Lawn aeration involves the mechanical removal of hundreds of small soil and thatch plugs from the lawn. The holes poked into the turf provide a direct path for air, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots.
Immediately after aeration, your lawn will be dotted with small plugs pulled from the soil. Within a week or two, they break apart and disappear into the lawn. About 7 to 10 days after aeration, the holes will be filled with white, actively growing roots…a sign that the turfgrass is receiving additional oxygen, moisture, and nutrients from the soil. The cores will break down naturally and disappear into the lawn over time, depending upon weather conditions. As the cores disintegrate, the soil microbes within the cores will help break down thatch. So, don’t rake them off. Watering and mowing also help to break down the cores.
On compacted soils and on lawns with slopes, you should see an immediate difference in water puddling and runoff after irrigation or rainfall. Your lawn should be able to go longer between waterings, without showing signs of wilt. With repeat aerations over time, your lawn will show enhanced tolerance from heat and drought.
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