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April 6th, 2009
Keep Pluggin Away
Have you ever seen a golf course lawn that has just been aerated?
The soil plugs scattered all over may be a dead give-away but you might have also noticed the holes left in their wake. Both the plugs and the holes play big roles in the beneficial effects of a core aeration treatment in turf areas.
The holes relieve soil compaction caused by foot traffic that can hurt grass roots. They may only be a couple inches deep, but that's enough to open up the soil for better water and nutrient infiltration to the root zone where they are absorbed into the plant. Roots need oxygen for optimum health and these openings help them capture that valuable ingredient from the air. Roots and shoots also need room to grow and flourish, so this process carves out more space for them while punching through a dense, matted layer of decomposing stems & other organic matter.
The plugs that are popped out by the core aerator and spread on the surface are also valuable to the success of the turf. They contain microbes from down below that help to break down the clippings and matted buildup on the surface. They also bring nutrients from lower in the soil profile (the fertile root zone) to the surface the help in a recycling process that keeps grass greener and stronger. These small clods may look unsightly for a brief period, but break apart readily with good watering & mowing.
Another benefit of core aeration is to help new grass seed make much better soil contact during a spring renovation. Combining a spring-time aeration/seeding treatment with a sound turf maintenance program is a great way to help fill in those thin spots after a long, cool, wet winter. It really goes a long way in keeping lawns looking their best for the season and gets the most value out of a landscaping budget. This service is recommended to do yearly if you have old and worn turf panels. If you have a established lawn with good root systems you can go with this every other year.
Johnny Burrows
Account Manager
To request a bid on aerating your property, contact your account manager or Mindy Buxton at 503.646x1450
