6 signs your lawn needs aeration

Aeration is the process of removing small cores of soil from your lawn with a lawn aerator, creating holes that allow water, air and nutrients to reach the roots of your grass. Every lawn should get aerated at least once a year. However, if you notice these six signs, you should consider doing it more often. Here’s what to look for.

1. There’s excessive puddling or water runoff. If you find that water tends to puddle or run off your lawn instead of being absorbed, it's a strong indicator of compacted soil. Aeration can create channels for proper water infiltration, preventing waterlogging and encouraging healthy root growth.
2. The lawn has a thick thatch layer. Thatch, a layer of dead grass and debris, can accumulate on the soil surface over time, preventing air circulation and water penetration. If your lawn has more than a centimetre of thatch, it's time to aerate and break up this barrier to allow nutrients and oxygen to reach more deeply into the soil.
3. The lawn has a patchy appearance. Have you noticed yellowing or bare spots despite proper care? A compacted lawn often exhibits patchy or thin areas due to poor oxygen flow and restricted root development. Aeration can invigorate your lawn by enabling better nutrient absorption and stronger roots.
4. The soil is hard. Do you have difficulty pushing a garden fork or screwdriver into your lawn? Hard, compacted soil hinders your grass's ability to establish a robust root system. Aeration alleviates this problem, improving nutrient uptake and promoting a healthier lawn.
5. The area has heavy foot traffic. Spots frequently traversed by people, pets or machinery are subject to increased soil compaction. Aerating these areas will break up the soil and enable a quick recovery.
6. Weeds are growing. Weak grass can’t compete with weeds and other unwanted plants. Aeration helps grass grow thick and lush, which gives your grass an advantage over thistles and dandelions.

How to aerate your lawn If you want to aerate your lawn, you can rent or purchase an aerator from a turf equipment supplier or hire a professional to do it for you. If you choose to aerate your lawn yourself, follow these tips for the best results:

• Aerate in the spring or fall when the grass is actively growing
• Water your lawn thoroughly before aerating
• Aerate at a depth of five to seven centimetres
• Follow up with overseeding or topdressing to fill in any bare spots

Turf equipment in Scarborough and Mississauga

At Hitch City, we carry one of the largest selections of turf equipment in the GTA, including aerators, lawn mowers, seeders and dethatchers. For more information about our lawn care products, truck accessories and towing hitches, contact us today in Scarborough and Mississauga.