Aeration is a vital process for maintaining a healthy and lush lawn. It involves perforating the soil with small holes to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the ground and reach the roots of your grass. However, one common question that arises after aeration is about the clumps of soil left behind. These clumps, known as soil cores, are produced as the aerator machine pulls plugs of dirt from the ground. They are best left on your lawn to decompose so they can break down and release nutrients back into the soil. If you really dislike the way these soil cores look on your turf in Iowa, you can hasten the decomposition process by raking them or mowing over them. You can also remove them altogether, but your lawn won't be able to benefit from the nutrients these soil cores release.

Why are there clumps of soil on your lawn after it was aerated?

Soil cores on a lawn in Ankeny, IA, after aeration.

When you sign up for core aeration, a team of lawn care professionals will use an aerator machine that will pull out small plugs of soil from the ground. This action helps to loosen compacted soil and improve the flow of air, water, and nutrients to the grassroots. They will go through your entire lawn to perforate the ground, creating hundreds of holes in the ground and clumps of soil called soil cores. These are the results of this process, and they play a crucial role in enhancing the overall health of your lawn.

What should you do with the soil cores after aeration?

After aeration, your lawn will be left with hundreds of soil cores as a result of the process. The best way to deal with these soil cores is to leave them on your lawn. These cores will naturally decompose over time, and as they do, they will return valuable nutrients back into the soil. This process is beneficial for the health of your lawn, as it enriches the soil with organic matter and nutrients that promote healthy grass growth. The organic matter from these soil cores will also boost microbial activity that will help your grass grow strong roots. Allowing the soil cores to decompose naturally is the best way to maximize the benefits of aeration for your lawn.

Soil cores contain nutrients that will be returned to the soil as they decompose!

If you really don't like the look of the soil cores on your lawn, you can remove them.

If you find the appearance of the soil cores unsightly, there are a few options to manage their look while still reaping the benefits of aeration. One option is to break them up with a rake or mow over them. This action can help speed up the decomposition process and make the soil cores less noticeable on your lawn. This way, these soil cores will not look as obvious on your turf while still ensuring they release the nutrients that benefit your lawn's health.

If you really dislike the look of the soil cores, you can opt to remove them altogether, but it's highly recommended that you don't do this. The nutrients provided by the decomposing soil cores are important for soil health and the overall vitality of your lawn.

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

At ETCH Outdoor Living, we understand the importance of aeration in maintaining a healthy and vibrant lawn. Our team of experts is here to provide a professional lawn aeration service that you can sign up for in the spring and fall, so your turf is strong enough to handle the process. We offer this service to commercial and residential properties, along with HOAs, in Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale, West Des Moines, Waukee, and other nearby areas in Iowa. Give us a call today at (515) 735-3338 to schedule your aeration service and give your lawn the care it deserves.