Is Aeration Better Than Dethatching?

Aeration is the process of pulling out “plugs” or “cores” of soil from the lawn with an aerator. Thatch is the buildup of organic debris on a lawn, and it is usually a result of compacted soil, overwatering, or overfertilizing. Is aeration better than dethatching? Well, it depends on what your lawn needs.

Is Aeration Better Than Dethatching?

Aeration Is Right for You When:

• You need to reduce compaction. Aerating the lawn breaks up this compacted soil and improves the oxygen flow to the root systems of the healthy grass. It also greatly increases soil to seed contact, which is essential for the germination of the seed. It is recommended to leave the plugs of soil on the turf, as the nutrients from the plugs dissolve back into the turf and act as a natural fertilizer for the newly planted seed.
• You need to add new seed. Adding new seed to the turf during the aeration process is highly recommended, as bare areas may be the result of a full season of weed control. Filling in the vacated areas with healthy grass will restore the uniform healthy look to the lawn, but more importantly, it will crowd the turf to lessen the ability of invasive weeds to continue to spread in the lawn.
• You don’t have too much thatch. If thatch is less than 1/2″ thick, aerating the soil might be  the better option.

Dethatching Is Right for You When:

• Your lawn has a build-up. Grass clippings, stems, shoots, and roots accumulate on the soil around grass roots. When excessive layers of thatch build-up, it’s more difficult for grass roots to absorb the nutrients it needs, making a lawn more vulnerable to lawn disease and certain pests.

Green Lawn Fertilizing Knows When Aeration Is Better Than Dethatching for Your Lawn.

Excessive thatch and compacted soil can cause your lawn to lose its healthy green luster. Call Green Lawn Fertilizing to help keep your yard as healthy and green as can be. Our Green Lawn Program features eight applications throughout the year to take care of the entire health of your lawn. Contact us today at 855-469-0692 to learn more and schedule a service.