Aerating lawn

stuarta99

Hi all,

Due to problems with my lawn in the past with leatherjacket, I'm still working to get it the best I can.  Fortunately due to efforts I put in last year, I've actually had a lawn that has made it through the winter.

There are patches which has suffered from drainage and bare because of it despite forking it other to aerate albeit probably too late in the season.

I've read about aerating and filling with sharp sand to help with drainage, but also that this method only works if you are taking cores out and not simply making holes with a fork.

Are there any suggestions on this please?

Robert West

I think the idea is that if you just use a fork you're making a hole by squashing the surrounding soil together. Removing a core prevents that.

Plus, taking out a core actually reduces the amount of soil, which you then replace with sand. Over time the ground will become more and more sandy and should drain better. 

If you're having real drainage issues I'd go for the core option. Now's probably a decent time of year to do it too as the ground will be softer. Plus the lawn will recover quickly.

stuarta99

Ok thanks, although I guess not so straight forward in taking a core out?

stuarta99

Hmmm maybe something like this 

https://www.screwfix.com/p/spear-jackson-5-prong-lawn-aerator/673KJ?kpid=673KJ&cm_mmc=Google-_-Datafeed-_-Outdoor and Gardening

stuarta99

Hi guys, just looking at this again to get some aeration done before the winter sets in.  I have some sharp sand and just checking to see if this is worth putting in the holes when I fork it over?

Fairygirl

It's generally considered worth doing @stuarta99. If you can get grit sand, that's better - or even grit itself, which is a bit bigger. It depends how bad you feel the drainage is, and how much effort you want to put in   

stuarta99

Ok ta. Keep seeing various comments on it and the lawnsmith guys I got seed and fertilizer from say no

Fairygirl

I can honestly say I've never done it. I just keep off the grass in winter. 
My back garden lawn [south east facing] was created by raising the soil level [because the whole area is solid, sticky clay ] and having loads of gravel added  for drainage, to cope with out rain. I got fed up though, and on a whim I removed it earlier this year. 

JennyJ

I spike the bits that get walked on and compacted when it's wet in winter (under the washing line and the route to the compost bins) but I don't bother with the sand and grit. The soil here is sandy already and the lawn never gets badly drained, just a bit compacted in places. Horses for courses.