Aeration

Aeration is the most important process carried out on lawns and bowling greens, to keep the turf as healthy as possible.

Throughout the year turf gets compacted by rainfall and footfall, preventing the grass’ ability to grow. Aeration is primarily aimed at reducing compaction, increasing drainage from the lawn surface to the root zone and minimizing a wet environment on the lawn surface.

Aeration promotes gaseous exchange into the root zone so the grass can benefit from increased oxygen to the roots. Thatch is also broken down as oxygen is introduced and decomposing can then occur. Heavy thatch will always need removing via scarification.

It can be carried out numerous times throughout the year as long as the ground isn’t frozen or too wet. Ideally scarification should be carried out before aeration; this will increase the vigour in which the grass puts down new roots and speed up the recovery of the turf.