Melt Away Your Thatch Problem With Liquid Aeration
Core aeration has been a staple of lawn maintenance for many decades. The traditional method for aeration involves a specialized machine, known as an aerator, which breaks up thatch in your lawn. In recent years, a new method had proven to be just as effective – if not more effective – than traditional aeration. This innovative method is known as liquid aeration, and at Lawn Lab, we believe it is the superior choice. Here’s why:
What Is Liquid Aeration
Liquid aeration for lawns uses a special liquid solution that provides the same benefits as traditional aeration, without drawbacks. Using a sprayer, your technician will cover your lawn with this liquid solution full of nutrients for microbes in the soil. As the microorganisms become active, the enzymes and bacteria will naturally break down the thatch layer. As with core aeration, liquid aeration will allow water, air, sunlight, and nutrients to more easily reach the roots of your grass, creating a stronger root system and reducing puddling water on the surface of the soil. If you weren’t aware, excess moisture in your lawn could lead to all manner of fungi, diseases, and mold.
Liquid Aeration vs. Core Aeration
Liquid Aeration
Liquid aeration does not use an aerator machine, which means you don’t have plugs of soil laying atop your grass for weeks while they break down. It also is a gentler process than traditional core aeration, as the roots of your grass will stay intact since there are no holes or plugs created. Another huge plus of liquid aeration: 100% of your lawn will be covered. Unlike traditional aeration, which breaks up thatch here and there, the spraying equipment allows your technician to cover your entire lawn. This results in a greater breakdown of thatch overall, not only where the aerator was moved. Also, liquid aeration generally costs less and takes less time than core aeration. Lastly, if you’ve ever rented an aerator before, you know what back-breaking work using it can be. With liquid aeration, your technician will handle the work for you!
Core Aeration
Traditional aeration, also known as core aeration, can damage your grass’s roots as it removes the plugs of soil. It can also encourage any dormant weeds to germinate. Since weeds need lots of direct sunlight, the holes dug by the aerator will expose any weeds lurking beneath the surface to the direct light they crave. You won’t be able to de-thatch the entire lawn because that would be drilling up the entire yard. Instead, you’re only able to get the thatch that’s removed with the plugs.
How Do You Know Your Lawn Needs Aeration
Aeration is one of the most frequently performed services in the lawn care industry. We like to do it in spring, so your lawn is prepped for the high heat of summer and the fall, so the thatch isn’t left to sit on your lawn over winter. If you notice any of the following signs, you should consider asking your lawn care services team member about adding liquid aeration to your spring lawn care program.
Water puddling or pooling – Thatch is simply the breakdown of organic matter, usually lawn clippings or dead leaves. Having some thatch is not the end of the world, but when the layer is very thick, it can cause water to puddle. Standing water is not only a recipe for lawn disease; it’s also the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. So, you can actually kill two birds with one stone by aerating your lawn!
Uneven terrain – As the thatch builds up, it will create bumps, dips, and uneven areas in what was once a flat lawn.
Foot traffic – This goes for both people and dogs. If there’s a particular region of your lawn that sees a lot of foot traffic, it’s recommended to aerate at least once a year. For instance: if people walk directly across your lawn to reach the front door. Or maybe your dog runs along the fence line. Or your children play in the backyard frequently. All of these scenarios create conditions that speed up the thatch accumulation.
The grass feels hard – If you feel like you’re walking on concrete, but you’re actually walking on your lawn, that’s a surefire sign that you need a lawn aeration application.
Your shovel doesn’t penetrate the soil – If you can’t easily penetrate the soil with a shovel or a hand trowel, we highly recommend an aeration treatment. If a metal tool can’t dig into the soil, fertilizer, water, and oxygen won’t reach the grassroots either.
Find Lawn Dethatching And Aeration Services Near Plano, TX
For 20 years, the professionals at Lawn Lab have provided lawn aeration, lawn care, lawn seeding, and pest control in North, TX. We use liquid aeration over traditional because we believe it’s the best choice for de-thatching your turfgrass and giving it a running start for spring. If you’d like to learn more about this beneficial service, we’d be happy to answer your questions! Call (972) 284-0704, or you can request a free quote online.