Springtime is finally here in the Charlotte area and that means it’s time for annual core aeration. Aeration is the process of perforating the soil with small holes, which allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. This process helps the roots to grow deeply and produce a stronger, more vigorous lawn. But when is the best time to aerate your lawn?

When is the Best Time for Aeration for Carolina Lawns?

The best time to aerate your lawn depends on the type of grass you have, as well as the climate in your area. Charlotte and surrounding areas are considered to be in the transition zone for turf types, meaning the climate doesn’t predominantly favor warm or cool-season turf types. 

For Carolina residents with warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda and Zoysia, the best time for aeration is in the spring as lawns are greening up and entering the growing season. This is because warm-season grasses grow most actively during the summer months, and aerating the lawn during this time can help to promote root growth and improve the overall health of the grass. Aerating in the spring can boost your lawn’s health and ability to absorb important nutrients it needs to thrive all summer long. Aerating at the right time makes fertilizer, water and sunlight more efficient in your lawn. 

It is important to note that it is not recommended to aerate your lawn during the dormant season, which is typically during the winter months. This is because the grass is not actively growing, and the soil is often too hard and dry, which can make it difficult to penetrate the soil with aeration equipment. Aerating your lawn during the dormant season can also damage the grass and create a breeding ground for weeds and other unwanted plants.

The Benefits of Lawn Aeration

Aeration comes with many benefits and aerating at the right time will give you the best results on your lawn. Lawn aeration helps to break down compacted soil, which occurs when soil particles are pushed together over time, reducing the amount of air, water, and nutrients that can penetrate the soil. Aeration also helps to remove thatch, which is a layer of dead grass and other organic matter that accumulates on the surface of the soil. Removing thatch is important because it can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the roots of your grass.

How to Aerate Your Lawn

After determining the best time to aerate your lawn, it is important to know how to properly aerate your lawn. The most common method of lawn aeration is core aeration, which involves using a machine that removes small plugs of soil from the property. These plugs will break down over time, adding nutrients back into the soil.

Before aerating your lawn, it is important to mow your grass to a shorter length than usual. This will allow the machine to penetrate the soil deeper and more easily. Watering your lawn thoroughly a day or two before aerating is also important, as moist soil is easier to penetrate than dry soil.

Looking for Lawn Aeration near Charlotte, NC?

Needless to say, the best time to aerate a warm-season Carolina lawn is when the grass is aggressively growing, usually around end of April and into May. By aerating your lawn at the optimal time, you can promote healthy root growth and ensure that your lawn looks its best year-round. For homeowners in Charlotte, Rock Hill, Pineville, Waxhaw, and surrounding areas, they can trust Turf Brothers Lawn Care to take care of their aeration. Turf Brothers Lawn Care is a local company in Fort Mill that offers a variety of lawn care services to the Charlotte metropolitan areas. From weed control and fertilization to Bermuda and Zoysia aeration, Turf Brothers provides high-quality lawn care for an affordable price. Contact the professionals at Turf Brothers today to get on schedule in time for your spring core aeration today!