Commercial Lawn Care Core Aeration And Seeding: What, Why, When, and How
Commercial lawn care companies like Landworks offer core aeration and seeding services because they provide a robust root system and healthy turf. Core aeration enables better air, water, and nutrient exchange in soil, which produces a deeper root system and thicker turf. Seeding after aeration keeps your turf dense and lush.
What Is Core Aeration?
Core aeration involves making holes in the lawn by pushing a rod into it and extracting a soil plug. A core aeration machine extracts “cores” of soil, leaving pockets for air and water to penetrate and room for roots to grow. The “cores” of soil are left on the surface to decompose. The extracted plugs of soil and thatch provide additional nutrients for the lawn.
Why Does Turf Need Aeration?
This process breaks up the thatch (a spongy layer of light-brown matter between the soil and grass that resembles peat moss) and relieves soil compaction. A build-up of lawn thatch or heavily compacted soil makes it difficult for your lawn to breathe, and it needs that airflow to prevent fungal infection. Core aeration improves water, nutrient, and oxygen movement to the root system.
When To Aerate
A lawn that looks brown and dehydrated is most likely in need of aeration. Signs of thatch build-up include a lawn that feels spongy or seems to dry out quickly. Water pooling up on your lawn after heavy rain may indicate that the soil is too compacted for the water to penetrate effectively. Aeration should typically be done once per year but may be repeated if your lawn begins to show signs of compaction again.
The best time to aerate is during the growing season when the grass can heal and fill in open areas. Ideally, lawns with cool-season grasses like fescue and bluegrass (which are the most common in the Kansas City area) should be aerated in the early spring or fall (we recommend aerating in the fall). Warm-season grasses like zoysia and Bermuda are not typical for our region but should be aerated in late spring if you have them.
Overseeding
Commercial lawn care best practice is typically to follow aeration with overseeding, which is the practice of applying grass seed over the top of your existing lawn. Overseeding after aeration allows more of the new seed to reach the soil and receive the air and water it needs to grow. This results in denser, thicker turf. Both processes should be used to get the lushest lawn possible.
After aeration and seeding, it is important to keep the ground moist while the seed germinates. You should water the soil to a depth of about 1/4”, or water each day for at least 20 minutes in all seeded areas.
Commercial Lawn Care In Kansas City
Landworks is a lawn care and landscaping company specializing in all aspects of lawn care services. Our commercial department maintains office parks, home associations, shopping venues / retail centers, religious organizations, apartment/townhome complexes, and retirement communities.
Our experienced team of professionals possesses an in-depth knowledge of the commercial landscaping industry and is committed to your satisfaction. We provide lawn care solutions for retaining your property’s value. Our commitment to excellence is our number one priority.
For more information about residential or commercial lawn care services, call Landworks Landscaping Company at (913) 422-9300. To request a quote, click here.