To aerate or not to aerate, that is the question. (Liquid vs. Mechanical)
There are a few signs that may indicate that your lawn needs to be aerated:
- Soil compaction: If your soil is heavily compacted, it can make it difficult for water, air, and nutrients to reach the grass roots. Aeration can help to alleviate soil compaction. Both liquid and mechanical aeration can help with getting water and air to the roots of your turf. It will also help balance the pH of your soil at the benefit of the grass.
- Water runoff: If you notice that water is running off your lawn instead of being absorbed, it could be a sign that the soil is too compacted and needs to be aerated.
- Thatch buildup: Thatch is a layer of dead grass and other organic matter that accumulates on the soil surface. If your lawn has a thick layer of thatch, it can prevent air and water from reaching the roots. Aeration can help to break up the thatch and improve the flow of air and water.
- Thin or patchy grass: If your lawn has thin or patchy areas, it may be a sign that the soil is not providing enough nutrients to support healthy grass growth. Aeration can help to improve soil health and promote healthy grass growth.
Does my lawn need liquid or mechanical aeration?
Both liquid and mechanical aeration can be effective in improving the health of your lawn, but they work in slightly different ways.
Liquid aeration involves applying a liquid solution to the soil that helps to break up compacted soil and promote root growth. This method can be less disruptive to the lawn than mechanical aeration. Liquid aeration will help the entire area of soil compaction and helps the soil absorb the water, air, and nutrients that your turf needs at the root. Liquid aeration is recommended when the soil is the primary root of the soil compaction problem, which is common with our mixture of sand, clay, and silt here in Colorado Springs.
Mechanical aeration involves using a machine to physically remove small cores of soil from the lawn, which helps to break up soil compaction and promote air and water movement to the roots. This method can be more effective than liquid aeration for heavily compacted soils and thick thatch buildup, but it is less effective if your soil is the primary root of the issue for soil compaction and thatch buildup.
Ultimately, the decision of which method to use depends on the specific needs of your lawn and your personal preferences. Consult with a Lawn IQ lawn care professional to determine which method is best for your lawn. Call us today at 719-300-5660 or send us a request for a free estimate to determine your lawn's needs.