Core Aeration Benefits

• Core aeration helps maintain a healthy lawn. Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images

  Core aeration is the mechanical removal of small plugs of thatch and soil from a lawn to improve the process of air exchange between the soil and the atmosphere. When the soil breathes better, your lawn is healthier and requires less maintenance.

Keeps Thatch Under Control

• Thatch is the buildup of dead plant matter on a lawn. When the build up of thatch is more than about 1/2 inch, it becomes a breeding ground for insects and lawn disease. The excess thatch may also interfere with the effectiveness of water, fertilizer and pesticide. When you aerate your lawn and deposit the plugs of soil above the thatch, the soil mixes with the thatch, speeding up its decomposition.

Reduces Soil Compaction

• The soil in a lawn becomes compact as a result of stress from traffic, rain and other factors. When soil is too compact, grass does not root or grow as well, and fertilizer and water have a more difficult time reaching the grass roots. By removing plugs of soil, core aeration makes the soil less compact and more resilent.

Improves Lawn Nutrition

• Removing plugs of soil creates easier routes for water and fertilizer to reach the roots of the grass. Better absorption of water and fertilizer means that you will have to use less of each on the lawn. Plus, less water will pool on the lawn or run off.