Aeration (Also known as aerification) is the process of perforating turf
to alleviate soil compaction, prevent excessive thatch buildup, and increase
the flow of oxygen, water, and nutrients to the root zone. Regular play from
children and sports teams, construction projects, and severe weather can
compact soil, leaving roots without a place to grow. Aerification is a natural
and cost - effective way to solve soil compaction problems and get turf thick
and healthy for peak growing. Core & Spike Aeration are the two major
methods used by both homeowners and turf care professionals alike. In the
City of Irvine, aerification plays one of the most important roles in managing
our turf areas.
Core Aeration is done by poking hollow tines into the ground and
extracting small plugs of soil. This method is often the choice of turf care
professionals because it effectively loosens soil, giving root systems access to
nutrients and keeping soil more nutrient - rich in the long term. City sports turf is aerated by removing 1 / 2 to 5 / 8 - inch diameter hollow tine cores to a depth of 2 I / 2 to 4 - inches, with spacing between cores at 3 - inches. This is achieved using a piston - driven aeration machine. Aeration cores are broken
down using a turf, flexible drag - mat to help maintain an even and level field
playing surface. When required, follow up with either a core harvester or
pulverizer is used to remove cores completely.
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