Can aeration damage my lawn?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Correctly-timed aeration can greatly enhance the appearance of lawns, and during poor conditions, it can also produce temporary stress. The damage from improper aeration occurs only when unfavorable situations, such as drought conditions or dormancy, have occurred, in which case the grass cannot recover. When professional turf aerators are used, they produce only limited disruption to the lawn by removing adaptable and clean plugs of soil without removing the mat of turf. When proper growth times are evaluated, lawns can hasten recovery in a period of 2-3 weeks. This practice remains basic to adequate lawn care when performed according to instructions.
Harmful Timing Conditions
- Aerating during drought increases moisture loss and root desiccation.
- Frozen soil causes equipment damage and turf tearing from brittle roots.
- Dormant periods prevent recovery, extending visible disruption.
Equipment Considerations
- Improperly adjusted machines create excessive bare spots.
- Dull tines shred grass crowns instead of cutting clean plugs.
- Heavy machinery on wet soil compacts subsoil layers.
Soil moisture is an important consideration for safe aerification treatments. A treatment should be performed when the soil feels somewhat moist, but not wet or saturated. This condition allows easy removal of plugs with no compaction. Weather forecasts should be consulted to avoid subsequent dry spells which might occur after treatment. The desired moisture content will coincide with a favorable moisture content for maximum microbial activity, which will hasten the decomposition of the plugs and return of nutrients to the soil.
The choice of equipment is of considerable importance in determining the results. Core aerators with hollow tines will effectively remove soil cores, while spike aerators will further compact the soil. Machines with adjustable depth settings are required here to suit turf types. Shallow-rooting grasses need a penetration of 5 to 7.5 cm. In comparison, those with beneficially deep-rooting types will want to have holes of 10cm or so removed. It is highly desirable, in this respect, that some professional service be engaged to ensure a proper calibration with the least disruption.
Post-aeration care speeds recovery. Light watering and frequent watering for 5-7 days will keep the soil moist without becoming too wet. Phosphorus fertilizer will build root growth through the pores. Do not permit heavy foot traffic until there is ample evidence of vigor in grass growth. This treatment will transform temporary stress into permanent vigor during the growing season.
When done properly, aeration brings measurable benefits without permanent damage. The grass grows roots deeper within a matter of weeks, enabling it to reach subsurface moisture. Soil structure improves over time through the addition of organic matter from decaying plant matter. This results in more resilient turf that requires less water and fertilizer. By adhering to certain guidelines, the practice can remain advantageous to the sustainable health of the lawn.
Read the full article: 10 Benefits of Lawn Aeration Explained
