What is Core aeration?

Core aeration is the practice of mechanically poking holes in the lawn and pulling up the soil cores. This is usually done with a mechanized piece of equipment. The machine has a rotating set of hollow tines that penetrate the lawn surface to a depth of 2.5-3”. The soil cores are pulled up and deposited on the surface.

What is the benefit?

The benefits of core aeration are as follows:

• Penetrate a thick thatch layer. Thatch greater than 1/2” thick can become an almost impenetrable mat that stops air, water, and nutrients from getting to the roots.

• Loosen compacted soil. Soil that has become compacted needs to be loosened to better allow root development.

• Prepare a seedbed. Core aeration helps to create the seed-to-soil contact that is required for good seed germination.

• Promote turf recovery. The air, light, water, and nutrients that are allowed to penetrate to the root zone help existing grass to recover from heat and drought.