Regular maintenance of the lawn is important. Then only you can keep the lawn thicker and neater. If you are a homeowner with a lawn you will have heard about Lawn Aerator. But if you have little idea of what it is then you are in the right place. Here you can get some details about the types of lawn aerators and how to aerate the lawn. Aeration is the process where small holes are put in the soil. This allows important elements like air and water to go inside the grassroots. Then the grass in the lawn can grow thickly. It will make the lawn look attractive. Continue reading to know about it here.
Types of Lawn Aerators
You can buy Lawn Aerators that suit the size of your lawn. So check which type of aerators will work for you. Here is the list of the types of lawn aerators for you.
1. Push Aerators
The push aerators will work well in small areas. It is useful for lawns where there are obstacles like trees and other lawn ornaments. Also, these types of aerators have spikes so they are best suited for the lawns without compaction.
Also, they are hard to find in the shops. It takes effort to force the tines in the soil. So if you want to break down the hard soil then choose the handheld or tow-behind aerator.
2. Handheld Aerators
This model also works well in small lawns. They are available in both plug and spike varieties. There is a dual-handle grip. It is placed high so you can prevent back pain. Also, there is a strong foot platform that permits the landscapers to use the tool properly. But the aeration with handheld tools can take a lot more time.
3. Tow-Behind Aerators
There is equipment called a riding lawn mower. It is useful if you have a large lawn. You can connect the lawn aerator with a tow hitch and then aerate the lawn. It can cover lots of space in less time. If you want to dig deeper then these types of aerators have trays above the tines. So this can let you have extra weight.
4. Aerator shoes
If you use the lawn aerator shoes then you can aerate the lawn when you walk. But this is only for light soil that needs less maintenance. This equipment is made sandal- like to fit your shoes. But the shoes you wear must have adjustable straps and solid spikes.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Lawn Aerator?
If you have a lawn then it is necessary to aerate it because it helps to alleviate the soil. When the soil gets compacted it will become dense. So it will not allow the air, water, and nutrients to travel inside. Then the grass growing in this soil will be thin and dry.
Therefore only when the soil gets aerated will the grass grow thick. The water and air will circulate inside the soil properly.
Here know about the signs that will help you to know when to aerate the lawn?
- If the lawn is part of a recently built house then the topsoil may be buried or stripped. Due to the construction traffic, the soil may get compacted.
- If the lawn is supple and gets quickly dehydrated it means that there is excessive thatch. You can try to measure the thatch and if it is more than half an inch then aerations are required.
- If the soil is made by turf and there is soil layering present then aeration is required. The soil layering is a thin layer of compost spread on the top of the soil. It may stop the water and air from entering the soil.
- If the lawn has a lot of traffic such as a playground and pets area then it will need aeration from time to time.
What is The Right Time to Aerate The Lawn?
The best time to aerate the lawn is during specific weather periods. The best time for this is during the growing seasons. But it also depends on the type of grass on your lawn. The grass in the cool seasons will only thrive in the cool temperatures. It is during the spring and fall. Further, the warm season grass will only grow well during the summer months.
So you can perform the lawn aeration at these times. It will help you to maintain the lawn thatch. You do not need to aerate the soil every year but doing once 2 to 3 years is good for it. When the aeration is one more than needed then it will damage the soil and grass growth.
How to Aerate The Lawn?
If you are a beginner then there are easy tips available for aerating the soil. Here are the tips for you.
- Do not aerate the soil during a drought. Then the roots will get exposed to the sun.
- You have to water the lawn thoroughly for two years before the aeration process. It will help the soil to be moist and soft. But if there is rainfall then you can start to aerate the soil without watering it.
- You have to be aware of the irrigation pipes, septic, utility lines, and more. Then you may not run over them if you are aerating the soil. In this way, you can avoid damage.
- Mow the lawn before the aeration process.
- You can leave the plugs of soil removed by the aerator so it will break down in the lawn.
- Do not forget to give nutrients to the lawn after the aeration so they can recover.
- You have to water the aerated lawn 2 to 3 days a week so it will be moist.
- Try to cover the aerated lawn with topsoil mixed with compost.
- Then sow the seeds with a spreader. Put the seeds where it is required.
- Now let the seeds settle and roll the lawn.
Conclusion
The lawn aeration is a great step to keep your lawn healthy and serene. Many of your neighbors will comment positively about your lawn if you follow the aeration methods properly.
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