Charlotte’s heavy clay soil compacts very easily. The small particle size of clay soil results in compaction which limits air, water and valuable nutrient movement to the root system. Soil conditions are actually the most important factor for healthy turf. Our clay soil contains very little organic material; another obstacle for growing healthy lawns.
At Plant It Earth we offer core aeration services. We always double pass each lawn concentrating on high traffic areas and areas bordering streets, driveways and sidewalks. Our equipment removes small plugs of soil allowing better penetration of air, water and nutrients to the root zone. We recommend annual aeration for all lawns in Charlotte due to the clay soil found in our area.
Lawns should be aerated when the root system is most actively growing. Tall Fescue lawns should be aerated in the fall (Sep-Oct). Core aeration is a great way to prepare a fescue lawn for over-seeding. Bermuda and Zoysia lawns should be aerated in the late spring, early summer (mid-May thru Jun). Your technicians will inform you of the proper time to perform aeration.
Always add calcium based lime during aeration to sweeten the soil quickly which will allow better uptake of the key nutrients Nitrogen and Potassium.
Key Benefits of Aeration Services
Increase the activity of soil microorganisms that decompose thatch
Increase water, nutrient and oxygen movement into the soil
Improve root penetration and allow for a better root system
Enhance saturation of rainfall or irrigation, allowing for deeper penetration
Help prevent fertilizer and pesticide run-off from overly compacted areas