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Topdressing and Aeration
Aeration and topdressing are often times key processes to developing a
beautiful lawn. In the panhandle of Florida our soils are not great
mediums for growing turfgrass. We have sand or clay like soils with very
poor nutritional value. Amendments are needed to help develop the soil
What is aeration?
Aeration is the process of mechanically removing small plugs of thatch
and soil from the lawn to improve soil aeration.
Benefits:
Increases organic matter content of soil
Improves soil percolation rate
Reduces soil compaction
Reduces thatch
Supplies plant nutrients
Can biologically control turf diseases like fungus
Improves the exchange between the soil and atmosphere
Stimulates root development
Increases resistance to heat and drought stress
Why is it necessary?
In most home lawns the natural soil has been seriously disturbed by the
building process. Fertile topsoil may have been removed or buried during
excavation. In Florida our soil is not ideal for growing grass. These
lawns need aeration to improve the depth and extent of turfgrass rooting
and to improve fertilizer and water use.
Intensively used lawns are exposed to stress from high traffic
frequency. Walking, playing, and mowing are forms of traffic that
compact soil and stress lawns. Raindrops and irrigation increase soil
density, by compacting soil particles and reducing large air spaces
where roots may readily grow.
Compaction is greater in heavy clay soils than sandy soils. Aeration
helps heavily used lawns growing on compacted soils by improving the
depth and extent of turfgrass rooting, allowing better water uptake,
enhancing fertilizer use and speeding up thatch breakdown.
Most home lawns are subject to thatch accumulation. If thatch is left
unmanaged, it can lead to serious maintenance and pest problems. Core
aeration reduces thatch accumulation.
When should I aerate my lawn?
Aeration should only be accomplished when needed. Some lawns may never
need aeration. Others may need aeration once or twice per year. Spring
or early summer is the ideal time for aeration but can be completed up
until l the fall.
What is Topdressing?
Topdressing involves the direct application of a layer of compost and/or
other organic matter to turfgrass. The thickness of this layer varies
according to your needs but generally, we recommend a thickness of
around 1/8 to ¼ of an inch. Topdressing can be used with sand or organic
matter. It can also be used to take out unevenness in turf caused by
wear patterns and settling. Careful attention to not totally bury the
existing turfgrass must be observed. Thick applications of topdressing
can cause a layering effect and make problems worse in a lawn. Frequent
thin layers of topdressingis recommended. This is often observed
Topdressing helps to increase decomposition by bringing soil microbes
and moisture into contact with the thatch layer.
For more information call 850-469-0588
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