AERATION & SCARIFYING
AERATION
Aeration is an operation that creates air space in the soil. It is an essential part of turf maintenance to ensure a healthier plant and results in a better quality surface thanks to the increase in oxygen, which is critical for root growth and ultimately grass growth, improving the rate water moves into the soil, improving drainage and relieving turf compaction and thatch build-up.
Aeration by turf professionals is defined by the following categories, core, tine, slit and deep tine. Whichever way, getting oxygen into the soil is a disruptive process and often the wrong operation is carried out, which can negate the positives and leave a mess behind, that’s where Lawngraft can help, message me and I would be happy to help.
If thatch is the issue, hollow tining is the way to go. It is the best way to control the build-up of undecomposed organic matter in the root zone in sand-based soils through the removal of some of the accumulated fibre in the grass’s root zone. It also allows new root zone material to be inserted into the thatch layer through topdressing.
Solid tining provides enhanced gas movement between the rootzone and the atmosphere. It consists of driving a hole into the ground, compacting the soil temporarily and fills in again over time. Useful for aerating the upper level of the root zone but won’t relieve the problem of compaction.
A benefit to solid tining is that it can be carried out at any point through the year and is particularly good for sandy soil that doesn’t need much compaction relief. A service Lawngraft is pleased to offer
Slitting, slicing or cross-aerating, is good for counteracting thatch and causes minimal damage. It is particularly good in summer and winter. Surface slitters are designed to keep the surface open during the summer months aiding water absorption.
Regular aeration
Regular aeration will ensure the turf is healthier and recovers from compaction quicker.
Successful aeration
Successful aeration is as much down to the quality and condition of the tines in use as it is the machine.
SCARIFYING
This is the term used for the make up of a fibrous layer which forms on the surface of many lawns, if left untreated in thickness a waterproof cover is produced. In summer, this impedes proper lawn aeration and the downward passage of rain water is restricted.
The impact in Autumn can be more serious, the thickening of the turf is inhibited and the constantly wet organic thatch blanket encourages moss and also disease.
Removal of this thatch is essential for a healthy looking lawn, helping to encourage new root growth and a stronger grassland.
Scarifying
This job should ideally be done in the Autumn and not in the Spring to avoid damaging newly emerging grass, light raking in the Spring is recommended to remove thatch.
Resowing
After removing thatch, any bare patches of lawn can be resown to avoid the temptation of early weeds taking hold in the space uncovered.
MY SERVICES
Here at Lawngraft, I offer customers a wide variety of professional services for the garden. Specialising in Lawn Mowing, General Garden Maintenance and Lawn Care.
CONTACT ME
If you would like to contact me, you can use the form on the Contact Me page, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
Alternatively, you can call me on 07944 326512 or email at steven@lawngraft.co.uk