The main benefit of aeration is to relieve compaction and increase pore space, which promotes gas exchange and microbial activity in the soil to create a better, more supportive environment for lawn health. Aeration also promotes better soil drainage, which helps keep disease at bay and allows more water to percolate into the soil.
Here are some tips from Exmark to get the most benefits from aeration:
- Timing: Ideally, aeration should take place during times of active growth to help with recovery. Avoid aeration during times of heat stress or times preceding dormancy. It’s typically best to aerate cool-season grasses in the spring or fall, while with warm-season grasses, it’s best to aerate in late spring or early fall.
- Proper equipment: Use gear that meets the needs of your lawn.
- Follow-up: After aeration, it’s a good idea to water the lawn, as well as a good time to apply fertilizer or overseed if needed. Be careful not to apply a preemergent if you plan to overseed, however, as it will prevent the new seed from growing.
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