Aerating

Relieving Compacted Turf

To relieve compacted turf without excessive injury to grass plants has been a formidable chore until recent years when power driven aerators were developed. Today, aerators of many types and sizes are available. They usually have prongs or knives, which pierce the sod to a depth of two to three inches, or they have hollow tines that extract plugs of soil.  In either case, the effect is to open up or "aerate" the soil, allowing water, air and nutrients to reach the turf roots.

If you are an average homeowner, you may not want to invest in aeration equipment.  You will be wise, however, to give your lawn the benefits of aeration. Call your landscaper or garden centre for information on lawn services or rental companies that have appropriate units.  The gratifying results achieved from aeration — plus the savings realized in water and fertilizer, will easily justify the cost.

Fall is the best time for aeration unless you have irrigation, then any time is suitable.