Aeration - how and why?
Keeping our lawn healthy and green looking is an ongoing “fun”game where we tent to get frustrated, contemplating replacing any kind of grass (yes even those sturdy native kinds) with a gravel and succulent/cactus scenery (oh lovely Arizona landscape).
Let’s not forget though how much we love lawn, how much our children and pets enjoy a green soft base to play on rather than a desert look. So let’s learn how our lawn can get a fresh green and shiny look. The magical word is AERATION. The aeration process is quite frankly as easy as poking holes in the ground…it basically is exactly that, poking holes into your lawn. This process alone can loosen compacted soil, and allow nutrients to penetrate deeper into the roots of your lawn. Aeration stimulates root growth which is a direct result in beautiful green and healthy lawn. Any additional fertilizer can be absorbed 90% better after aerating your soil as well if you feel like walking the extra mile.
Thanks to our modern technology and Amazon (of course) there are tons of affordable options for aeration tools that you can easily purchase online. If your lawn is not the size of a football field, aeration strap-on shoes might be the most cost efficient option for you. These shoes are adjustable and can we strapped onto your shoes. For bigger areas you can rent walkable aeration tools and for an extensive lawn area you can get machine operated spike aerators.
Here is our list for TOP 2021 aeration tools:
Best Overall: Brinly-Hardy Tow Behind Plug Aerator at Amazon
Best Handheld: Yard Butler Lawn Coring Aerator at Amazon
Best Shoes: Ohuhu Lawn Aerator Shoes at Amazon
Best Tow-Behind Spike: Agri-Fab 40-in Spike Lawn Aerator at Amazon
Best Push: Agri-Fab Push Spike Aerator at Amazon
Now let’s go over the steps to make your dream lawn happen:
Clear and clean your lawn of branches, leaves, toys/ furniture (duuuh) and anything else that might be in the way of a smooth “poking-holes-process”
Mow your lawn (remember if you have native grass, your lawn should not cut below 2 ½ -3”)
Now aerate your lawn with your preferred tool.
If there are spots on your lawn that seem dead or very unhealthy looking, overseeding is an excellent way to fill in those areas again. ! MAKE SURE YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT KIND OF SEEDS FOR YOUR LAWN!
Now overseed the lawn. Rake the seeds that didn’t already make it into the holes.
Water your lawn every day or every other day during fall/winter months during the growing process to ensure the seeds can sprout and the baby grass will develop strong roots. Watering during early morning or late evenings are the ideal times.
Stay off the lawn for 2-3 weeks.
Fall and spring are the best time to aerate your area.
Hope you enjoyed our blog and your grass will be greener than your neighbors ;)