As summer winds down and fall approaches, here in Utah, it’s time to start thinking about fall lawn care. Summer can be pretty stressful on our lawns due to excessive heat, drought, too much rain, and excessive foot traffic. This summer, especially, with so many of us staying home and not taking a vacation, we have been utilizing our backyards to the max. Excessive overuse and extreme weather patterns cause what is known as soil compaction.
Soil Compaction
When soil is compacted, your grass is denied essential nutrients, water, and oxygen. When your roots are unable to receive these three elements, it will begin to weaken and turn brown. Eventually, it will die. Your first instinct may be to turn on the water sprinkler, but if symptoms don’t improve, your lawn probably needs aeration.
Core Aeration: What Is it?
Core aeration is a lawn care service where a core aerator is used to pull up plugs of soil throughout your lawn, redistributing them across the yard. These holes allow air, water, and essential nutrients back into the roots of your grass. So, how do you know if your grass needs to be aerated? Here are a few signs:
Signs Your Lawn Needs Aeration:
Spongy Grass
Check to see if your grass feels soft or absorbent underfoot. If it does, you probably have a build-up of thatch. Thatch is a layer of grass clippings and organic matter, both living and dead, that form a barrier at the base of your turf, reducing the amount of water, air, and other nutrients that are able to permeate your grass’s roots. 
Pooling Water
Pooling water, such as large puddles, or water runoff after a storm can indicate compact soil. When soils are so dense that they don’t allow water to be absorbed, they collect in pools or puddle in your yard. Standing water can turn into a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests.
Hard or Compacted Soil
To test if your soil is hard or not, use the screwdriver test. Stick a screwdriver into the ground. If it’s dry and does not easily penetrate, your soil is probably compacted. Other signs include:
- Bare of patchy areas of grass
- Stunted growth of plants
When your soil is compacted, the best way to eliminate this problem is through aeration.
When is the Best Time to Aerate Your Lawn?
Knowing the best time to aerate is essential to getting the most out of the process. You can aerate your lawn anytime during the growing season, but the recommended times to aerate are spring and fall. Spring aeration will provide faster green-up. Fall aeration helps promote stronger roots and provides the perfect bed for overseeding. When it comes to aeration, it is best to hire a professional.
For Your Fall Core Aeration Needs, You Want Ferta-Lawn
Ferta-Lawn’s core aeration services break up ground compaction. We will revitalize your lackluster lawn in no time and improve its strength, color, and thickness. Call Ferta-Lawn today at 801-295-3057. Or, if you prefer to contact us online, do so here. For more tips and handy ideas, visit our blog. Want to get to know us on a more personal level? Like us on Facebook or Instagram.
