How long does it take for aeration plugs to break down?
As we’ve established, don’t remove aeration plugs. It takes approximately one to two weeks for the plugs to break down on their own, but there are some things you can do to help the plugs break down faster to tidy up the lawn. You can hope for rainfall, but you can also water the lawn to help the plugs break down.
How effective is plug aeration?
In fact, plug aeration is so effective that it’s typically used in cases of severe compaction. However, plug aeration is a more involved aeration method. Since it takes more effort and more specific equipment than other methods, it isn’t often used on mild compaction or for regular day-to-day maintenance.
Where can I get a plug aerator for my lawn?
If you don’t expect to use a plug aerator often, many large hardware stores offer the option of renting them. You can also check with your local landscaping companies, to see if they offer plug aeration as a service. What other methods of aeration are there?
Should I use spike aeration or plug aeration first?
If your lawn has never been aerated, or you aren’t sure when it was last aerated, then it may be best to begin with plug aeration and switch to spike aeration after.
How deep should aeration plugs be?
approximately two to three inches deepLook for an aerating tool or machine that removes soil plugs approximately two to three inches deep and roughly half to three quarters of an inch in diameter, about two to three inches apart.
Should you rake up the plugs after aerating?
Those aeration plugs are vital to the health of your lawn. Resist the urge to “clean” the lawn after it's been aerated, and whatever you do, don't remove the plugs.
Can you aerate your lawn too much?
Especially thick types of grass may also call for aerating more frequently. As a general rule, you shouldn't need to aerate more than once a year at any time ("too much of a good thing" applies here, since you don't want to damage your soil).
Should I mow before or after aeration?
It's generally recommended to mow before aeration, especially if you're overseeding. That said, it won't hurt the lawn if you mow after aerating if you aren't laying down grass seed. Mowing first allows you to expose the soil before aerating.
Should I mow after aeration?
In general, aeration creates the most benefit on soil that is a little bit moist. Then, try not to mow right after aerating. Instead, mow beforehand, and consider laying seed and fertilizer over your lawn after aeration and give your lawn time for that new seed to germinate before you mow again.
What month should you aerate lawn?
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.
When should I fertilize after aeration?
Within 48 hours after you aerate you should over seed, fertilize, and water your lawn. The seed, fertilizer, and water will have the best chance to get down into the holes made by the aerator if applied soon after aeration.
Do lawns need to be aerated every year?
No, it's not necessary to aerate your lawn every year, especially if your grass is healthy and thriving. Aeration is good if you've got compacted, poor or clay-heavy soil that's been impacted by heavy equipment or lots of foot traffic. It's also good to aerate if you are renovating a yard or installing a new one.
What is plug aeration?
Plug aeration is one method of loosening the soil under your lawn to relieve pressure that’s built up. Soil gradually becomes compact over time. Regular lawn use, such as walking or mowing, contributes to mild soil compaction, but things such as construction, thatch buildup, or parking on your lawn can contribute to severely compacted lawns.
How effective is plug aeration?
Plug aeration is very effective at relieving soil tension. In fact, plug aeration is so effective that it’s typically used in cases of severe compaction. However, plug aeration is a more involved aeration method.
What tools are used for plug aeration?
Plug aerators can take a few different forms, but there are a few basic qualities that all plug aerators have in common. They’re most commonly wheeled devices, usually similar in shape to a lawn mower or seed spreader. There are short, hollow, cylindrical protrusions on the axle.
What other methods of aeration are there?
The other method of aeration is spike aeration. Similar to plug aeration, spike aeration revolves around puncturing the ground. However, as the name implies, it does so with spikes rather than hollow cylinders. This loosens the soil, but doesn’t actually remove any of it, making it a less effective method for severely compacted lawns.
