take your lawn guardianship done each year or two can feel impossible without the ripe equipment . For example , is it sentence to aerate , but you are n’t sure how deep your tool will go ? Is it good to create super inscrutable holes in the soil , or are shallow ones better ? Are all aerator the same ?
Well , we ’ve done some enquiry , and here ’s what we found !
you’re able to typically expect an aerator to go 1 - 6 inch deep and be 2 - 6 in apart . Of course , the grunge incursion deepness will alter bet on the aerator you use . Some may have cryptic , closer spikes , while others will be more spaced out and shallow .
fortuitously , your aerator will gain the primer coat if it pierces it a few inches , so direct for 2 - 3 column inch ear if you may .
As we start this article , we will cover all things aerating and talk about how recondite one should go . Whether you have n’t aerated before , latterly bought an aerator , or have extra motion : we ’re here to facilitate . With that say , let ’s dive decent into this matter below !
How Deep Should An Aerator Go?
An aerator will generallypenetratethe footing as much as six inches . However , your typical aerator may be close-fitting to two or three inches deep , which seems to be the sweet place for most gardener .
As we suppose , the spikes on an aerator can be anywhere from one to six inches deep , being spaced apart by 2 - 6 inches . The blueprint of an aerator will depend on how you use it , whether it ’s an adhesion for your mower or simple spike shoes .
disregarding of design , you require to ensure the spikes on your aerator are mysterious enough to give away up the soil . Since the primary goal of aerating is to make hole in the ground for water drainage , you should n’t take an aerator that only attain one column inch .
In addition , you also do n’t want your aerator to be too mysterious , as this can damage the soil and root nearby . try out and encounter a glad medium .
How Big Should Spikes Be On An Aerator?
Depending on the ground you work on , your aerator ’s capitulum may need to be around 4 - 6 column inch . As we covered above , aerators amount in a range of spike depths .
Your aerator should bottom the soil , whether one inch , two inch , or deeper . The main priority is breaking up the compacted earth , allowing water , nutrients , O , and plant food to move freely throughout .
If the ear on an aerator are n’t abstruse enough or have too much spacing between each one , that can cause misfortunate - lineament last soil . According toTimberline Landscaping , the best size for aerator spike would be around four inch deep .
They claim that four inch are perfect for opening the ground , allow water and fertiliser to penetrate deeper into the soil .
Of course , you ’ll call for to ensure you do n’t have any irrigation lines running under the soil to expend deeper spike , or if you do , we suggest score them .
Deeper spikes can become an yield for root and water line of reasoning , as they are usually steel material .
How Big Should Aeration Holes Be?
Most times , you want to aspire for aeration holes around 3 inches deep,3 inchesor less apart , and about 3/4 inches in diameter . Again , this is not the same for every garden , as some ground types are much more compacted and will require a deep trap .
On top of that , you might also prefer slimly deeper aeration holes for your lawn . Some the great unwashed like closer to six in , so this comes down to the gardener .
fortunately , there are endless aerator products available , ranging in spike size of it , depth , and use . The best approximation is to depart with mid - sized spikes and see how the result is .
If the soil improves quality and drain well the next metre you water / it rain down , then stick to that spike heel . In line , if the soil in your yard does n’t improve after using a 2 - 3 inch spike , then go up a sizing .
Not all dirt is the same , and it certainly wo n’t respond the same direction whenever you aerate it .
How Many Holes Do You Need To Aerate A Lawn?
When it comes to the telephone number of hole an aerated lawn motivation , this can be as many as20 to 40holes per square foot . Since oxygenise a place requires many small holes in the soil , you ’ll involve to have quite a few per square fundament to make a difference .
On top of that , if you use an oxygenise adhesion for your mower or tractor , fulfill the 20 - 40 jam per square base becomes much leisurely .
Imagine walking through your entire property with spike shoes to do this . That would take hours and would stop with sore pes and leg .
Furthermore , you could also find aerators you push , which are gross if you do n’t own a tractor or mower . seek to make the aeration process as liquid and unsubdivided as possible : your legs , back , and feet will give thanks you .
You might even ask to do a couple of pass through your lawn to accomplish good drainage and nutrient intake , so keep this in mind .
This aerator has a walk - behind purpose , is 16 column inch spacious , has seven - in spikes and five aerate wheels , has a steel weight tray , give you 2 - 2.5 in of aeration profoundness , and is easy to assemble .
View this product on Amazon .
How Many Passes Should I Make When Aerating?
When the time come to aerate your lawn , start with one thorough pass . Ensure that you make enough holes in the soil to improve its quality .
Next , assess whether your lawn will benefit from asecondor third round . As we mentioned , this is sometimes necessary look on the soil compaction .
For representative , you will likely need a few aeration passes with mud ground . That ’s because the consistence of clay soil is far boneheaded and more compact than that of a loamier mix .
Over clip , the ground can become tightly packed together . As this happens and worsens , your plant will have fuss growing aright . That ’s when aeration becomes essential .
Therefore , one gardener may need one thorough flip with their aerator , while another might call for to do two or even three in severe compaction .
Again , do n’t get too idle , as too many kettle of fish can counteract the cocksure deed you ’re seek .
How Should I Prep The Ground Before Aerating?
Before you even touch your aerator , you require to do a few thing to your soil . First , it is best to irrigate the ground 1 - 2 days before aerating . This will ensure the soil is gentle and ready to be break up .
Many experts suggest using about one inch of water for your lawn , insure a smooth aeration process . Once that is done , you want to mow your lawn lower than common at1 - 1/2 inchesand unclouded up parting .
You will also mow one or two Clarence Shepard Day Jr. before aerating , so this can happen the same day . Depending on how blotto the land is , you might opt to cut down first : do this in the order that makes sense for your lawn .
The goal is to get your lawn as prepared for air out as possible . retrieve , the ground will experience a bit of trauma immediately after the spikes deflate it , so take it easy before and after .
The last thing you need to do is put your lawn through extreme drought or douse it to the point of waterlogging the right way before aerating : moderation is central !
How Often Should You Aerate A Lawn?
Now that you know how to aerate the ground , how often should you do it ? consort to experts , high - traffic lawn require aeration every year . However , in low-pitched - dealings area , you might only need to aerate every 2 - 3 geezerhood for good results .
Since aeration can put the soil under stress decently after it happens , you need to avoid overdo it . For example , if you aerate less than 12 month ago and are call up of aerating : do n’t .
Doing this too oftentimes can have a rearward burden , causing the land to become unlivable for your pasturage and other industrial plant . Too many cakehole in the basis can deplete it of food , oxygen , and proper drain , so once every 12 - 24 month is ideal .
Furthermore , if your lawn has soft , loamy poop , you may be able to hold off even longer than two or three years . Again , this come down to the dimension and traffic .
What Happens If I Don’t Aerate My Lawn?
If you select not to oxygenize your lawn , have a bun in the oven it to be less successful and vibrant . Generally , when you do n’t aerate a place for many years , the grassstrugglesto maturate , often thinning and losing its colour .
On top of that , you might find the soil in your lawn having trouble moving water . For example , lease ’s say it rains hard for a few twenty-four hour period . A lawn with little to no aeration wo n’t process the influx of wet well , often filling with pools of stagnant water .
That sitting water can have your grass to drown , pay for fungus to the area . So , for the sake of your grass ’s health and color , we recommend once - annual aeration .
To Wrap Up
Whether you need to aerate your lawn or have n’t recall of this before , it ’s essential to use the ripe spike . We discover that you should aim for 2 - 3 inch of aeration depth in your yard , although some people choose a deep 4 - 6 inch .
Since aerators come in various sizes and depth , you could typically find the perfect one wherever you go . However , we recommend starting with a 2 - 3 column inch insight and move up if the land does n’t react well .
Even though aeration can be beneficial , too much profoundness or relative frequency can cause trouble in your lawn .
And while we have your attention , condition out these helpful related to garden post below !
Can You air Your Lawn In The Spring ? Should You ?
How To Aerate A Lawn With Spike Shoes
What ’s The Best Time To Aerate And Overseed A Lawn ?
