Lawn aeration(sic?) question

[NB_LONGHORN]

I know that in order to promote root heath on your lawn aeration is recommended, but when is the best time to do it in the Houston area for a San Augustine lawn? What is the cost of renting a gas powered machine? How easy is it to do? Any help is appreciated.

 

[Jellydonuts]

There is really no bad time to do it, but I would try to complete it before it gets too hot. You can rent a coring model from Home Depot for about $50 for four hours. You can always share the machine/expense with your neighbors, if the cost is prohibitive.

 

[Mrmyke709]

Flag your sprinkler heads, tree roots, or any other obstructions.
Then hang on.

 

[HilltopHorn]

after you core it, spread gypsum over it, will do a good deal to break down that houston black gumbo.

 

[Mrmyke709]

Or compost.

 

[hullabelew]

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[TexasEd]

September is the best time to do it.

Enough growing season left to repair the slight damage but the real benefit is in the winter.

I used to always do it in the spring though. That was before I was told I was doing it wrong.

Always had great results.

If you have a clay/loam soil put some organic material like compost or dillo dirt down. The gypsum idea is great too.

 

[TTUFIN]

We did it a couple of months ago, and it makes a HUGE difference!! I would highly recommend it. We rented ours from a rental place for ~$50 for the whole weekend, but Home Depot does have them. Let me warn you that they are a workout, and the previous post about hanging on is spot on!

 

[Mrmyke709]

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[TexasEd]

Myke,

That is the way I used to do it too. Didn't use compost every time, but the grass was always fuller and more drought tolerant when it was done. The yard was also much softer. The areas you walk on the most benefit the most.

 

[HilltopHorn]

The compost is good too, since it imparts organic matter into the soil, which retains moisture and nutrients while increasing the porosity of the soil. The gypsum will actually lodge itself between the tiny clay platelettes and at the same time will adhere to the organic matter, sand etc. This will in time break down the clay and lessen the density of the soil. Eventually you should need no aeration at all.

I did this to a garden I had in the black gumbo in the Corpus area, and within three years, I had really soft loam. I rototilled the area, so I am sure that sped up my results.

Upthrust, try both together. They are both organic and can't do anything but boost the soil.