Lawn Aeration and Thatching

While different types of lawn aerator tools and products are described as a “soil aerator,” it is typically used for products also known as surfactants or soil conditioners. Rather than a manual or mechanical tool for aeration, soil conditioners are applied to the soil, making it less dense, which allows roots to grow deeper and stronger. To find the right product for your lawn, use the following steps. 

1. Focus on aeration. There are products for every type of problem your lawn may have. Look specifically for ones that will aerate, or add more air, to the soil. After being applied to the lawn, they sink down into the soil and attach to the soil particles. They then expand out creating more space. This loosens up compacted soil, leaving room for roots to grow. Some soil additives will make dense, clay soil more loamy. These are great for improving soil quality, but are not the same thing as aerators. Liquid aerators do have other benefits. They typically contain humic acid which breaks up toxins from things like pesticides or herbicides. They also remove sodium from the root system, which is good for grass health.  

2.  Use correctly. Once you picked the one you want to use, carefully read the instructions. Frequently liquid aerators are mixed with water then applied to the grass or the bottle is attached to the hose as you water. Some suggest heavy watering after for the best results. In addition, using a top dressing after each application improves the effectiveness.  

3.  Apply regularly. While many manufacturers claim they only need to be used annually, that is generally not enough for lawns that are not already healthy and thriving. During the first year, apply monthly during the growing season, every other month the second year, twice in the third year and then annually after that to maintain good lawn health. 

4.  Check for effectiveness. It can be hard to tell if the soil aerator is working. Some lawns will take time and several applications until there are obvious visual improvements. Using a soil probe, a tool in the shape of a T, can help you determine whether your chosen product is doing its job or you need to look for a new one. Push the soil probe into the ground until you meet considerable resistance. Then pull it out and use the measurements on the side to determine the depth it penetrated. Do this the day of each new application. It should be deeper for the first applications and then gradually remain the same. 

5.  Keep up with routine lawn care. Most lawns, especially those that are heavily compacted, benefit from a coring aeration annually in addition to using the soil aerator products. If the lawn stays healthy, this can be done only every three years. Leave the grass longer and only cut off about one third of the blade height when mowing. This will help the grass focus on growing deep roots and decrease the amount of water need for it to stay green and thick.