Soil Aeration: The Key to Healthy Grass in Georgia
For warm-season lawns in Georgia, the best time to aerate is in the spring through the early summer. For cool-season lawns such as tall fescue, we recommend aerating and overseeding each fall.
What is Aeration?
Lawn aeration is essentially punching holes in your lawn's surface, which reduces soil compaction and allowing air to permeate the ground. Aeration creates a channel through which oxygen, water, and nutrients can penetrate through the soil. Even though grassroots are underground, they still need to breathe from time to time!
Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass is the most common grass here in Georgia, and the best time to aerate it is between April and June. This time of year is peak growth season for warm season grasses like Bermuda. In early Spring, Bermuda grass shows rapid growth, making it a great time for aeration due to strong growth and recovery on the horizon.
Zoysia Grass
Zoysia is another warm season grass that grows well even in poor soil conditions. Zoysia thrives in warm climates with partial shade, perfect for lawns covered by tall Georgia trees. The best time to aerate Zoysia grass is between April and June, which you will find is a common theme for warmer season grass. The best time to aerate Zoysia is during the day after a nice rain, as the moisture softens and loosens the soil, allowing for better penetration with the aerators.
Centipede Grass
Centipede grass is another semi-common grass type for Georgia homeowners. Like the other warm-season grasses above, the best time to aerate your centipede lawn is between spring and early summer. Centipede lawns should be aerated every 1-2 years for optimal growth.
Top Dressing
Top dressing is lawn care practice that consists of applying a thin layer of soil or sand over your lawn. Top dressing is one of the most beneficial practices that can be performed on grass. There are many benefits to top dressing such as improved soil aeration and drainage, enhanced grass growth, and reduced fertilizer requirement.
Soil Aeration and Drainage
Soil that is compacted can stunt root growth and water absorption. Top dressing helps loosen the soil, which helps allow roots to grow and enhances drainage.
Enhanced Grass Growth
Top dressing helps promotes stronger roots systems which leads to healthier grass.
Reduced Fertilizer Requirement
The addition of compost, topsoil, or sand enhances the structure of your soil, which can allow it to hold on to nutrients for longer periods of time.
