Aeration 101
What Is It, How Does It Work & More
Aeration is a lesser-known but highly valuable lawn care service that property owners in Virginia should be aware of. Without aeration, your lawn will not be able to reach its full potential.
What Does Core Aeration Do for Your Lawn?
Core aeration is a lawn care service that loosens compacted soil beneath the grass on your property. This is important because soil hardens over time and restricts the flow of vital resources like water, air, and nutrients to the roots of your grass. Core aeration restores the flow of these resources so that your turf has access to all it needs to grow healthy and strong.
What Is the Process of Core Aeration?
Core aeration involves using a core aerator machine to mechanically remove tiny soil plugs, or cores, from your lawn. This process helps your lawn breathe more easily. Depending on how compacted your soil is, your lawn care professional may pass over your turf one time or two times. Single-pass core aeration is most common, but double-pass core aeration may be needed if your soil is particularly compacted.
Key Facts About Core Aeration
Soil Plugs Left Behind
After your core aeration service, the soil plugs removed will be left on your lawn. They won't be there for long — the plugs break down within a couple of weeks and return nutrients back to your soil as they degrade.
Single or Double Pass
Single-pass core aeration is most common. However, double-pass core aeration may be needed if your soil is particularly compacted, ensuring your lawn gets the full benefit of the service.
Improved Resource Flow
By removing soil cores, aeration restores the flow of water, air, and nutrients directly to the roots of your grass, enabling your turf to grow healthy and strong throughout the season.
When Is the Best Time to Aerate Your Lawn in Virginia?
Warm-Season Turf
Bermudagrass or Zoysia Grass
Aerate every two to three years in the spring months of April and May for best results.
Cool-Season Turf
Fescue & Other Cool-Season Grasses
Aerate annually in the fall between September and early November for optimal lawn health.
How Can You Tell If Your Lawn Needs to Be Aerated?
Most lawns need to be aerated, especially if they haven't been aerated recently. Soil naturally compacts over time due to foot traffic, machine traffic, and various weather conditions. If your cool-season grass hasn't been aerated in the past year, then it would benefit from core aeration. If your warm-season grass hasn't been aerated in the past two to three years, then it is time to schedule your aeration service.
Why Pair Aeration With Overseeding?
Aeration is an impactful service on its own, but it is even more helpful to your lawn when paired with overseeding. Overseeding involves scattering grass seeds on your lawn to promote new growth, particularly in thin or patchy areas. When aeration is done before overseeding, it allows for greater seed-to-soil contact and creates ideal conditions for the seeds to grow.
Better Seed-to-Soil Contact
Aeration opens up the soil surface so seeds can settle in and make direct contact with the soil, greatly improving germination rates.
Ideal Growing Conditions
The combination of loosened soil and fresh seed creates the perfect environment for new grass to establish and fill in thin or patchy areas.
A Healthier, Fuller Lawn
Together, aeration and overseeding deliver results that neither service achieves alone, resulting in a thicker, more vibrant lawn.
Schedule Your Aeration Service Today!
We have provided professional lawn care services, including core aeration and overseeding, to residential property owners in Carrollton, VA, and nearby areas such as Smithfield and Northern Suffolk since 2008. Call us today to get on our schedule!
