What is lawn aeration?

Also, known as lawn plugging or lawn aerating, holes are punched in the lawn either by machine or hand. The best machines remove a core of soil as well.

What are the benefits?

The holes created by the aerating process provide numerous benefits.

• Exchange of gases occurs, notably oxygen and carbon dioxide as well as others.
• Fertilizers more easily reach the root zone.
• Water penetrates the soil much easier. People often aerate their lawn just for this reason alone.
• Increased root growth occurs.
• Cutting a hole through the thatch layer and bringing soil to the surface helps to manage fescue type of lawn thatch.

Are there any side effects?

• If there are weed seeds in the soil bank they may be brought to the surface where they can germinate. Generally this poses little problem.

When is the best time to aerate the lawn?

• Before summer heat so water can penetrate easily.
• Before times of increased root growth such as the fall.

How much does lawn aeration cost?

• Cost depends on the size of the lawn.
• $50-60 or more for a typical modest sized residential lawn.