With another long New England behind us, it’s time to start thinking about the best ways to improve our outdoor living space. Both in function and aesthetics, lawn care in Massachusetts is one of the best places to start. However, lawn care means more than raking and fertilizing. Often suggested in the fall, aeration during springtime lawn maintenance is also highly beneficial.
What is aeration?
Aeration is a process of air exchange between the soil and atmosphere that naturally occurs. However, when the topsoil of your lawn is compact, the condition can suffocate your lawn. Thus, lessening the chances of growing vibrant and healthy grass. To help the process, many homeowners invest in aeration services.
Aeration refers to the process of creating small holes or plugs in the ground’s surface using a specialized tool. The holes created allow water, fertilizer, and air to penetrate the surface deeper into the soil where the root zones exist. This process quickly improves the impact water and treatments have on the lawn’s overall health. Further, aeration minimizes puddling, encourages a robust root system, stimulates new growth, and enhances climate tolerance while reducing soil compaction.
The best tools for aeration.
Once you’ve decided to aerate your lawn, the next step is choosing the tool to complete the task. Below are five of the most common types of aeration tools and a brief overview of each.
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HAND AERATOR
A hand aerator resembles a rake and can be very effective. However, this tool is labor intensive which is why it is best for smaller areas.
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SHOES
If you’re looking for a budget friendly solution, aeration shoes may be your answer. Simply strap the spiked shoes over your everyday shoes, and you are good to go!
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ROLLING AERATOR
As one of the most efficient tools available, it’s no surprise that the rolling aerator is also one of the most popular choices. Quick, effective, and simple to operate, this tool is also gentle on the wallet.
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SPIKES
Spike aerators come in a wide range of models allowing them to be accessible for any budget. Requiring less manual labor than a hand aerator, most versions are simple to use.
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PLUG AERATOR
Plunging into the ground, this type of aerator works best in certain conditions. If the ground is too hard, you’ll find it difficult to get the job done.
Aeration is suggested for any lawn but especially compacted lawns. Whether it is heavy foot traffic, lawns established by sod, new yards, or lawns that tend to dry out quickly, aeration helps to establish a healthy base for grass to grow.
For all of your Massachusetts lawn care needs, let the professionals at AllGreen help. Our team of experts will help revive your lawn, setting you up for a successful outdoor season. With questions or to request a free estimate, please call AllGreen at (781) 762-7080.