How Aeration Helps Turfgrass

The process of mechanically removing small plugs of thatch and soil from the lawn is commonly called core aeration. This is different than other soil cultivation practices, such as spiking and slicing. Core aeration:

• Improves air exchange between the soil and atmosphere
  
• Enhances soil water uptake
  
• Improves fertilizer uptake and use
  
• Reduces water runoff and puddling
  
• Promotes stronger turfgrass roots
  
• Reduces soil compaction
  
• Enhances heat and drought stress tolerance
  
• Enhances thatch breakdown
  

If the service is not performed when and where it's needed it can create problems for a customer's lawn.

Performed incorrectly or at the wrong time, such as during an extended drought, aeration can damage turgrass. Obviously, if the lawn is rock hard and the aeration unit does not penetrate the soil to a sufficient depth, the service offers few benefits to a customer's lawn.



Obviously, there's also the issue of the unsightly cores that are created by aeration. Some property owners don't want to see them on the lawn even though the cores break down within a week or two. In those cases, it might be necessary to drag a property and break up the cores after aeration. Call us today for an estimate and consultation.

Topdressing Service

Topdressing consists of applying a layer of soil, sand, compost, or a mixture thereof to turf grass. Top dressing is applied in layers ranging from 1/16 – 1/2 inch at a time, generally once every growing season.

Lawns require topdressing to maintain a uniform surface, which is helpful for drainage. Often times, these materials act as a soil amendment as well and are a practical method for leveling out dips and ruts.

Other benefits of top dressing include:

• Excellent for drought conditions, and acts like a mulch to help retain moisture
  
• Ideal for poor soils lacking in essential nutrients and organic matter
  
• Helps diseased lawns by promoting soil organisms that fight plant disease
  
• Supports seeding by ensuring good seed-to-soil contact while retaining moisture
  
• Helps to control and reduce thatch by producing new soil through accelerated thatch decomposition
  
• Composted top dressing provides nutrients and helps soil retain and release nutrients
  
• Improves the turf root system and aids in improving poor soil structure