It is clear to see that we have had a tough winter this year! We all know how much snow we’ve had to shovel, and how sore it

How aeration works:

can leave you!

 

 

Well if your sore from shoveling all that snow, imagine how your lawn must feel from holding it all winter long! Snowflake after snowflake had accumulated and compacted the soil layers in your lawn all winter long.

 

What is soil compaction you ask?  As the many feet of snow began to accumulate this past winter, the soil became compressed…the space between the particles of soil got smaller and tighter.  So what?  Tell that to the grass plants.  The grass is expected to spread its root system in the soil, but will have a difficult time doing so because the soil got packed down (or compacted) during this winter.  BUT…don’t fret because there is an easy fix! Aeration!

 

For those of you who aren’t familiar with aeration, let me fill you in! It can be done manually or with a machine. Compacted soil and excessive thatch can starve turf roots of the air, water and nutrients they need to grow deep and strong. Aeration can help. With this process, a machine known as a core aerator punches through turf and pulls out plugs of soil and thatch, which are left behind to dissolve during rainfall or sprinkling. As the plugs dissolve, decomposition of thatch layers is promoted. Plus, the holes created during aeration make it easier for air, water and nutrients to reach the roots. If you want to do it manually, you can use a roller with metal spikes on it or hey…walk around with a good pair of metal cleat golf shoes.

 

 

But what ever you do, once this snow blanket melts, aeration can help loosen up your compacted soil giving your grass plants a good shot at the growing season.