With Winter here, now is the perfect time for your annual Winter lawn aeration. There are many different lawn types, and each can use this handy method.
Aeration is the process of breaking through the layer of thatch that has built up in your lawn. Aeration removes a plug of soil that allows nutrients to penetrate the surface below your lawn.
Punching holes through this layer will help deliver air, water and nutrients right where your lawn needs it the most. It is important for you to aerate so you can achieve a healthy lawn.
Why aerate your lawn?
Major foot traffic on your lawn leads to the soil under your lawn compacting. Different soil types compact differently and as your lawn grows a layer of thatch, dead materials build up between the root structure and the leaf of your lawn. Heavy lawn thatch will prevent nutrients from getting to the roots of your lawn where they are needed most. For your lawn, less air and water are harmful for the overall health of your lawn.
To help your lawn, break up your soil by poking holes through the thatch layer. This will then make sure that your lawn gets the love it needs this Winter.
How can we aerate in Winter?
There are numerous ways that you can aerate your lawn. Whether you want to use what you have at home, buy some new toys or even hire the big guns. There are several aeration tools that you can use. Finding the right aeration system which suits you and your budget will then give you the best result for your needs.
Before you start aerating, watering your lawn will soften up the soil and make your task easier.
DIY options for aeration
Whilst you can use a spike, core or plug aerator. Aeration should be undertaken with solid tines and not hollow coring tines.
The easiest DIY way is to grab a garden fork. Using a garden fork you can plunge the fork at least 10cm deep into the soil. Then wiggle the fork to open up these holes in the soil to let nutrients through.
See how to aerate with a garden fork in this handy video:
Bring out the big guns for Winter lawn aeration
Thinking of bringing in the big guns? Aeration machines can be hired at your local machinery hire company. The petrol power makes light work of the job and gives you far better results.
It is important to ensure you get one with solid tines, as hollow coring tines are best suited to warmer weather.
What should we do after we aerate?
Once you have aerated your lawn, it is key to get some nutrients into the base of your grass.
If you have not already fertilised for Winter, you could use a slow-release fertiliser to give your lawn a feed for the cooler months.
If you already have fertilised, you should make sure that you give your lawn a good water to give your lawn the best advantage for your aeration efforts. You could possibly also use Seasol or Charlie Carp to give your lawn a boost.
Aerating in Spring? Each season is always the time for aeration, find out how to aerate in spring: Spring Lawn Aeration
To get some more advice on Winter lawn aeration or to find out how to install a new lawn in Winter call our team on (07) 3114 8281. You can also pop in and order in person at our sales office on 1/243 Bradman Street, Acacia Ridge. The office opens Monday to Friday 7am to 5pm and Saturday 7am to 12pm.
For more great turf, tips keep an eye on our website and all our social media channels.
