Core Aeration

What is Core Aeration?

Core aeration is the removal of cores of soil from existing lawns.  Aerating a lawn is similar to cultivating a garden or flower bed.

Cores of soil, approximately 5/8 inch in diameter and 2 to 4 inches long, are pulled from the soil by a core aeration machine.  The cores are allowed to remain on top of the lawn.  The soil will disintegrate over time which in turn provides a topdressing for you lawn.

Core aeration will not solve extremely severe thatch buildup.  However, aeration is an annual maintenance practice which will help maintain the overall health and vigor of your lawn.

 

Benefits of Core Aeration

1.  Removal of soil cores increases penetration of water, air and nutrients into the soil.

2.  Loosening the soil encourages root growth.

3.  Soil fungi and bacteria are released when the soil disintegrates.  These organisms help to degrade thatch.

4.  Overseeding can follow core aeration if there is a need to seed an existing lawn.