Tips On Choosing A Lawn Aerating Machine

By Jessica Johnson


For beautiful grounds, one should ensure the grass gets as much water and nutrients as possible. Sometimes soil compaction makes it hard for these resources to circulate thereby starving the roots. It is then warranted that one perforate the soil to allow the air, water and nutrients penetration into the roots. Ideally, this is a job for bugs and insects but one may be forced to use a lawn aerating machine. The large masses will be effectively broken up then the natural processes can happen.

This kind of worrying compaction will be caused by high traffic in most cases. Maybe if the yard is used as a play area or general lounging area. Or if there was some soil layering. This is laying soil on another layer. The bottom layer compacts. Perforating will usually break up this layering and join the two layers together. The roots then have more capability to stretch and reach for resources.

Compacted soil dries out very quickly. That means that after rain one should try to perforate the very next day when the ground is still soft and moist. One may also just pour water on the ground to get it sufficiently moist but not soggy. The worse off areas should be passed over multiple times until they are properly broken up.

Perforation can be done manually by hand with some forks or even a pair of heels. On the other hand, the use of equipment is more efficient. One may rent or hire a service. It would also be a good idea to join forces with a good neighbor and buy a single equipment. Work out a schedule for use. Before beginning, one should define the perimeters. Start working along these perimeters. Ensure to steer clear of the sprinklers. The chance of damage is very slim but why risk it? This should not take too long unless the yard is too large or compaction is very severe.

Spike equipment is one of the two basic types. This will only punch holes into the soil. It will not remove any bit of soil from said holes. This is suitable for light soil and mild compact situations. The plug is the second type of equipment. It punches a hole then moves out with a bit of soil. Clay soil would better benefit from this. The spike would only cause a different kind of compaction especially since it will be wet.

The width of the equipment is also a major concern. If it is narrow then that means it will make many passes before the ground is fully covered. It is estimated that a single additional foot to the width covers about 33% more ground. The wider the equipment the fewer passes one can make. One will save a lot of time on this.

The equipment may also be hand pushed. This is ideal for smaller rounds. Only the human strength is required to move this along. These do not offer the benefit of width though. They come in pretty narrow designs. The alternative is a tractor-pulled equipment. This is great where the ground is vast. It also comes in extensive widths.

Usually, when searching for tools and equipment one is asked not to consider the price too much. In this case, it is important to look at that. There are many price options on the table. Remember that this equipment is used to punch holes in the ground. A more expensive equipment will not whistle while at it. Cheaper is better as long as it works well.




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