Lawn Aeration & Thatch

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Turf aeration is the process of mechanically punching holes through the grass, thatch, roots and soil. These holes allow air and water to penetrate into the soil. The soil plugs that land on top of the lawn contain bacteria and fungi that help decompose organic matter like dead grass blades and thatch. As organic matter is decomposed, nutrients are returned to the soil. Therefore the soil plugs should be allowed to naturally break down on the surface of your lawn.

March and April are not necessarily the best time to aerate. This is particularly true if the soil is dry. Trying to aerate a dry lawn is like aerating the driveway! It just doesn't work. The soil has to be moist in order for the tines of the aerator to penetrate the soil.

The best time to aerate is when the soil is moist. 

We schedule our spring aerating jobs usually in May. This gives our clients time to activate their sprinkler systems. We call at least 3 days in advance so you can water the lawn and mark the location of sprinkler heads before we arrive. Watering your lawn before aerating helps ensure we pull the deepest plugs. Having the sprinkler heads marked before we arrive helps us to protect your sprinkler system.

How many times per year should I have my lawn aerated?

Jones Tree & Lawn, Inc. believes that aerating your lawn twice a year is sufficient for most properties. We recommend aerating once in the spring and once in the fall. If you have a serious thatch problem... aerating 3 or 4 times a season may be beneficial.

Thatch separates grass crowns from the actual soil surface. To tell if you have a thatch problem take a walk across the lawn. If it feels spongy, like walking on a mattress... you might have an excessive thatch buildup.

Most lawns have some thatch. 1/2" to 3/4" of thatch is quite normal. If it's thicker, thatch can be a problem by not allowing water to penetrate into the soil. Grassroots will grow up into thick thatch seeking water. Unfortunately, thatch dries out fast, stressing the turf. Excess thatch also encourages fungus disease.

Jones Tree & Lawn, Inc. recommends the following methods to control excessive thatch:

• Frequent aeration - Once every month during the growing season
• Infrequent but thorough watering
• Keep the mowing height at 2.5" to 3" all season long
• Using a controlled nutrient fertilizer such as our Meister Lawn Care Program products
• Power raking can be extremely damaging to your lawn. We do not recommend it!

Call Jones Tree & Lawn today for your free Aeration estimate at 303-431-8132. Prices starting at $85.00