Aeration for Lawns with Pets or Heavy Foot Traffic.

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Aeration is a crucial part of lawn care that helps improve the health and appearance of your lawn. Lawns that receive heavy foot traffic or are inhabited by pets can experience more wear and tear than others, making aeration even more important. In this blog, we'll explore why aeration is essential for lawns with pets or heavy foot traffic and what you need to know to keep your lawn healthy and looking its best.

Why is Aeration Important for Lawns with Pets or Heavy Foot Traffic?

Pets and heavy foot traffic can lead to soil compaction, which can negatively impact the health of your lawn. When the soil becomes compacted, it becomes difficult for water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots of your grass. This can lead to a shallow root system, making your lawn more vulnerable to pests, disease, and drought.

Aeration involves perforating the soil with small holes to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the roots of your grass. This process helps to loosen compacted soil, allowing your grass to grow deeper, healthier roots. Deeper roots make your lawn more resilient to drought, disease, and pest damage, which can be especially beneficial for lawns with pets or heavy foot traffic.

When is the Best Time to Aerate Lawns with Pets or Heavy Foot Traffic?

The best time to aerate your lawn with pets or heavy foot traffic is during the growing season. Aeration should be done when the grass is actively growing, so it can quickly recover from the process. In most regions, this means aerating in the fall or spring, depending on the type of grass you have.

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass should be aerated in the early spring or fall. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda, zoysia, and St. Augustine should be aerated in the late spring or early summer.

How Often Should You Aerate Lawns with Pets or Heavy Foot Traffic?

The frequency of aeration for lawns with pets or heavy foot traffic will depend on several factors, including the type of grass, soil type, and amount of foot traffic or pet activity. In general, it's recommended to aerate lawns with pets or heavy foot traffic at least once a year.

For lawns with heavy foot traffic or pet activity, you may need to aerate twice a year. In addition, if you notice signs of soil compaction like pooling water, it's a good idea to aerate your lawn.

Tips for Aeration of Lawns with Pets or Heavy Foot Traffic

Water your lawn the day before you plan to aerate. This will help soften the soil and make it easier to aerate.

Mow your lawn a day or two before aeration. This will help ensure that the aerator can penetrate the soil easily.

Mark any irrigation heads, shallow pipes, or cables so you can avoid damaging them with the aerator.

After aeration, you can fertilize and overseed your lawn to promote growth and fill in any bare spots.

Keep pets off the lawn for at least 24 hours after aeration to allow the grass to recover.

Choosing the Right Aeration Equipment

There are several types of aeration equipment available, including spike aerators and core aerators. Spike aerators create small holes in the soil with spikes, while core aerators remove small plugs of soil from the ground.

For lawns with pets or heavy foot traffic, core aerators are generally the best option. Spike aerators can actually contribute to soil compaction if they're not used properly, which can be counterproductive for lawns with pets or heavy foot traffic.

Created: 10/24/2022