Core aeration is a crucial lawn care service that involves mechanically pulling up plugs of soil to loosen compaction, which is a common issue for lawns in Oregon. However, another benefit of this process is that it helps address thatch buildup! Thatch is a layer of organic matter that builds up between the soil and grass, and when it becomes too thick, it can block vital resources from reaching its roots. Fortunately, core aeration reduces thatch by breaking it up, allowing it to decompose more easily. Not only that, but it also creates passageways for nutrients and resources to reach the roots of your grass more easily, plus improves airflow and water drainage!

What is thatch?

Thatch is a layer of organic matter that builds up on the surface of your lawn, between the soil and grass blades. It consists of dead grass, stems, roots, and other debris. While a thin layer of thatch is normal, it can become problematic when it becomes too thick. When this happens, it can block vital resources from reaching the roots of your grass, hindering its ability to absorb them and weakening it. Not only that, but it can also trap moisture and create a conducive environment for fungal diseases to develop.

Does core aeration help reduce thatch on your lawn?

Tines of an aerator in Gresham, OR, with soil plugs.

Core aeration is a lawn care service that involves pulling up plugs of soil using an aerator machine, which helps to reduce thatch buildup. After all, it breaks up the thatch layer, allowing it to decompose more easily. As a result, it becomes less dense and thick, reducing the chances of it blocking resources from reaching the roots of your grass. This process also helps to improve airflow and water drainage, which can further aid in the decomposition of thatch.

What other benefits does core aeration offer?

In addition to reducing thatch buildup, core aeration offers several other benefits for your lawn. For one, it helps to alleviate soil compaction. Soil compaction occurs when the soil becomes tightly packed over time due to foot and machine traffic, making it difficult for air, water, and nutrients to penetrate. By pulling up plugs of soil, core aeration loosens the hard, packed soil particles, improving airflow, water penetration, and nutrient access. With improved access to everything it needs, your turf can become healthier and stronger.

Another benefit of core aeration is that it creates passageways for nutrients and resources to reach the roots of your grass more easily. These passageways allow for better absorption of everything it needs to thrive, which can lead to improved growth and development. Additionally, core aeration can also help to promote root growth, as the roots of your grass will have more space to spread and establish themselves in the soil.

Core aeration is best done in the fall here in Oregon, as this season provides optimal conditions for your lawn to withstand it and recover quickly.

Call us today to sign up for our core aeration service!

At J&C Lawn Care, we offer our core aeration service to help your lawn reach its full potential! Our team will pass over your turf with our aerator to pull up plugs of soil, reducing thatch buildup and loosening compaction. We perform this service in the fall, in September and October, and we highly recommend scheduling it annually to keep it in tip-top shape. What's more, we can even overseed it afterward to fill in bare patches with new, healthy grass growth!

Our core aeration service is available to residential and commercial property owners in Gresham, Happy Valley, Troutdale, and other nearby areas in Oregon. Give us a call at (971) 284-2035 to sign up today!