Lawn Aerating and Dethatching: What You Need to Know

What is aeration and how does it help?

Eugene Oregon lawn aeration is a process that improves growth of deep roots and reduces the compacting of the soil. This is achieved by using an aerator to make holes in your lawn’s surface which allows the air, water, and nutrients to access the root system directly. This can give you a more beautiful lawn and can also thicken your turf. This can also help if your soil is clay-like. In clay soils, warm weather causes expansion which can compact the other types of soil in your lawn. Aeration allows this soil more room to expand. Along with aeration, dethatching is another excellent lawn service which we will talk more about later.

When and how often should I aerate? What is the cost of aerator rental?

Eugene Oregon lawn aerating is best done in the spring or the fall. If you live in an area that has relatively warm winters, then you could aerate in winter. Summer is only a good time to aerate of your lawn is too wet during the spring months. Most experts agree that aeration should be done once every year if your lawn is in rough shape. Those with hills, pets, or children that are actively playing outside may need to do it twice each year. Usually after a lawn has been well tended for 5 years, you can decrease aeration to once every 3 years. Usually you can rent a good aerator for between $56 and $90 per day.

What is dethatching and how does it help?

Lawn thatching (also called dethatching) involves cutting through the thatch layer of your lawn with a certain type of blade that will help remove debris. Doing this will ensure that water, nutrients, and oxygen can all reach the root system successfully. Thatch is a layer between the grass layer and the soil layer that is usually a brown color. This is the connective layer between grass and soil, and sometimes this layer grows too thick and needs to be cut.

When and how often should you dethatch? What is the cost of dethatcher rental?

The best time to dethatch is between August and October. This also depends on the area where you live. Make sure you do it 30 days or more before mowing season ends. Once a year is often enough for this process; and before you decide to dethatch, make sure your lawn really needs it. Eugene Oregon lawn dethatching can cause some damage to your lawn. The lawn will recover, but it’s not worth causing the damage if your thatch layer is not causing a problem. Do not dethatch unless your thatch layer is greater than ½ inch thick. You can rent a good dethatcher for as little as $71 per day. Weekly rentals start at $155 and multi-week rentals start at about $458 for 4 weeks.  

Conclusion: Aerating vs. Dethatching

Aerating and dethatching (which is also referred to as Eugene Oregon lawn power raking) can be done at the same time, but this will cause greater damage to your lawn. Only do both procedures if your lawn truly needs it. Also, you should remember that the best time to fertilize and water your lawn is after aeration.