Lawn Care/Maintenance/Equipment/Maintenance Equipment/Aerators
Aerification is the mechanical removal of soil cores. It is used to relieve compaction, reduce thatch, improve water and air movement into the soil, increase rooting, and improve turfgrass health. Aeration is used most commonly in areas that have been compacted, such as heavy traffic areas.
Aerification is most beneficial when large tines are used, penetration is 2 to 3 inches deep, and when 20 to 40 holes are punched per square foot. Aerifiers with reciprocating arms are the most effective. Aerifiers designed to be pulled behind garden tractors are less effective because they do not penetrate deep enough nor punch enough holes per square foot. Aerifying machines used by some lawn care operators and those available at consumer rental agencies may not punch enough holes per square foot, and may require multiple passes though the lawn to reach 20 to 40 holes/ft2. Many units marketed to the homeowner are designed to slice or spike into the lawn, but do not remove soil and are not considered aerification.
Aerification of Kentucky bluegrass,
perennial ryegrass, fine
fescue, and tall fescue should
be done in the fall or spring when the turf is actively growing. Zoysiagrass
should be aerified in early-to-mid summer.