Core Lawn Aerators
The key to a beautiful lush lawn is good care that includes fertilizing, aerating and watering. Aeration is essential. Everything else will be useless without it. Overtime the top soil will become compacted and hard. It prevents the flow of water that would carry the fertilizer and nutrients to the roots. Many problems that owners often attribute to insects or lack of fertilization are actually due to soil compaction. By loosening the top layer, aeration allows air, water and nutrients to get to the roots. The grass starts to grow better, greener and thicker. Core lawn aerators are believed to be the most effective. They come in three types: manual, fuel powered and tow-behind.
Manual aerators are easier to use n smaller lawns. They have two or three hollow prongs attached to a bar with a handle. The bar needs to be stepped on to get it into the ground. As it is pulled out, the the soil comes out of the prongs. Although these aerators are cheap, they are not suitable for large lawns. Power or gas driven aerators are similar to lawnmowers and need to be pushed as they core the soil. They are very heavy and hard to maneuver at the end of the lawn. Some newer models are advanced with a power lift mechanism. Tow-behind aerators attach to a ride-on lawnmower or a tractor. They are better for very large lawns as they cover the most area in the least amount of time. They also have less missed spots than other two types. They are also more effective on the heavily compressed soils because they go deeper into it.
It is not necessary to purchase an aerator, unless it’s a manual one to be used in between aerations for touch ups. Aeration is typically done once every two or three years. Equipment rental places will have a couple to choose from for a small rental fee.
To get the best results it is important to use the right aerator. Water, fertilize and over-seed right after the aeration is done. The roots are exposed to nutrients. The seeds will fall into the better ground. Soon the lawn will be beautiful and lush.
