As spring draws closer, if you haven’t considered getting your lawn aerated to prepare for summer, now is the best time to schedule it.
Over time, the soil in your yard gets compacted and thatched. This is a process that has causes both natural and man-made. Rain and snow storms, the hot sun in the summertime, and consistent mowing creates a layer of dead organic matter at the base of the grass. As it accumulates, it becomes harder for your lawn to get the nutrients, oxygen, and water it needs to be strong and healthy. This is where lawn aeration comes in and helps get your lawn where it needs to be. As spring draws closer, if you haven’t considered getting your lawn aerated to prepare for summer, now is the best time to schedule it.
What Does Lawn Aeration Do?
Simply put, aeration breaks up the thatch on the base of your grass to loosen the soil. This creates an opening for nutrients, water, and oxygen to penetrate into the roots of the grass. When we talk about aeration, there are two different methods used. Core aeration uses a tool called a lawn aerator which creates small holes in the turf. Liquid aeration uses a specially formulated solution designed to break down soil particles in the thatching.
When is the Opportune Time to Aerate a Lawn?
Traditionally, the fall season is considered the best time to aerate a lawn in the Mid-Atlantic region. This is for several reasons. One, grass roots typically continue to grow into the month of November because the soil stays warm. Two, aerating before winter revitalizes the soil just before going into dormancy. This helps any new seedlings prepare to survive the winter and puts the lawn in a good position to thrive after spring breaks!
Why Aerate in the Spring?
There are some risks associated with aerating a lawn in the spring, as opposed to the fall, but for some lawns it is worth the risk. If your lawn is so compacted that it simply will not grow, aerating in the spring time will give your lawn the jumpstart it needs to get healthy again. The biggest risk in spring aeration is the possibility of the growth of weeds or fungus – this is because the spring season can be rather wet in the Mid-Atlantic. However, a professional landscaping and lawn care specialist like Atlantic Maintenance Group can assess the risk and help you make the best decision for your lawn.
All of Your Landscaping and Asphalt Needs from Atlantic Maintenance Group
Atlantic Maintenance Group is a full-service landscaping company providing maintenance, design, and construction, as well as snow removal and asphalt and concrete services. We are your source for complete landscape and facility maintenance for commercial and residential properties throughout Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. We are a self-performing landscaping company, meaning we don’t hire subcontractors, and senior management is involved with every project. Our highly trained team of professionals receives constant, ongoing education on the latest industry trends, updates, and safety measures. This ensures we can deliver outstanding customer service and results to our clients, regardless of the size of your job.