Gardeners are being urged to aerate their lawns this June to promote thicker, healthier grass. According to experts at George Davies Turf, aeration is a crucial task that should be performed at least once a year.
Aeration involves removing small plugs of soil and thatch to create space for new grass growth. This process allows nutrients, water, and oxygen to penetrate the soil more effectively, encouraging deeper root systems and making fertiliser more efficient. The result is a denser, more drought-resistant lawn.
The experts explain that aeration releases stale carbon dioxide from the soil while inviting fresh, oxygen-rich air in. It also helps water and nutrients reach the grass roots, keeping them healthy and promoting thick, bright, and resilient turf. For smaller lawns, a simple garden fork can be used, though the task can be physically demanding.
For lawns with heavy clay soil, a hollow tine aerator is recommended. This tool extracts plugs of soil, leaving holes that are less likely to close up. A dense, healthy lawn is the best defence against weeds, as thick grass leaves little room for weeds to establish. Combining aeration with overseeding can further improve thin or bare patches.
