Here in Southern California, we use our outdoor spaces a lot. In fact, because of our over 300 days of sunshine a year, we probably spend more time in our yards than anyone else in the country. But all that activity, combined with the intense summer heat and drought, can cause our soil to become compacted. When soils are compacted it can literally strangle your grass and plants to death. Thankfully, there is a solution known as aeration. Learn everything there is to know about compacted soil, aeration, and how beneficial it is to your Southern California lawn.
What Is Core Aeration?
When your yard is looking weak and tired and no matter what you do it just won’t perk up, it may be time to aerate your lawn. Over time, commonly used areas of our lawns become compact and hard. When this happens, your lawn isn’t getting any water, nutrients, or air circulation. When your grass can’t get these things it will make your lawn appear like it is suffering from drought.
Core aeration is the process of using a powered machine to punch hundreds of tiny holes into your lawn. These holes loosen up the soil and allow for water and air to start flowing back into the root system of your grass. The plugs that are pulled up from the aeration process are left on the lawn to decompose and fertilize your lawn. Yearly aeration is advised for all lawns with heavy clay soils and thatch buildup.
What Are The Benefits of Core Aeration?
The benefits of aerating your lawn are immediate. The holes made by the aeration process allow air, water, and nutrients back into the roots of your grass. It also promotes root growth which results in thicker, lusher turf.
When your yard is exhibiting signs of soil compaction it’s time to consider aeration. Aeration is a method of relieving compact soil by using a machine to pull tiny chunks of sod out of your lawn. This allows for air, water, and nutrients to flow back into the roots and encourages growth. Aeration has the following benefits:
- Deeper, stronger root growth
- Thicker, healthier grass
- Grass grows much easier
- Fills in bald and thin patches in your yard
- Reduces water runoff
- A healthier, stronger yard
Signs Your Southern California Yard Needs To Be Aerated
When soil becomes compacted there are signs that you can look for. Your grass turning brown isn’t the only sign of compact soil. Check out these other ways to tell if your lawn needs to be aerated.
Standing Water
Water sitting on the surface of your lawn could be a sign of compact soil in a low-lying area. These areas aren’t just ugly but they are also breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Spongy Grass
Spongy squishy grass is a sign of too much thatch buildup. That is caused by layers of grass clippings building up to the point where it completely blocks water from getting to the soil. Thatch can also be cleared up with aeration.
Very Hard Soil
The true sign of compact soil is dense soil that is very hard to penetrate. Try pushing a shovel or screwdriver into the earth. If it isn’t easy you have a problem and should consider aerating your lawn.
When Is The Best Time To Aerate Your Yard?
You can aerate your yard anytime during the growing season but the recommended times to aerate here in Southern California are in the spring and fall. This is the time when cool-season grasses are doing their most growing so it is easier for them to recover. Aeration in the spring will provide faster green-up while fall aeration helps promote stronger roots heading into the winter. If you don’t know how to aerate your lawn it is best left to the professionals at Lawnscapes.
Call The Professionals at Lawnscape Systems For Aeration Services and All Your Lawn Care Needs
Lawnscape Systems has over 25 years of experience providing commercial and residential lawn care services to the people of Southern California. Our experienced technicians are trained and licensed to fertilize and apply insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides to treat stubborn weeds on commercial and residential lawns. We also offer highly effective and professional aeration services. Learn more now by connecting with us online or by giving us a call at (714) 909-1836.
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