A great lawn increases your home's property value, reduces noise, and adds visual appeal. To achieve lush grass, a homeowner has to be proactive with their lawn care. This typically involves hiring a lawn service to perform aeration. Core aeration is a method that creates holes in the soil to support grass production by improving soil drainage, while making a hospitable environment for worms, microfauna and microflora, which can only live with oxygen. Here is a guide to commonly asked questions about this topic. 

What to Know About Core Aeration 

What is the benefit of aerating your lawn?

To grow a thick, lush, green lawn, you need a healthy root system and plenty of new growth. Aeration creates small spaces that loosen compact soil, allowing space for roots to grow as well as increase exposure to air, water and fertilizer. With this lawn service, you protect the health of your existing root system and any early roots that are easily damaged by heavy foot traffic and drought.

How often should I aerate?

The frequency with which you aerate depends on the type of soil you have. While most lawns benefit from annual aeration, lawns in heavy clay soil need this form of lawn care biannually. Lawns with loose, sandy soil can be managed with aeration every two years. Additionally, lawns that get excessive foot traffic should use this method twice a year. 

When should I aerate?

The timing for aeration depends on where you live. In the northeast, the best time is fall. Aeration in autumn pulls cores better without disturbing the control layer. The soil is soft but not muddy. 

How long does it take the cores to disappear from the lawn?

The cores break down naturally over time. While it typically takes a couple of weeks, weather conditions, watering and mowing will accelerate this process. As the cores disintegrate, their soil microbes will break down thatch, so it's important not to intervene in this process.

With Nature Plus Lawn & Irrigation the grass is always greener. This locally owned and operated company in Cincinnati, OH, provides custom lawn care services including weed, insect, and grub control, irrigation installation, mosquito control, aeration and fertilization. For over 25 years, they have become one of the most trusted names in lawn care in the Cincinnati area. Their skilled technicians ensure a lush green lawn year after year, satisfaction guaranteed. To schedule an appointment, call (513) 755-9434 or visit their website.