Aerating a lawn is an often under - considered component in lawn care . The way in which a gardener aerates , either by spike or secure aeration , can feign the health of the lawn . Both the spike and plug aerators execute the same task ; however , there are differences in the efficacy and the cost between the two cock that the lawn owner may wish well to consider .

Aeration Benefits

By aerating , water penetration is improved , thereby water roots deeper . Fertilizer move more in effect to the deeper antecedent base , and oxygen and carbon dioxide commutation becomes more efficient . The result of aerating lawns are healthier , bright and green lawn .

Plug Aerators

Plug aerator , also called essence aerator , bump off a unanimous core group about 1 inch in diameter and a length of anywhere between one to six column inch in depth , and two to four inch aside , depending upon the aerator . Once the plugs are withdraw , the empty space can be gently filled with composting mixing and/or sassy seeds . The lawn can therefore re - oxygenate and fertiliser can move deeper into the root base .

Spike Aerators

Spike aerator , while perform the same act as the plug or core aerators by separating and breaking up the thatched roof , have the inauspicious after - effect of compacting the grunge . Instead of removing a plug of thatch and soil , the Edward Thatch and soil is merely compacted around the ear , thereby set aside the cloth to turn back to its original state after a couple of waterings . One additional consideration , as the Kansas State University Horticultural Report states , is that by using the ear aerating method acting , the " turf heals faster than with core group aeration because no filth is being removed . " The effects of spike aeration may be short - condition , but results in less destruction .

Expenses

For most nurseryman , cost is a major consideration in determining if spike or plug aeration will be used . Spike aerators can scarper as piffling as $ 10 for a set of ear to put around your horseshoe . Many family gardeners prefer this inexpensive alternative , especially those with low patches of lawn . Plug aerators can run over $ 400 .

Large lawn benefit from ballyhoo , or core aerators , but for the little lawn possessor , spike aeration can make good sensation . According to the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension , a " unanimous spike aerator is better than nothing but substandard to the hollow core aerator . " One alternative would be to rent a jade aerator .

Considerations

Areas of heavy clay or bouldery areas are difficult to aerate . When using an aeration tool , always flag sprinkler heads to make certain they are not run over .

References

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