Lawn aeration is necessary due to compaction of the ground as a result of continued traffic on a particular area intended for gardening. Normally clayey areas are prone to compaction as compared to other soil type areas. Compaction causes the initial stages of the root to receive an inadequate amount of air for development. To reduce the effects of compaction then lawn aeration comes in. this is because, for a plant to survive, it needs adequate amounts of water, nutrients and air. Lawn aeration enables these requirements to reach the roots quicker and with less effort. This avoids the risk of irrigated water pooling on the surface instead of permeating to the root base. Also, some types of weeds are eliminated once you adopt lawn aeration.

In summary, to ensure that your lawn maintains a healthy plant growth and development, make lawn aeration as part of your gardening routine. This is because; lawn aeration will enable the roots to get adequate air amounts allowing for the healthy growth of the plant. Also, water and nutrients are allowed to reach the root system of the plant. Apart from that, some weed types are eliminated. So to get the maximum benefits out of your garden, practice some lawn aeration and note the difference. If you liked this article and want to learn more about aeration, Atlanta lawn care or lawn maintenance check out GeorgiaLawn.com.

1.  Follow-up on referrals. Asking neighbors, friends and family members if they can recommend a good lawn service company is a great place to start, but it is important to research the company a little more before settling on which one to go with. Besides asking for additional references, look up the company on the Better Business Bureau website. If they have a history of customer complaints, it will show that. Check especially for numerous unresolved complaints that suggest a history of not meeting expectations rather than just a few disgruntled customers. Also make sure the company is properly licensed and insured.

2.  Ask satisfied customers detailed questions. Request information for former or current customers you can call or email rather than just relying on written testimonials. You want to be able to ask these people about whether the company was dependable, showing up when they were supposed to and finishing all the jobs that were agreed upon. Ask for specific reasons why they like this lawn service to get a better idea of what working with them will be like. It is also a good idea to ask about how well they are able to communicate with company employees and if they feel like they are always made aware of all the details, including cost, before the work is started.

3.  Find out what services they offer. The different lawn care services each company does varies by the company. The majority will mow and edge the lawn and will usually also trim lawn weeds. Some do fertilizing, liming, and applying treatments like pesticides and fungicides. Other possible services include dethatching and lawn aeration in addition to basic care for bushes and hedges like trimming, shaping and mulching around the base. Keep in mind everything you are interested in, so you can choose a company that offers them.

4.  Get a list of all services, what they each include, how frequently they are done and what they cost. Not only do the offered services vary by company, but so do the details of each one. Some mow, edge, trim weeds and haul away all debris and materials each time for one set fee. Others provide these services separately at different costs. When looking at monthly rates, find out how frequently each job occurs. If they only mow every other week for that rate and your lawn needs to be mowed every week some months, you will either have to do it yourself or pay extra for the additional visits.

5.  Focus on value not price. The company that quotes the lowest prices doesn’t always cost the least. Besides having to pay more for services that aren’t included, some companies may try to talk you into unneeded lawn care or more frequent than necessary services. Quality work that is consistently done on-time and professionally is worth a few extra dollars and fewer headaches rather than suffering through poor quality work that gets done late or sometimes never. Having a good working relationship with a reliable professional lawn company that consistently does quality work is always worth it.

Choosing the Right Tow Behind Aerator

For an average-sized model, expect to spend $300-$700. With rental prices of around $100 a day, purchasing one will eventually save you money. Plus you can avoid the hassle of transporting it to and from the aerator rental center each time you need it.

Be sure that the aerator you choose can be correctly attached and pulled by the lawn mower or tractor you own. Their size, width, length and weight vary by model, so read specifications carefully. Most are 3-4 feet wide and about 5-6 feet long. They typically weigh 500-1000 pounds before any additional weight is added. On average, a tow-behind will aerate at up to 4mph, or around 1.5 acres per hour.

Most tow aerators have multiple tine wheels that rotate as they move over the ground. Choose ones with hollow tines that will remove dirt cores over those that have solid spikes for the best results. Curved models will follow the contours of the ground better and will more consistently aerate in uneven areas. Be sure that the design allows you to turn when the tines are in the ground, making it much easier and faster to maneuver.

How to Use an Aerator

Begin by properly attaching the tow lawn aerator to the tractor or lawn mower. If necessary, add additional weight with lead, sand or water depending on how the aerator is designed. The extra weight helps the tines get farther into the compressed soil. Start aerating, then check to see that they are getting in deeply enough. If not, try adding additional weight.

Tow aerators  or pull aerators are wider than other kinds of aerators. This means that more area is covered in a faster time, with more tines putting more holes into the ground. They make quick work of larger lawns. However, the additional width makes them more awkward to maneuver. It is best to go in long rows or in a circular pattern around the lawn. Be sure to carefully clean dirt and any small stones from the tines after each use.

When to Aerate

Aerating should be done at least every three years. Ground that is heavily compacted or easily compacted will need to be aerated more frequently, every year or two. It is important to have good soil conditions for lawn aeration before beginning. If the dirt is too hard, it will be difficult for the tines to get far enough into the ground and make quality holes. If the soil is too soggy, the holes will not last very long and the process will not be as beneficial.

Also pay attention to the time of year you plan to aerate. In general, aerate in the early spring or late fall. The grass will do best with a month of cool (but not cold) temperatures and plenty of water. Aeration is stressful on the grass plants and can cause them to dry out more quickly, so it is best not to aerate in the summer. After aerating is a great time to overseed and fertilize. You’ll see the most benefits from all three when you do them in conjunction.