Cool season grasses like Fescue, should be aerated in the fall. This is also the time that they receive over-seeding.

When should you aerate your warm season grass?

Warm season grasses on the other hand, should be aerated during the summer months. Aerating warm season turf during the summer allows the turf to fully return from dormancy.

Unlike cool season grass, warm season grass does not need to be over-seeded because the grass grows from its rhizomes and stolons instead of seed heads.

What are the benefits of warm season lawn aeration?

All lawns can benefit from aeration. It allows more water and air to circulate through the root system of the grass plant. This increases water uptake and nutrient absorption.

Warm season grasses see additional growth benefits. Turf types such as Zoysia, Bermuda, St. Augustine, and Centipede grow by spreading and sprouting new growth from their rhizomes and stolons. Rhizomes grow beneath the soil layer, while stolons grow along the surface of the lawn.

Core aeration punctures the soil, breaking apart these rhizomes and stolons. Similar to pruning, this action triggers responsive growth from the grass plant. New grass will begin to generate and spread, resulting in thick, lush and green lawn. Adding a fertilizer treatment following the aeration service will accelerate this process even further.

When lawns are at their peak health, they become more resistant to weeds and disease. The more nutrients that your lawn receives and the more opportunity it has to grow and fill in, the more it will continue to thrive and protect itself from seasonal elements.

How do you care for your lawn following aeration?

After your warm season lawn has been aerated, it is important to follow up with proper maintenance and watering. Your lawn should receive approximately 1 inch of water per week. At Canopy Lawn Care, we recommend giving your lawn a good soak during each watering. The best time to water your grass is in the morning. Set your irrigation system or sprinkler to water each zone of the lawn for 20-30 minutes at a time to ensure that it has received enough water. Even if it has been raining, ensure that enough water has fallen. You can purchase a basic rain gauge to help you monitor water throughout the week.

Questions about aerating your warm season lawn? Give Canopy a call or send us a text message today!