You’ve probably heard about aerating your lawn with a machine, but what is liquid aeration? With this method, you apply a specially formulated solution to the soil to relieve compaction, help with nutrient absorption and moisture retention, and encourage microbial activity.
How does liquid aeration work?
Lawn aeration relieves compacted soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to better reach the grassroots. As the roots grow deeper and stronger, your lawn becomes healthier and more resilient.
Most homeowners use one of three aeration ways:
- Core aeration
- Spike aeration
- Liquid aeration
Liquid aeration is a newer and easier way to improve your lawn, though its success depends on your soil’s compaction level and the product you use.
Here’s how liquid aeration works:
With liquid aeration, you spray a special liquid blend across your lawn. To be effective, it must seep at least 6 to 12 inches into the ground.
Most mixtures contain surfactants, enzymes, organic materials, and soil conditioners, which work together to improve soil texture. More specifically:
- They lower the surface tension of water, allowing it to penetrate the soil rather than pool on top. They also help it move through the soil more easily.
- They break apart tightly packed soil particles at the microscopic level. This loosens the soil and helps the roots access oxygen for better growth.
How to liquid aerate your lawn:
To liquid aerate your lawn, you should:
- Mix your liquid aeration product with water as directed (check the label for exact instructions).
- Pour the mixture into a hose-end or backpack sprayer for an even application.
- Walk across your lawn, spraying all areas. Apply the product in straight, slightly overlapping lines to avoid missing spots.
- Lightly water the lawn afterward to help the liquid soak in.
- Repeat as needed.
Just like with core and spike aeration, you have to time the application based on your grass type.
- Cool-season grasses: Early spring or early fall
- Warm-season grasses: Late spring to early summer
Pros and cons of liquid aeration
Like other lawn treatments, liquid aeration has upsides and downsides you should consider:
Pros of liquid aeration
- Minimal soil disruption: It leaves no holes or soil plugs on your lawn, which means no cleanup afterward. Plus, you’re not disturbing the soil or grass. As a less invasive process, there’s less risk of grass damage.
- Easy application: Liquid aeration is easy to apply with a sprayer. There’s no need to rent or purchase heavy machines, and it takes less time than core aeration.
- Even coverage: Liquid aeration can easily cover the entire lawn, which is helpful if you want to improve your soil overall.
- Less chance of damaging irrigation systems: Liquid aeration won’t damage underground or aboveground irrigation lines used in various sprinkler systems, as you’re only spraying a liquid on the lawn.
- Better soil health long-term: Liquid aeration products usually contain humic acid, nutrients, seaweed and yucca extracts, and beneficial microorganisms, all of which feed the soil and promote long-term health.
- Lower cost: Liquid aeration costs less than core aeration. This is because it doesn’t require equipment; all you need is a sprayer and the liquid product of choice, which is relatively inexpensive. Plus, you can do it yourself without needing professional services, which come with higher labor costs.
Cons of liquid aeration
- Slower results: Liquid aeration breaks down compaction over time. You might need multiple applications before seeing significant improvement.
- Doesn’t always work: If your soil is heavily compacted, core aeration may be the only way to break up the soil and create space for air, water, and nutrient movement.
- Mixed product quality: Depending on the formula and brand, some products may be more effective than others. Do your research and choose a high-quality product for your yard.
- Weather-sensitive: Liquid aeration needs moist (not dry or soggy) soil to help it soak in. Apply it a day or two after moderate rainfall or irrigation. If you’re unsure, test soil moisture levels beforehand. An ideal moisture level should be between 30 and 35%, though plant type, soil type, and climate also play a role. There should also be mild, stable weather conditions. If it’s windy, your application could be uneven. If it’s too hot, the product will evaporate before it can sink into the ground.
When should I choose liquid aeration over core aeration?
Experts at Colorado State University argue that in a liquid aeration versus core aeration showdown, core aeration will always come out on top.
“Simply stated, there is no ‘chemical’ substitute for physical remediation of soil compaction – namely the traditional core cultivation techniques that have been used for years on all types of turf areas.”
Still, liquid aeration may be beneficial in the following cases:
- Your lawn has mild soil compaction.
- Your lawn has landscaping obstacles or irrigation systems that may be damaged by core aeration.
- You want a less messy way to give your soil some TLC.
- You want to target your entire lawn rather than specific areas.
FAQ about liquid aeration
Can I mix liquid aeration with other lawn care products?
It may be beneficial to mix liquid aeration with other lawn care products under these conditions:
- Check if the other lawn care products (fertilizers, soil amendments, pesticides, or herbicides) are compatible with liquid aeration. Some may not mix well together, reducing their effectiveness or causing harm.
- If mixing certain products is possible, check the application timing and order.
- To check for any possible mixing side effects, do a quick patch test on a hidden area of your lawn.
- Always follow the instructions on the product labels (liquid aeration and other products).
What can affect the results of liquid aeration?
How your lawn reacts to liquid aeration can depend on:
- Soil type: For example, clay soils may take longer to improve than sandy soils because they’re naturally more compacted. Soil type matters.
- Grass type: Different grass types respond differently to aeration. Growth rate, root structure and depth, growing seasons, stress tolerance, and thatch levels can all determine how quickly you see results.
- Environmental conditions: Temperature and sunlight also influence the success of liquid aeration. When it’s warm, microbial activity increases, which activates the liquid product. Moreover, sunlight helps the lawn recover faster after aeration and thrive.
What causes compacted soil?
If you’re wondering what causes compacted soil, the answer is a combination of factors:
- Heavy foot or vehicle traffic
- Low organic matter
- Intense rainfall
- Overwatering
- Mixing clay soil with sand
- Too much tilling
Don’t let compaction ruin your lawn
Liquid aeration is a great way to maintain a lush, healthy lawn without much effort. Before you start, consider the needs of your lawn, your budget, and your time.
Better yet, let Lawn Love connect you with a local expert who can meet your aeration needs and provide other services, including mowing, weed control, fertilization, and seeding.
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