The healthier and higher quality our environment is, the better we thrive, becoming strong and healthy. The same applies to plants, and grass is no exception. We often overlook the importance of soil in achieving a quality, resilient lawn. If the lawn is established under optimal conditions, with 15 to 20 centimeters of rich, loose, well-drained topsoil, many common issues faced by residential lawns could be resolved right away. If you’re in this fortunate situation, regular lawn maintenance should suffice to keep it healthy. If not, you can work towards this by mechanically improving the soil to make it more welcoming for your lawn and the other plants in your landscaping.
Aeration
Aeration is the mechanical process that loosens and decompacts the soil, allowing water, air, and nutrients to penetrate more easily and circulate freely. The most common method is core aeration, where mechanized equipment removes cylindrical pieces of soil, called cores, which relaxes the remaining soil and makes it more permeable to elements. The soil cores are left on the ground, where they are quickly absorbed by soil microorganisms, adding organic matter and stimulating microbial activity.
Additionally, core aeration helps break up thatch, which can create an impermeable barrier on the lawn when it becomes excessive. While thatch removal can be performed, aeration effectively addresses this issue while also working the soil deeply.
Aeration is typically done in spring or fall, and sometimes even twice a year if the soil is very compacted. If your soil is hard, water drains poorly, remains stagnant, feels unpleasant to walk on barefoot, and your lawn struggles to grow despite your efforts, aeration will certainly be beneficial. You can do this yourself or seek help from your Nutrite Expert by adding this Plus Service to your lawn care package.
Topdressing
Topdressing involves modifying the soil structure by spreading topsoil or compost across the entire lawn surface. Adding rich organic matter feeds the existing soil so it can nourish the plants growing in it. Even if the soil is of decent quality, it can become depleted over time, and simply adding fertilizer does not address this deficiency, as fertilizers only feed the plants without enriching the soil itself.
Topdressing is applied by hand or with specialized mechanized equipment in spring or fall. Often, this is a great opportunity to densify the lawn by mixing grass seed with the topdressing to fill in bare spots, which helps combat weeds and pests.
For optimal results, combine aeration and topdressing to allow the new soil to integrate well with the old. Like aeration, this service can be added to your lawn care package. You can also do it yourself; it’s fairly straightforward, although somewhat labor-intensive.
Soil is crucial for the health of your sustainable lawn. Ask your Nutrite Expert how you can optimize your green space and achieve even better results, completely naturally.
