration. Aeration is one of the most environmentally responsible treatments for your lawn as it is a non-chemical process. Here is what you need to know about the treatment, the benefits and more.

What is lawn aeration?
Massey Services technician using a lawn aerator.

Lawn aeration is a non-chemical process that helps direct oxygen, water and nutrients to your turf’s root zone by helping break down soil compaction. Your lawn’s soil becomes compact overtime due to foot traffic, rain and gravity. When your soil is too compact, it prevents oxygen from getting to the roots of the grass.


How do you perform aeration?

Having a professional lawn care expert perform your lawn aeration treatment is always recommended. The equipment that is used to perform this treatment is called a core aerator and it extracts three inch long by 3/4″ wide cores of soil throughout the lawn that are about three inches apart.

These pieces of turf or “cores” that are extracted are left on the surface of the soil and break down within a few days. By extracting pieces, you’re allowing oxygen to reach the roots of your grass.


Flow chart of how lawn aeration helps soil. Holes that are punctured in the ground allow water and oxygen to reach grass roots and soil.
What are the benefits of lawn aeration?

There are several benefits to having your lawn aerated. The first, and best, benefit is that it opens the soil to allow better oxygen and water flow to the root system – two elements that your grass roots need in order to survive and flourish. Below are some additional benefits:

  • Reduces soil compaction
  • Improves air exchange between the soil and atmosphere
  • Improves fertilizer uptake which helps minimize nutrient runoff
  • Strengthens grass roots which leads to a healthier looking lawn
  • Improves resiliency and cushioning
  • Enhances thatch breakdown
  • Promotes healthy soils


CLICK HERE TO WATCH A VIDEO ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF LAWN AERATION WITH ADAM JONES, VICE PRESIDENT OF QUALITY ASSURANCE


When is the best time to have my lawn aerated?

Aerations can be performed any time of the year in Florida. The disruption of core aeration in a residential lawn is minimal and oftentimes not visually noticeable, even though the benefits can be seen over time. Our aeration process will not leave a mess but will certainly increase the health of your lawn.

There are many benefits to having aeration performed on your lawn. Ultimately, lawns grow better and stronger when they have increased oxygen, water and nutrients flowing to the root system. Essentially, aeration lets your lawn eat, drink and breathe! If you want to have a healthy lawn that’s the envy of the neighborhood, experts highly recommend you have this treatment performed at least once a year.

For more information on Massey Services lawn and landscape services, click here to schedule your free, no-obligation inspection.