areating

Aeration is the process of removing “plugs” of soil and thatch from the turf area. This is beneficial to turf because it relieves compaction, allows oxygen exchange, and improves water/nutrient uptake and use. For Bermuda/ warm season grasses, the optimum time is May- August. We recommend incorporating a lime/fertilizer application (based on soil test) after aeration so nutrients can be worked into the soil profile.

For rescue, the recommended time is Fall. This is usually done in conjunction with overseeing, to establish new grass in weak/thin areas from the heat of summer. We also offer overseeing of Bermuda grass with perennial rye grass for winter color. This is a typical practice on sports fields, but can be done on home lawns for aesthetic purposes. Lawn treatments will have to be adjusted to accommodate this practice.

Applying lime is done to decrease acidity levels of the soil so that optimum growing conditions exist. (Raising the pH level of the soil). Nutrients become unavailable to plants at too high or low of a pH level. Different pH levels are preferred for certain grasses, for example centipede prefers a low pH around 5. A pH of 5.7 – 7.2 is desirable for most others.