If your lawn stays thin no matter how much you water, compacted soil might be the reason. Core aeration is one of the simplest ways to fix it. Here is what it is and when to do it.
What aeration does
Core aeration uses a machine that pulls small plugs of soil out of the ground, spaced a few inches apart. Those holes let air, water and fertilizer reach the roots instead of running off the surface. Roots grow deeper, and the lawn becomes thicker and more drought tolerant.
Signs your lawn needs it
- Water puddles or runs off instead of soaking in
- The ground feels hard, even after watering
- Thin grass in high-traffic areas like paths the dog uses
- A thick spongy layer of thatch at the base of the grass
Best time of year
For the cool-season grasses common in the Walla Walla Valley, the best windows are early fall and spring. Early fall is the favorite, usually from late August into October. The soil is still warm, nights are cooler and the grass has time to recover before winter.
Spring aeration works too, especially for heavily used lawns. Avoid aerating during the peak of summer heat, when the lawn is already stressed.
Get more out of it
Aeration pairs well with a fall feeding and overseeding thin areas. The holes give new seed and fertilizer a direct path into the soil. Water well for a week or two after, and leave the plugs on the lawn to break down naturally.
Schedule your aeration
Pablo's Lawn Service offers core aeration for homes in Milton-Freewater, Walla Walla and College Place. Call (509) 876-9883 to get on the fall schedule.