FROM THE FIELD: Mythbuster: Spring Core Aeration

For years lawn care specialists believed they should avoid spring aeration because soil disruption from the aerator tines would negate the annual preemergent application.

The truth, though, is if a lawn needs core aeration prior to the beginning of the new season, the benefits far outweigh any disadvantages. The tines will disrupt a minimal portion of the preemergent barrier and negligible weed breakthrough, at best, could occur. If soil disturbance is a concern, aerating can be performed after the preemergent application. However, hectic spring schedules do not always make this feasible.

Remember, the best defense against weeds is a healthy thick lawn and core aeration will help promote overall health by moving oxygen, nutrients and moisture down where it needs to be. Avoiding spring aeration (when needed) predisposes a lawn to a season of stress, pest problems and customer dissatisfaction.

Why Core Aerate? Many factors lead to stressful growing conditions.

Soil compaction reduces plant root growth and leads to turf decline. Weak, thin turf is more susceptible to pest problems such as weeds, insects and disease. Compacted soil or thick thatch  prevents nutrients, water, oxygen and certain pesticides from reaching the root zone. Heavy traffic physically reduces pore space in the soil structure, which then decreases available oxygen to the root system. The end result is weak roots and thin turf.

On the contrary, a thick healthy lawn is more stress resistant, recovers more easily to pest pressure and needs less pesticides applied throughout the season.

Advantages. There are a number of advantages contractors would communicate to their clients as to why spring aeration is a solid component of a smart lawn care strategy. These include:

• Turf recovers more easily from mechanical stress due to vigorous plant growth;
• Relieves soil compaction;
• Reduces thatch build up (¼  inch–moderate; ½ inch–excessive);
• Promotes beneficial microbial activity in the soil;
• Improves water, oxygen and nutrient movement in the soil;
• Stimulates early spring root growth for overall health and vigor;
• Assists surface drainage;
• When seeding, aids with soil-to-seed contact;
• Improves overall efficacy of fertilizer and control products.

Selling Is The Easy Part. Highly compacted or heavy thatch areas may require both spring and fall aerations until conditions improve. Selling  spring aeration can be done by physically showing the customers stressful areas in the lawn, such as compacted areas, thatch layers in excess of ¼ inch and thin turf areas.
 It is best to use a soil probe to show the customer areas of compaction or to examine thatch layers.  If the customer is not home, a core sample can be left on a door hanger to explain your visit. 
 
This type of customer interaction helps educate the customer and builds a stronger working relationship. Once you have explained the overall benefit of core aeration it will be easier for you to fit this service in their future annual programs. 
 
Generally, for lawns in good condition, a single annual aeration will maintain acceptable compaction and thatch levels.  Until that time, though, spring core aeration is a win-win opportunity for you and your customers.

J.B.Toorish and Brian Kelley are part of LESCO’s Tech Services Department. They can be reached at fromthefield@gie.net or at 800/321-5325 ext. 3150 to answer technical questions.