CORE AERATION IS THE BEST KEPT SECRET TO A HEALTHY LAWN!

For years turf experts have recognized that aeration is the best treatment for most problems caused by thatch and hard compacted soils. Aeration disrupts thatch and loosens the soil to improve the flow of air, water, and fertilizer.  Aeration is the removal of small cores of soil that a machine pulls out of the soil. The cores are about one to two inches long. These cores are then deposited on the lawn’s surface where they will break down. 

Here at Vital-N-Green, we believe in doing the best job possible. Because of this, we use the best aerator on the market. It uses a piston like motion to get the cores out instead of a rolling motion like the cheaper models on the market. The piston motion enables use to get more and bigger cores.

WHY YOU SHOULD AERATE:

- Allows water, fertilizer, and air to enter the root system
- Increases water retention and lowers water bill
- Stimulates new root growth
- Reduces compaction in Nevada’s extremely hard soil
- Reduces the thatch layer which suffocates the lawn

WHY COMPACTION IN THE SOIL IS BAD:

Compaction is a physical process where the soil gets more compressed so that there is a reduction of the amount of oxygen contained in the soil and movement of nutrients to the roots of the grass plant. The roots need oxygen, and as they grow they give off carbon dioxide. Eventually the lawn thins until, ultimately, the soil can no longer support any turf growth because of the compressed soil.

WHEN TO AERATE: 

Here in Nevada it is necessary to aerate every year because of the soil we have. The soil has a lot of clay in it that makes our ground very compact. It is best to aerate in the spring and/or fall. One time a year is necessary, but it is beneficial to aerate twice per year.  Because of our poor soil conditions, your lawn should be aerated at least once a year.   We do spring aeration from March 1st-May, and fall aeration from late September - early October.

DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE PLUGS:

The aerifying process will leave plugs of thatch and soil on the lawn. The soil contains microorganisms that will help begin the breakdown of thatch tissue.  Do not remove these plugs! They will decompose in a few weeks. Continue to mow and water your lawn normally.