Aeration: An Introduction to the Three Types

On the most simple level, the aeration process reduces air to a material. When you aerate your lawn, you break up compact soil so that water, sunlight, and nutrients can reach the roots of your grass and improve its health and growth. Professional landscapers will be able to assess your yard and help you choose which type of aeration is right for you, but it’s important to know your options. Read on for an introduction to the three types of aeration: core, spike, and liquid. Core Aeration Core aeration is the most common type of aeration and will probably be recommended to you by lawn care professionals. This method is great for lawns with compacted soil and is suitable for heavy clay soils. Definition & Benefits Core aeration is the process of using an aerator to remove 2-3 inch plugs of soil from the ground and then spreading those plugs across your lawn. This method works because it breaks up the compacted soil, redistributes it, and creates holes that allow grassroots access to water and nutrients. Here are five benefits of core aeration:

• Improved root growth: core aeration encourages a stronger, fuller root system that better withstands stressors like heat and drought.
• Reduced soil compaction: core aeration improves airflow and water penetration to the soil surface.
• Reduced runoff: core aeration improves your lawn’s absorption of water and nutrients, reducing runoff and puddling.
• Optimal thatch breakdown: core aeration is the most common way to reduce thatch buildup.
• Improved seed germination: core aeration provides optimal conditions for seed germination, which is why it’s common to overseed post-aeration.

Who Should Use It Core aeration is the best plan of action for homeowners who struggle with compacted soil, thatch buildup, or moss. It’s also a beneficial service for folks whose lawns see heavy foot traffic or whose soil is made up of heavy clay. Spike Aeration Spike aeration is somewhat similar to core aeration, and though core aeration is more commonly used, most people think of the spike aeration technique when they hear the word “aeration.” This method is great for sandy or loamy soils, and unlike core aeration, it’s not ideal for compacted soil. Definition & Benefits Spike aeration is performed with any tool using solid tines or spikes. They can be attached to a pitchfork or a specialty aerator shoe. These tools are simply used to poke holes into the ground. Essentially, it’s core aeration, except you’re not removing any of the soil, and the holes aren’t as deep. It’s mainly a short-term method. These are the main benefits of spike aeration:

• Short-term grass growth: the holes created by spike aeration provide immediate oxygen to the grassroots, nurturing short-term growth.
• Water penetration: spike aeration allows water to reach grass roots, decreasing runoff and waste.
• Nutrient absorption: spike aeration also improves nutrient absorption, similar to water penetration.
• Thatch breakdown: spike aeration helps break down thatching buildup.

Who Should Use It As previously mentioned, spike aeration is a good choice for homeowners with sandy or loamy soils. It’s also a great choice for people with smaller yards or if you only want to aerate a specific area. It can be used for lawns with mild compaction, but if soil compaction is your main issue, you’re typically better off with core aeration. Liquid Aeration If you struggle with moldy, compacted soil, liquid aeration is your best friend. Unlike the other two aeration methods, liquid aeration focuses on soil porosity to combat compaction. In particular, liquid aeration penetrates deeper into the soil than core aeration, and it’s easier to apply over a large lawn. Definition & Benefits Unlike the others, liquid aeration involves spraying a liquid chemical solution onto your lawn to break down soil particles and create microscopic air pockets. It works by breaking bonds in damp soil with potassium hydroxide to create those microscopic air pockets, allowing water and nutrients to reach grass roots. Liquid aeration provides many benefits to your lawn, including these:

• Improved soil health: liquid aeration allows for better gas exchange between soil and air and reduces runoff and puddling so your soil doesn’t drown.
• Improved water absorption: liquid aeration creates microscopic cracks in the soil, allowing for more oxygen, water flow, and water retention. As a result, your lawn will dry out slower and need less water overall.
• Thatch regulation: liquid removes thatching so water and sunlight can reach grass roots.
• Root growth stimulation: liquid aeration helps grass roots grow deeper and stronger, resulting in a thicker and hardier lawn that is more resistant to dry spells.
• Increased nutrient absorption: as is the main point of aeration, nutrients will more easily penetrate grass roots.
• Lawn uniformity: liquid aeration distributes resources evenly throughout your lawn, resulting in more uniform growth.

Who Should Use It This is a great solution for folks with moldy, compacted soil and moderate to low thatch levels. It’s a long-term solution that may take a couple of months to see results. Some homeowners say the results last longer than core aeration, and some say it’s beneficial to do both at the same time. Conclusion Overall, aeration provides a slew of benefits for grass growth and lawn health. It’s a simple lawn care tactic that will make the rest of your lawn maintenance much easier. Landscaping professionals can help you determine which aeration would benefit your yard best, but it always helps to have an introduction to your options. Now that you know what each aeration technique is about, there’s nothing stopping you from improving your lawn’s health.