To aerate or not to aerate that is the question?

[Seth]

I have a small landscaping business and use 99.99% of The Dirt Doctors' recommended amendments and methods. The question that I haven't yet been able to put to rest is that of aeration of turf grass. Does aerating actually benefit the soil and turf. The cost in equipment and labor is relatively high and because I practice organic management I don't know if the aeration is adding to the overall health of the turf.


All this to say.... Do I need to mechanically aerate as a part of my organic turf management program, or does it fall under the same myth as, "deep root feeding?"

Thanks for the help

[Dirt Doctor]

Good question. Aeration is only needed on the front end of a project and only to speed up the process of developing healthy soil. In the winter months you need to fill the holes with compost, rock sands and other organic materials so the cold air won't get down in the ground so easily. If aeration isn't done at all, things will be fine but the process will be slower. One of the applications that definitely benefits from core aeration is mycorrhizal fungi because the fungi needs to touch the roots for best colonization. Aeration is only neede long term if the soil has become compacted for some reason.

[Seth]

Thanks for the insight Mr. Garrett, as an early spring starter service for new customers we do core aeration, spread CMG, and soak it all in with Garret Juice infused compost tea. My assumption is that by doing this we are providing enough nutrients, and organic material for good mycorrhizal development. Do I need to add any MycorGro or is there enough in the soil to give the turf a good head start for the growing season?


Thanks Again,
Seth

[Dirt Doctor]

Sorry, but I am not familar with that product.