Is a plug or spike aerator better?
This method has some drawbacks, however: because of the way a spike aerator makes holes, it can actually cause even more soil compaction. A plug aerator is generally a better choice, especially for heavy, thick soil with a lot of clay.
What is the difference between an aerator and a Dethatcher?
While dethatching removes the layer of thatch above the soil surface, aeration removes actual plugs of soil from your yard. With looser, more nutrient-rich soil, root systems can spread out and grow deeper into the soil. Holes in your yard may not be glamorous, but they'll quickly fill in with dense, healthy grass.
What is the difference between an aerator and a plugger?
Lawn pluggers also achieve aeration, but the key difference is how it is done. Lawn aerators do not remove a plug of dirt, and can actually make the compaction problem worse around the hole since the weight of the attachment pushes the dirt around the hole away from the spike.
Are spike aerators worth it?
Spiked lawn aeration shoes are the least expensive spike aeration option. You can use them in small areas, but for larger areas, aerating with spiked shoes is a time-consuming, tiring task. Using spiked shoes is not a highly effective form of aerating, and many lawn pros warn against it.
Do I aerate or dethatch first?
Excess thatch blocks out air, light and water from reaching root zones. Dethatching and aeration services go hand in hand. Dethatch first, then aerate.
When should you aerate?
You want to aerate the lawn when your grass is in its peak growing period so it can recover quickly—think early spring or fall for cool-season grasses, and late spring through early summer for warm-season grasses. If you have high-traffic areas or heavy clay soil, you will want to aerate every year.
Can you aerate too much?
Generally, if you over aerate your lawn, this will kill your grass and create drainage issues in your soil. One of the reasons this happens is that each time you aerate a lawn, you puncture holes into it, leading to problems if done too often.
Should I pick up plugs after aerating?
– The Short Answer. The consensus is that no, you should not pick up plugs or cores after aerating. In a few days, these little pieces of your lawn should break down and become unnoticeable. This process is aided by watering your lawn deeply after aerating or waiting to aerate before it rains.
Should I aerate before I seed?
Lawn Aeration is Vital No matter what seed you use, they can't germinate in compacted soil devoid of water, nutrients, and sufficient air exchange. That's why it's crucial to aerate your lawn before starting the overseeding process.
When should I spike aerate?
The best time for aeration is during the growing season, when the grass can heal and fill in any open areas after soil plugs are removed. Ideally, aerate the lawn with cool season grass in the early spring or fall and those with warm season grass in the late spring.
How deep should an aerator go?
1-6 inches deepAeration holes are typically 1-6 inches deep and 2-6 inches apart. Other types of aerators push solid spikes or tines into the soil without removing a plug (spiking).
What is the best aeration method?
Core aeration is recommended by most lawn care professionals and most lawn research organizations as the most effective method for reducing soil compaction. Core aeration is the best technique for the easily compacted clay soils of DFW. The coring method produces the best results of any aeration technique.