Struggling Lawn? 6 Signs That Indicate It's Time for Aeration
If you have warm-season grasses, core aeration is an important step in maintaining a healthy lawn, especially during the spring. Soil compaction can negatively impact your lawn by restricting root growth and limiting the availability of water and nutrients.
This is particularly problematic as Georgia's hot summer months approach. Core aeration helps alleviate compaction, ensuring your lawn has the best chance to thrive. Unsure whether your lawn needs aeration? Here are 6 signs that indicate it's time to take action.
Firm Soil
Sign: Healthy soil should have a soft, springy feel when you walk on it. If your lawn feels as hard as concrete, it's a sign of soil compaction.
DIY Test: Try inserting a screwdriver or similar metal tool into the soil. If it's difficult to push in, your soil is too compacted.
Pooling Water
Sign: If water sits on your lawn after it rains or after watering, compacted soil is likely preventing it from soaking into the lawn.
DIY Test: Pour a small amount of water onto a section of lawn. If it takes more than a few minutes to fully absorb, your soil may be compacted.
Bare Patches or Discoloration
Sign: Bare spots and discoloration, even with regular watering and fertilization, can be a clear indicator that your soil is compacted. Grass can become thin, patchy or even completely bare and turn brown or yellow in color.
Cause: Compressed soil prevents proper water absorption and air circulation depriving grass roots from getting all the nutrients needed for a healthy root system.
Thatch Buildup
Sign: A dense layer of thatch (organic matter and debris that naturally builds on the soil surface) thicker than ½ inch prevents nutrients and water from reaching the soil.
DIY Test: Use a ruler to measure the thickness of the thatch layer in your lawn. A thin layer of thatch can actually be beneficial to your lawn so only dethatch if the layer is thicker than ½ inch.
Footprints and Mower Tracks Linger
Sign: After walking or mowing, footprints and tire tracks remain visible for a long time.
Cause: Compacted soil limits grass roots from penetrating deeply and establishing a strong foundation for healthy growth. High foot traffic further stresses the grass, making recovery difficult.
Poor Root Growth
Sign: Compacted soil often leads to weak, shallow roots, as its dense, hardened structure does not allow for deep root growth. In response, root systems may spread laterally near the surface in an attempt to adapt.
DIY Test: Dig up a small section of your lawn and examine the root system. Healthy grass should have roots that extend at least 2-4 inches deep.
How to Fix Soil Compaction with Core Aeration
If your lawn is showing one or more of these signs, it may be time for core aeration. Core aeration is an effective solution for combating soil compaction. During the process, small plugs of soil and thatch are removed, allowing for improved air circulation and water absorption. The soil plugs are left on the surface to naturally decompose, returning nutrients to the soil.
There are a few important things to keep in mind when aerating your lawn. Timing is crucial, and when to aerate depends on the type of grass you have. Aerate cool-season grasses in early fall and warm-season grasses in late spring or early summer. Be sure to leave the soil plugs on the lawn as they will break down and further enrich the soil. Additionally, moist soil makes aeration easier, so it's best to water your lawn a day before aerating.
While you can aerate your lawn yourself, hiring a lawn care professional will ensure the process is done effectively and ongoing care can be provided to help your lawn thrive.
