Problems with soil structure can be a leading cause of a struggling lawn. Most people don’t always realize that the secret to a healthy lawn lies in the soil. But if your soil is compacted (which is very likely, due to our clay-like soils here in North Texas), it’s going to suffer.
This is where lawn aeration becomes so invaluable. Aeration helps to break up compaction.
While people are typically familiar with mechanical core aeration, which involves pulling cores of soil from the ground using a piece of machinery called an aerator, we also now have liquid aeration for lawns as an option.
In this article, we’ll talk about some of the benefits of liquid aeration and when it might be an option to consider for your lawn.
Spoiler Alert!!
While we think liquid aeration for lawns is an awesome service (and one that we provide at Grassperson), it’s most effective when used in conjunction with mechanical core aeration.
But we’ll explain all of that and more!
Jump to:
How does liquid aeration work?
The process of liquid aeration for lawns involves using a liquid product that loosens the soil and reduces compaction without the need for any mechanical equipment.
It involves products working on a chemical level to break up bonds between the molecules that are causing soil compaction in the first place.
What are the benefits of liquid aeration?
In essence, the benefits of liquid aeration would be the same as mechanical aeration- that being, breaking down compaction. When this occurs, you improve the overall soil structure which leads to better root development and overall healthier grass.
The difference is really the timeline.
Liquid aeration generally produces gradual improvements in turf health and appearance. Our clients don’t see visible plugs of soil on the lawn afterward but the liquid product works beneath the surface.
If our client follows our watering suggestions, we generally see a deeper/greener color in the lawn, the turf density improves, and our yards experience better water absorption.
This results in more of a slow and steady improvement versus an immediate impact that some clients experience with our core aeration.
Liquid aeration vs core aeration
Liquid aeration doesn’t replace core aeration in terms of physical compaction relief but liquid aeration is highly effective for enhancing oxygen flow to the root zone, increasing microbial activity in the soil, and improving nutrient absorption and water infiltration.
Core aeration is a mechanical process while liquid aeration is a chemical and biological process (breaks down and loosens compacted particles).
Both improve soil health, but liquid aeration is less disruptive, can be done more frequently, and builds incremental benefits over time.
The advantages of liquid aeration are mostly focused on the lack of temporary “disruption” that homeowners might feel core aeration causes.
In fact, instead of choosing one of the other, we recommend our clients use both liquid and core aeration for optimal results (unless our clients don’t want the core aeration due to the short-term turf disruption caused by pulling plugs).
We know that core aeration provides better compaction relief while liquid aeration helps to improve soil structure long after the plugs are gone.
When used together, they provide both instant and long-term soil improvement — especially beneficial for heavily compacted or clay-based soils which are common in North Texas.
How often to perform liquid aeration for lawns?
We recommend liquid aeration one to two times per year depending on soil condition and lawn usage.
Once per year (typically in spring or early fall) for healthy lawns and twice per year for compacted lawns.
When we apply liquid aeration in the Spring, we can jump-start root growth and nutrient uptake heading into the growing season.
The Fall application will prepare the soil for winter dormancy and encourages strong root development before the cooler months. We do not want to apply liquid aeration during extreme heat or drought stress.
Should I try DIY aeration?
Whether you are considering liquid or core aeration, you’re going to get the best results by hiring a professional. While we know that people sometimes consider DIY aeration, there are reasons why it might be the wrong choice.
With liquid aeration for lawns, you want to make sure that you’re getting a commercial-grade product that is going to be highly effective in delivering superior results. You also want that product applied with commercial equipment that will ensure it’s put down properly.
You’ll get that with a pro.
Similarly, with mechanical core aeration, you’re going to get better results when professional equipment is used.
When homeowners rent an aerator and attempt mechanical aeration on their own, they are often dissatisfied with the results.
You have to consider that this is a piece of rental equipment that has been used over and over again by homeowners who might not be utilizing it correctly. As a result, it can get beat up over time. That can make the equipment tough to operate and give you less-than-stellar results.
Mechanical aeration can also be back-breaking work. People don’t realize just how laborious it is to push an aerator around until they rent one for the first time. There are so many better ways you can probably think of to spend your weekend!
Choosing lawn care services in North Texas
If you truly care about achieving superior results with your lawn aeration services, then this is a service that should be left to the pros.
At Grassperson, it is our goal to take away the burdens that you don’t want to deal with and help you achieve the great lawn results you desire. When professionally performed, lawn aeration is going to help your lawn roots to grow longer and stronger, which is going to lead to healthier grass.
Even better, we can combine liquid aeration WITH mechanical core aeration for amazing results.
Soon, you’ll be on your way to having the best lawn on the block.
Ready to get the results that you desire for your lawn in the Flower Mound, Highland Village, or Lewisville, TX area? Get a free quote and then enjoy the best lawn with no worries!
