Aeration helps provide a healthy lush lawn.
Grasses fall into two different categories: warm-season and cool-season. Warm-season grasses start active growth in summer. Aerate a warm-season lawn in late spring to early summer, During this time the rapid growth will quickly fill in the holes you create.
Cool-season turf comes out of dormancy in early fall and grows vigorously during the lower temperature. Just remember to plan your aeration to allow four weeks of growing time prior to frost.
Warm-season turf types – aerate these in the spring or early summer:
• Bahia grass
• Bermuda grass
• Centipede grass
• St. Augustine grass
• Zoysia grass
Cool-season turf types – aerate in fall:
• Creeping bent grass
• Fescue
• Kentucky bluegrass
• Rough bluegrass
• Rye grass (annual, perennial)
How to aerate in different soil types
Clay soil is compacted easily and should be aerated at least once a year. You can aerate a sandy lawn once a year, or on alternate years. In dry climates, aerating twice a year will enhance turf growth and health. If your lawn is used for parking cars, or have a lot of foot traffic you should aerate annually.
• Aerate just prior to fertilizing or reseeding your lawn. Doing this creates openings for nutrients and seed to enter soil.
• Weeds should be controlled prior to aerating, because aerating can spread weed seeds and weed roots.
• Wait at least a year to aerate new lawn, so that grass is well established.
• Aerate when soil is moist, but not saturated.
• Avoid aerating during drought or high heat. If you aerate in these conditions, you’ll stress the lawn by allowing heat to dry soil.
For more information about lawn aeration and other products and services to keep you landscape looking its best contact W.P. Law, Inc. or visit www.wplawinc.com/corporate-contact.
