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| Photo Credit: Daniel Overcash |
| A core aerator is the best method to properly aerate lawns. |
Aeration, the process of providing air to plant roots while simultaneously reducing compaction, is one of those lawn chores that’s often forgotten or seldom done. The fact is, without proper aeration, a lawn won’t develop to its maximum potential.
Often, aeration is done incorrectly by using a heavy, pull-behind tool that spikes holes into the soil. While this tool does a good job of providing a place for fertilizer and seed to get into the soil, it actually increases soil compaction. And compaction reduces the availability of oxygen to reach the lawn’s roots. The only way to provide proper aeration is to use a core aerator. The tool is usually pulled behind a lawn tractor, though there are some professional walk-behind models. Most core aerators can be rented from the local rental store for half a day. This important piece of lawn equipment removes ½-inch-wide “cores” from the soil that are 2-3 inches deep, every 2-4 inches apart. The holes left where the cores were removed provide a good environment for oxygen and fertilizer to get to the roots, at the same time reducing compaction.
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