Lawn Fertilization – Aeration
Why is getting my lawn fertilized beneficial?
Every homeowner aspires to create a thick, lush lawn. An expanse of green invites occupants to venture outside and enjoy activities on the lawn. It also adds curb appeal and adds property value to a home. Along with watering, mowing and pest control, proper lawn care includes fertilization. Fertilizing plays a vital role in keeping your grass visually appealing, but it has practical benefits as well.One of the primary benefits of lawn fertilization is that it reduces the growth of weeds. Thick, healthy grass resists weed growth by making it difficult for weeds to take root; if weeds are already present, they will soon get choked out by the grass. Weed control through fertilization reduces, and possibly even eliminates, the amount of pesticides and weed killers that need to be applied.Fertilization also eliminates soggy patches and firms up the soil. Fertilizer promotes grass growth; as the grass grows, it develops a strong network of roots. Fertilization not only increases the number of roots available to absorb the water, but it also enables the roots to absorb the water faster.Living plants, whether in a garden or lawn, require nutrients to grow. Initially, they get these nutrients from the soil. Over time, however, plants deplete the soil of the nutrients needed for new leaf and root development. Lawn fertilization replaces the nutrients grass needs to remain green, healthy and vibrant.
A frequent landscaping problem homeowners encounter is unsightly paths created by foot traffic. Healthy grass reduces the effect of foot traffic and helps your lawn withstand the rigors of outdoor play. Healthy grass also is less susceptible to periods of drought.
From an environmental standpoint, healthy grass with a dense root network helps control soil erosion. Grass traps dust and debris from the air, absorbs carbon dioxide and produces oxygen. Healthy grass contributes to a clean groundwater supply because it acts as a filter as water passes through its root system. Grass also has a cooling effect; in the heat of summer, grass is 30 degrees cooler than blacktop and 14 degrees cooler than dirt.
Considering all of the benefits that come with maintaining a healthy lawn, it is easy to see why fertilization should be part of every homeowner’s landscaping program. Lawncare is much easier, and much more enjoyable, when the grass is green, healthy and devoid of brown patches and unsightly weeds.
Aeration
Every home’s yard requires proper maintenance. Besides paying attention to flowers and shrubs, landscaping professionals explain it is important to follow a few tips to keep the grass healthy as well. Even a well-manicured area will benefit from a solid lawn care routine that involves annual aeration.Soil compaction is the enemy of every lawn. With time, the soil becomes mashed, which squeezes the major particles together. This occurs from frequent rain and when kids play, people walk, and the lawn gets mowed. Compaction removes air-filled spaces from the soil. Grass and other plants depend on these spaces so that their roots receive adequate oxygen to grow. Since compacted dirt prevents roots from expanding and water from being filtered correctly, grass may die or become sparse.
Benefits of Aeration
During aeration, small plugs of soil are removed and redeposited on the surface of the lawn so that they can decompose back into the ground. This landscaping process allows roots to acquire essential water, nutrients, and air. As soil is loosened, roots can penetrate deeper into the ground and become more resilient.Aeration is an eco-friendly lawn care process as well. When water is readily absorbed by loose soil, fertilizers and pesticides are less likely to run off into nearby water sources. As an added benefit, grass becomes healthier, so less of these chemical agents need to be used.
The Best Time to Aerate a Lawn
Although lawns may only need to be aerated once each year, it is essential to perform the task at the best time. Ideally, a lawn should be aerated during a period of high growth. This gives the grass an opportunity to recover and thrive. For example, Bermuda grass grows in the warm season, so it should be aerated in spring months. Bluegrass grows in the cool season, so it is best to aerate in early autumn or late summer.When a new homeowner is seeding a lawn for the first time, aeration will bring excellent results. An established lawn will benefit from one aeration per year as well. Besides helping the environment, it will make the grass appear healthy and vibrant.