Have you ever walked across a soccer field in the Fall and wondered what all those little tubes of dirt were? There were matching holes in the ground, but who could possibly have the patience to pull out the little tubes all over the field? AllGreen Lawn Care has the patience, but it doesn’t take as long as you think. Those tubes are the product of aeration, one of the lawn programs offered by AllGreen.
What is Aeration?
Aeration is the process of loosening the ground so new grass can grow. This procedure is common on land that is frequently trafficked, like a soccer or football field. The packed-in dirt causes many problems, including less airflow, more water runoff (creating muddy fields), and a thicker layer of thatch.
Thatch is the layer of dead grass and weeds that form above the dirt when the lawn is constantly under pressure from walking or running. The thatch spreads itself among the living grass and chokes the grass that is trying to grow. Combined with a lack of sunlight, the growing grass dies, only adding to the layer of thatch.
How does it work?
The little tubes of dirt that you always see on sports fields are the result of aeration. Small coils are rolled over the grass and sink into the ground. As the coil rolls, it pulls little tubes out of the ground and leaves them lying on top of the lawn. The coils break through the layer of thatch. The ground can then breathe and absorb the water that the thatch was preventing it from receiving.
The tubes of dirt are left on the lawn because they contain organisms that can eat away at the remaining thatch. These tubes will naturally break down and return to the ground. Raking them to spread them apart can help speed the break-down process. The reduction of the thatch allows grass seedlings to grow, thickening the grass.
Can I do it myself?
You sure can! We recommend that lawns that need more than a little TLC include aeration as part of a professional lawn program. But if you have a smaller yard or one that is in pretty good shape, you can aerate it yourself. You can get a manual or powered aerator that looks similar to a lawnmower. Don’t have the space in your shed or garage? You can get spikes that attach to your shoes. Just strap them on and walk around!