Opens compacted soil
Removing cores creates space in a dense root zone.
Separately quoted add-on
Core Aeration
Core aeration removes plugs from compacted soil so air and water can move into the root zone. GLS Turf recommends it when the property shows signs of compaction.
Aerate warm-season turf during active growth
When you actually need core aeration.
The lawn has to fill the holes back in, and warm-season turf only does that while it is growing hard. For Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, and St. Augustine that puts the window in late spring through summer. Soil should be moist, not saturated.
Moves water into the soil
The openings can improve water movement on compacted properties.
Allows turf to recover
Actively growing warm-season turf can fill the openings left by the cores.
How we work
We check the lawn before we treat it.
- 01
Check for compaction
Dense soil and poor water movement can indicate that aeration may help.
- 02
Wait for workable soil
The soil should be moist enough to pull a core but dry enough to avoid rutting.
- 03
Pull the cores
A core aerator removes plugs and leaves them on the surface to break down.
| The question | Common mistake | GLS Turf process |
|---|---|---|
| Deciding the lawn needs it | Common mistakeAeration is scheduled every year whether the soil is compacted or not. | GLS Turf processWe check for compaction before recommending it. |
| Soil conditions on the day | Common mistakeThe machine runs through saturated or hard, dry soil. | GLS Turf processAeration waits for soil that is moist enough to pull a core. |
| Time of year for warm-season turf | Common mistakeCool-season timing is used on warm-season turf. | GLS Turf processWarm-season turf is aerated while it is growing in late spring or summer. |
Questions
Common questions about this service.
Is core aeration included in the 7-Step Program?
No. Core aeration is quoted separately.
When should a warm-season lawn be aerated?
Late spring through summer, while the grass is growing hard. The lawn has to be able to fill the holes back in, and warm-season turf only does that during active growth. Aerating a dormant lawn opens it up with nothing there to close it.
Does every lawn need it every year?
No. Aeration fixes compaction, so it helps the lawns that get compacted: heavy clay, high foot traffic, kids and dogs, anywhere a vehicle parks. A sandy lawn nobody walks on can go years without needing it. We would rather look at yours than sell you a schedule.
Should the ground be wet or dry?
Moist, not soaked. Dry ground will not let the tines pull a full core, and saturated ground smears rather than lifting, which leaves it more compacted than before. Watering the day before is usually about right. After heavy rain we would rather move the visit than do a poor job of it.
What are the plugs all over my lawn, and do I have to rake them up?
Those are the soil cores pulled out of the ground, and leaving them is the point. They break down over one to two weeks and return that soil and its microbes to the surface. Mowing speeds it up. Raking them off throws away half of what you paid for.
Can you aerate and overseed at the same time?
On warm-season lawns the two windows rarely line up, and the pre-emergent in your program will stop new seed from establishing regardless. If you are planning to seed, tell us first so we can sequence it around the program.
Related turf services
See the rest of the program and add-ons.
Talk with us about core aeration.
Tell us what you are seeing and where the property is. GLS Turf can confirm availability and whether this add-on fits the turf plan.
