Overview
How can a coring aerator build turf and lead to a greener lawn?
Aeration is an important piece of a superior lawn maintenance program, and the one that is most often neglected. Coring reduces compaction—the primary obstacle to healthy grass—allowing your lawn to breathe, absorb water and nutrients, and extend its root system.
Here's how aeration fits into an optimal lawn care program:
1. Aerate twice a year!
Frequency may vary depending on soil, grass type, and climate. But in most areas, core aerating twice a year is one of the best things you can do for your lawn.
2. Mow with sharp blades.
Dull blades tear your grass, making it more vulnerable to disease.
obey the "one-third rule."
3. Don't cut more than a third of the grass' height at a time.
Mowing short makes for a tidy look, but the lower you mow, the more herbicides and water are needed. Mowing higher encourgages roots to grow deeper.
4. Water deeply, but infrequently.
Overwatering promotes thatch, encourages shallow root growth, and wastes water. About 1" per watering is a good rule of thumb (put out a tuna can and sprinke until it's full). Frequency: when footprints on the grass remain compressed it's time to water again. Daily watering is rarely necessary.
5. Mulch, don't bag.
Not only does this save effort on your part, it returns valuable nitrogen and other nutrients to your lawn.
6. Go easy on the fertilizer!
Not all homeowners fertilize, but those who do have a strong tendency to overdo it. Fertilizer stimulates fast growth, thatch and the need for more mowing, which you don't want (after all, the goal is to have a beautiful and heathy lawn, not to create an arduous lawncare regimen!). And too much fertilizer just runs off, washing into streams and lakes.
7. Stay on top of the weeds.
This doesn't necessarily mean using chemicals. Thick, healthy turf, once established, will tend to choke out weeds. If you only have the odd weed poking through, pull it by hand. And don't jump to full area treatments if you only have a few spot problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is core aerating effective in improving all species of turf grass?
Yes, both cool season (i.e. Kentucky bluegrass) and warm season grasses (i.e. bermuda grass) can be greatly improved.
Should newly seeded grass or sod be aerated?
No. Sod should not be aerated for at least 12 months. Newly seeded lawns usually can be aerated in the second full season of growth. Multiple pass aeration prior to seeding or sodding is a good way to prepare the soil.
How wet should the yard be for best aeration results?
Dry ground reduces the depth of cores and aeration effectiveness. Wet, muddy soil allows deep aeration but at the expense of crusting the soil in the hole, reducing access to the roots and making cores left in the yard a muddy mess that does not break down as fast. Normally, aerating 24 hours after a 1/2" rain or normal watering is best.
Is it important to aerate close to obstacles such as driveways, paths, and Sidewalks?
Yes. Often these are the places where compaction is most prevalent, where weeds often invade and where irrigation systems often are less effective.
Will spiking do the same thing?
No. While spiking will put holes in the turf, it actually compacts the soil rather than removing the core. While there are often short-term benefits, in the long term this is counterproductive.
Should aeration be done during times of drought or high heat?
No. During this time, the grass growth is less active and aeration could increase the invasion of weeds and possibly increase the rate of water evaporation.
How do I know if a yard needs aeration?
Known clay soils, heavy traffic, more than 1/2" of thatch, standing water after irrigation or rain, or lawns that brown easily in heat are all excellent candidates. In reality, any yard, healthy or not, can benefit from annual aeration.
Is dethatching (power raking) necessary in addition to aeration?
Only in a case of extreme thatch is this necessary. Power raking only removes thatch but does not improve compaction. Aeration does both in one operation.
Should the lawn be watered after aeration?
Yes. Water helps breakdown the cores left in the yard and is particularly effective on the newly exposed root.
Will the lawn require more fertilization after aeration?
No. The same amount of fertilizer will give quicker and more long lasting results as it will get to the roots where real health occurs.
Is reseeding after aeration a good practice?
Yes. If the lawn has areas where the stand of grass is thin, broadcast seeding 1–2 weeks after aeration will improve germination, as the seeds will intermix with the deterioration of plugs and have direct access to non-compacted soil in the holes in the turf. In this area, multiple passes with the aeration equipment will dramatically improve soil conditions leading to better overseeding results.
Can Coring tubes damage sprinkler heads or other items in the lawn?
Yes. You must flag all items in the yard to avoid damage caused by the coring tubes.
What do I do with the plugs? Do I need to rake them up afterward?
Aerator plugs will usually decompose within 5-10 days, depending on weather conditions. There is no harm in leaving them on your lawn—in fact, doing so will return beneficial nutrients to the soil. But if the lawn area is used frequently, or you just don't like the appearance, plugs can be raked up and composted. Another alternative is to use a drag mat (as golf courses do in fairway areas) to break up plugs and hasten their decomposition.
Shipping
All DR® LAWN AERATORS are shipped by truck (motor freight) directly from our Factory. Shipping charges vary depending upon the delivery option you choose and must be PREPAID at the time you place your order. All shipments require a street address. Customers outside the contiguous 48 United States must call for a delivery price.
Delivery Options and Costs:
- Trucking Company Depot –
$189 NOW FREE!: Many people choose this option because we are able to ship to hundreds of truck terminals across the U.S. When we receive your order we will determine the trucking depot closest to you. Most will load your machine into your vehicle (you'll need to have a pickup truck or trailer).
- Business Delivery –
$249 NOW JUST $60!: This is a popular option because you don't have to be present for the delivery. The business you select must have a loading and off-loading facility and must be open during normal business hours. We recommend you check with the business to be sure it is willing to accept delivery and to unload your machine. Typical businesses used by our customers include feed stores, lumber yards, building supply centers, etc.
- Home Delivery -
$249 NOW JUST $60!: This is convenient, but your home and driveway must be accessible to a tractor-trailer, and someone must be home to accept delivery. Because the driver is not required to unload your DR® STUMP GRINDER, you should plan on having a couple of sturdy 10-foot planks (2" thick x 10" wide, minimum) and at least one or two helpers to assist you in unloading your machine.
- Enhanced Home Delivery – $309 NOW JUST $120!: Our most comprehensive option differs from Home Delivery in that your machine will be removed from the truck by the driver and placed on the ground. Someone must be available to accept delivery, and your driveway must be able to accommodate a tractor-trailer.
- Pickup at a DR FACTORY STORE®: If you would like to pick up your DR® LAWN AERATOR at a FACTORY STORE, please call us in advance, TOLL-FREE 1-877-639-9917 to make arrangements. You will be required to pay any applicable sales tax, even if you will be taking it to another state or country.
Boxed Weights and Dimensions:
8.00 MANUAL-START DR® LAWN AERATOR
- 232 lbs
- 54.75"L x 35.5"W x 48.25"H
8.00 ELECTRIC-START DR® LAWN AERATOR
- 248 lbs
- 54.75"L x 35.5"W x 48.25"H