Aeration

Aeration is generally recognised as being the single most important mechanical process in lawn care. It consists of using machines to perforate the soil (and importantly, any thatch above it) with small holes that allow water, air, and fertiliser to get closer to the root zone, where they will be of optimum benefit. This enables the roots to grow more deeply, producing a denser, healthier, more vigorous lawn. In tests, grass roots have been shown to proliferate around the perforations, because the stolons  and rhizomes (grass roots) have been severed, thereby encouraging new root and leaf growth, and thus a denser sward. Aeration also relieves the compaction which inevitably builds up in a lawn, particularly in areas subject to heavy traffic, such as paths or play areas. Compacted lawns are much more likely to become infested with both weeds and moss, and because the grass roots are unable to access the nutrient they require, the grass tends to be thin, weak and pale in compacted soils. Golfers will know that many golf courses are aerated monthly; whilst this is clearly not necessary for domestic lawns, every lawn should be aerated at least once a year. 

Aeration is generally achieved by either Hollow-tine or Solid-tine Spiking methods. Both methods have the desired effect of relieving compaction and enabling moisture and oxygen to reach the root zone more effectively, and in cutting through the layer of thatch. However, where clay-type soils are encountered, the Hollow-tine method is usually preferred, as the holes are less likely to close up again after aeration has taken place. Aeration is most beneficial if conducted before the growing season starts.

Hollow-tine aeration penetrates up to 1½” deep and removes thousands of cigar-shaped plugs from the lawn. As part of the service we provide, we will either remove the cores from the lawn and leave them bagged for your disposal, or break them up and sweep the soil back into the holes. Allowing the cores to remain on the lawn is not an option, as, in addition to them being unsightly, they may contain moss spores and/or weed seeds, as well as thatch.

HOLLOW-TINE AERATION

Solid-tine Spiking penetrates slightly deeper, up to 2”, and as the name suggests, is a more simple process by which holes are punched into the grass by means of solid spikes.  It has many of the same benefits as Hollow-tine aeration, but because no cores are produced, it is less labour intensive. This means that Solid-tine aeration is available at a greatly reduced cost.   

SOLID-TINE SPIKING AERATION