Top Signs Your Lawn Needs Aeration Now
Nobody wants an unhealthy lawn. Lawn aeration is one tool in a homeowner’s toolbox that can help you get the greener lawn you want. But how do you know when you need to aerate your lawn? We’re diving into the top signs your lawn needs aeration now to help you achieve your healthiest lawn yet.
Why Lawns Need Aeration
Lawn aeration is needed to allow your yard a chance to breathe. It opens up tough soil to allow nutrients, water, and oxygen to penetrate into your grass’s roots. The quality of your lawn will suffer if the roots are left in compacted soil where water and nutrients struggle to permeate.
Top Signs Your Lawn Needs Aeration Now
How do you recognize when your lawn needs aeration? These are some common signs to watch for when your yard needs aerating:
Compacted Soil
Your lawn may need aerating if you have compacted soil or live in an area with clay soil. Try poking a hole in your lawn with a screwdriver or other similar object. Your soil is compacted if you struggle to do so and it may be time to call in the professionals to shape up your lawn.
Poor Drainage
Are you noticing puddles in your yard? Poor drainage is a sign that your lawn needs aerating. This happens when you have compacted soil and water struggles to seep through. Lawn aeration will open up the soil to help water find its way into it instead of sitting on top of it.
Thinning or Yellowing Grass
Lawns that don’t receive food and water start to thin out and turn yellow. Like poor drainage, compacted soil is often the cause. Lawn aeration can help if you’ve been watering and fertilizing regularly but still notice dying grass.
Heavy Foot Traffic
Areas with heavy foot traffic often create compacted soil. These areas may need more regular lawn aeration to keep the grass looking its best.
Thatch Buildup
Thatch is dead organic material that accumulates on your lawn. A heavy layer of thatch prevents your lawn from getting water and fertilizer. Lawn aeration can help speed up the decomposing process.
What Happens if You Don’t Aerate Your Lawn
If you don’t aerate regularly, your lawn will struggle to thrive. It may become patchy and yellow as water and fertilizer fail to feed it. Your grass will also be more susceptible to disease as its roots miss out on crucial oxygen and other nutrients. Thatch and other dead materials will build up on your lawn, giving it an unsightly appearance and attracting pests.
What to Do If Your Lawn Needs Aeration
Notice some of the signs your lawn needs aeration? You can opt for a DIY approach and purchase your own aerator. Or, you could contact a professional who will give your lawn a full lookover and an optimized aeration strategy based on the needs of your yard. Either way, don’t skip out on lawn aeration or you may end up with an unsightly and dying lawn.
