| Over time the soil under your lawn becomes | | | | are like most people, you don't own a tractor. You |
| compacted. Soil compaction makes it harder for the | | | | can purchase shoes with long spikes or a set of |
| grass roots to grow and reduces the absorption of | | | | spikes on a handle. Both of these will take some time |
| water. Both of these problems cause a lawn to | | | | to cover your entire lawn. To make faster work of |
| become stressed. When a lawn is under stress it | | | | this task you can rent an aerator from a local tool |
| tends to brown easily and is less resistant to disease. | | | | center or you can hire someone to do it for you. |
| In order to to reduce compaction, you must aerate | | | | Often the cost of a pro is little more than the cost |
| the soil periodically. Aerating can be done by poking | | | | to rent the tool, so do some checking first. |
| holes into the ground or by pulling plugs out of the | | | | When to Aerate a Lawn |
| ground. The latter method is preferred because it | | | | Ryegrass, bluegrass, bentgrass and fescue lawns |
| loosens the soil while poking holes actually packs the | | | | should generally be aerated in the fall. Bermuda, Bahia, |
| soil tighter. However, either method is beneficial. By | | | | St. Augustine and other warm climate grasses should |
| making holes, you enable more water to soak in and | | | | be aerated in the late spring. |
| you let fertilizer reach the roots. | | | | After aerating your lawn, this may be a good time to |
| How to Aerate a Lawn | | | | apply seed, compost or fertilizer. |
| You can use a tractor with an aeration rig, but if you | | | | |