The definition of aeration is "a naturally occurring process of air exchange between the soil and its surrounding atmosphere". In practical terms, core aeration is known as "the process of mechanically removing small plugs of thatch from the lawn to improve soil aeration".

Aeration is often referred to as soil cultivation (such as coring, spiking and slicing). The lawn core aeration process has also commonly been referred to as core aeration in the lawn service industry, while home owners often refer to it as simply "aeration".

Annual lawn core aeration is beneficial for most lawns. Lawns growing on heavy clay or subsoils, and lawns exposed to heavy, repeated use can definitely benefit from more than one core aeration service each year. The benefits of core aeration increase when the tine spacing is closer and when penetration is deeper. Most turfgrasses respond favorably to aeration when and if the service is properly timed.

Spring and fall are both very ideal times to aerate some grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. But, in most cases, spring lawn core aeration is performed between March and May, depending on the geographical location, grass species and amount of use. Fall aeration is done late summer and early fall, usually between August and November. Aeration before or at the time of late season fertilization enhances root growth responses and improves spring greenup and growth.

It is best to core aerate your warm season grasses (grasses such as zoysiagrass and bermudagrass) in the mid spring to summer. You should always avoid core aerating your lawn when warm season grasses are dormant. Mostly, this encourages cool season weed competition. Also, avoid core aerating your warm season grasses during spring greenup. It's best not to core aerate warm season lawns until after they have received their first mowing in spring. Core aeration helps to improve your lawn's health and vigor, which helps to reduce maintenance requirements.

Other Benefits of Core Aeration:
■ Core Aeration Improves air exchange between the soil and atmosphere
■ Core Aeration Enhances soil water uptake
■ Core Aeration Improves fertilizer uptake and use
■ Core Aeration Reduces water runoff and puddling
■ Core Aeration Improves turf grass rooting
■ Core Aeration Reduces soil compaction
■ Core Aeration Enhances heat and drought stress tolerance
■ Core Aeration Improves resiliency and cushioning
■ Core Aeration Enhances thatch breakdown

Call Image Pros today at 815-639-0903 (or you can click here to request a free core aeration quote) to receive a free custom lawn aeration quote. Our pledge to you is that our environmentally responsible, comprehensive core lawn aeration services will give you the healthiest, greenest lawn possible in the Rockford, Rockton, Roscoe, South Beloit, New Milford, Belvidere, marengo, Winnebago and Byron areas.