Core aeration is a necessary lawn care service that involves removing small “cores” of soil from your lawn in order to loosen compacted soil and make it easier for nutrients and other resources to reach the roots of your grass. One of the most common questions asked by property owners in Alberta is “What do you do with the cores that are left all over the yard?” Well, there are three different options available! The most recommended option is to leave them on your lawn to decompose and return nutrients back into the soil. If you don’t like the look of the cores but still want your lawn to benefit from them, you can use a rake or a lawn mower to break them up and speed up the decomposition process. The last and least recommended option is to remove the cores completely from your lawn. This is not recommended because your lawn will not be able to benefit from any of the nutrients they contain.
1. Leave the cores on your lawn to decompose and release nutrients back into your soil.
After your lawn has been aerated, there will be cores, or “plugs,” of soil left on your lawn. It is highly recommended that you leave these cores on your lawn. Removing these cores from your soil naturally removes some nutrients in the process. By leaving them be, the cores will eventually decompose and return nutrients back into your soil. Although these cores might not be the most attractive thing to see on your lawn, the benefits they provide will make it well worth it!
2. Use a rake or lawn mower to break them up and speed up the decomposition process.
If you really don’t like the look of the full cores sitting on your lawn but you still want the nutrients that they can release back into your soil, you can use a rake or lawn mower to break up the cores. This will help to speed up the decomposition process and still allow your grass to receive these essential nutrients! You will still be able to see what remains of the cores on your lawn, but they won’t be as noticeable.
It is recommended that you aerate your lawn at least once a year, and twice a year for heavy, clay-based soils.
3. While not recommended, you can completely remove the cores from your lawn.
If you don’t want the cores to be on your lawn because you really don’t like the way they make your property look, you have the option of completely removing them. However, this is not recommended because your grass will not be able to benefit from any of the important nutrients that they contain. This might cause your grass to be deprived of the essential nutrients it needs to grow healthy and strong. However, if you are part of a lawn fertilization program, your grass will likely be fine without the extra boost.
Give us a call today to schedule our core aeration service for your lawn.
At Prestige Outdoor Services, we have been providing our core aeration service to properties since 1985. Our core aeration service will help keep your lawn in pristine condition. We offer our service in the spring and fall so essential nutrients are able to flow into your soil during the most important times of the year! It is highly recommended that you schedule this service once annually. Our core aeration service is offered to commercial, residential, and HOA properties in Calgary, Airdrie, Chestermere, AB, and surrounding areas. Call (403) 800-0680 to schedule our core aeration service for your property today!
