It is one of the most important and beneficial backyard care techniques. It helps loosen soil that has become compacted, allowing air, water, nutrients, and grass seed to reach the roots more easily. This encourages deeper roots and a healthier turfgrass. It may seem like an intractable task, but the process becomes easier with the right tools and techniques. When combined with other maintenance practices such as fertilizing and watering, you will see a significant difference in the appearance of your grass in a very short time. Here are some of the top benefits of this maintenance practice:
1. Beautification and Safety
A healthy lawn not only looks better but also has more curb appeal. It is a sign of a well-cared-for landscape, showing that you take pride in your property, consequently increasing the resale value. Homeowners who want to add a decorative touch to their property can use a manual lawn aerator to plant plugs or small plants in the backyard. You can also aerate to add safety to your outdoor areas. The holes created help lessen the probability of people tripping when walking on your property. This is especially helpful if you have kids who like to play outside. Children can easily fall on compacted soil and sustain injuries. With this practice, you can lower the odds of injuries.
2. Thinning Out Thatch
This process also helps thin out the thatch layer. This is a layer of decomposing organic matter that sits between the soil and the grass blades. It is beneficial in that it provides nutrients to the grass below and helps retain water; however, it can also lead to poor drainage and fertilizer loss. Thatch can also have a negative effect on the overall aesthetics of your backyard if it’s too thick. You can break it up with regular aeration to maintain a healthy level.
3. Improved Drainage
Aeration can be used to improve poor drainage in your landscape. Some areas may have naturally high-water tables or may not have proper drainage, which can lead to waterlogged soil and poor growth. This practice plays an essential role in improving your backyard’s drainage to achieve healthier roots. It’s important to mention that all lawns require water, and the amount varies depending on your soil type, amount of shade, and many other factors. The practice helps promote better drying when water is applied. This is due to the increased airflow in the soil as a result of the process.
4. More Breathable Turf
Thick, dense turf can lead to problems such as poor airflow, which can result in fungus and other diseases, as well as poor water flow. Aeration helps to promote healthy and more breathable turf. Furthermore, it helps to encourage the germination of seeds. This is particularly helpful if you are seeding a new lawn or your existing one, which is thin, sparse, or has low fertility.
5. Help Control Weeds and Pests
Another great benefit of this maintenance practice is that it helps control weeds. Having fewer weeds in your yard not only makes it look better but is also better for the environment. Weeds are a source of competition for nutrients and water, so having less of them helps to promote healthier growth. By removing those trapped pockets of soil and increasing airflow, pests won’t have a place to hide. It’s one way you can control nematodes, insects, and bacteria—all of which can cause problems for your backyard. Additionally, the roots will have adequate room and nutrients needed to grow strong and deep. This helps to keep your lush, green, and healthy, even when the weather is less than ideal. It also keeps it from dying off quickly, particularly when there are fewer hours of sunlight.
With this practice, you can actually reduce the need to mow. Since you’re making holes in your backyard, the grass is able to grow and get food and water through those holes. This means that your turf will take longer to grow but will require less maintenance. It’s an opportunity to regrow and gain some much-needed nutrients. It would be best to hire a professional to ensure that it’s done right and with the right equipment. Furthermore, you won’t need to change your routine. You can still go to work or attend to other pressing matters.