The Difference (Pros and Cons) of Liquid Organic Aeration Versus Mechanical Aeration

Properly aerating your soil is one of the most important factors in maintaining a healthy lawn.

Any lawn can benefit from aeration when it’s well-timed and done properly. Aeration is the process of loosening up dirt to let air, water, and nutrients reach the soil. It cuts through compacted soil, promoting healthy grass. Why does aerating help lawns? It encourages deep and strong growth. Grass roots need air, water, and nutrients to flourish, and aeration alleviates the stressed, tightly compacted soil—one of the most important steps to set your lawn up for success!

What is the best time to aerate your lawn in Northeast Ohio?

Aerating your lawn should be done at least once per year and can be done at any time. In Northeast Ohio, aeration most commonly takes place in the fall or spring. These months are considered the best times for aeration because your grass is actively growing and can recover quickly. Fall is often considered the best time for aeration because plants are enhancing their root zones in preparation for winter and readying the soil for new growth in the spring. Spring can also be a very beneficial time for aeration because, combined with fertilization and watering helps turf better withstand the higher temperatures and decreased rainfall that summer brings.

What are the benefits of lawn aeration?

• More durable and resistant to foot traffic. Your lawn has probably taken a bit of a beating, especially if you have kids or entertain often. Managing the soil buildup in your lawn is vital to create a more durable lawn.
• Promotes a healthier, greener lawn. Aeration relaxes soil, allowing for thicker, deeper grass roots that remain green longer.
• Combats weeds with thicker grass growth. In Northeast Ohio, we are no stranger to weeds such as dandelions, clover, and crabgrass. These persistent weeds can transform your green haven into a patchy battleground in no time. Aerating your soil creates space for roots to grow deeper. Thicker grass makes it harder for weeds to take root.
• Homeowners who aerate their lawns often see a big improvement. Studies show that aerated lawns absorb water up to three times better than non-aerated lawns.

Even a healthy lawn needs aeration. Grass roots need to breathe, and aeration provides them with air, water, and nutrients. Aeration not only adds beauty to your property but also creates a comfortable space for outdoor activities, increases property value and even contributes to environmental sustainability.

What is Lawn Aeration?

Aeration is the process of breaking up soil compaction, allowing oxygen and water to reach the root zone. Over time, foot traffic, outdoor activities, and weather can compact your soil, leaving roots without room to grow and without air pockets to receive necessities. This process relaxes the soil and allows roots to grow deeper and thicker, giving your yard a breath of fresh air!

Lawn grasses struggle in stressful situations, such as heat and low rainfall, and lose their healthy, rich color. Grass can gradually thin and eventually die out completely. A single aeration session can open the avenue for the essential air, water, and nutrients to reach their mark and put your lawn back on an upward trend.

Signs your lawn needs aeration:

• Your soil is hard to the touch
• Your lawn feels spongy and dries out easily
• During rainstorms, water forms puddles instead of being absorbed by the soil
• Your grass is thinning, withering, or losing its green color
• Your lawn is developing diseases like brown patch

What are the different types of aeration?

There are two major types of aeration: mechanical and liquid. Mechanical, also known as core aeration, involves using a machine to remove small cores of soil and thatch from your lawn. This process physically removes compacted dirt from your yard, creating more space for grass roots to grow. Liquid aeration involves spraying the lawn with a liquid mixture of organic ingredients. The mixture forces compacted soil to separate, helping your lawn absorb more water and grow deeper roots.

Mechanical Aeration Organic Liquid Aeration

Understanding Liquid Organic Aeration

Liquid organic aeration (LOA) involves spraying the lawn with a fluid mixture of organic ingredients, forcing compacted soil to separate, helping your lawn absorb more water and grow deeper roots. The thatch layer is broken down to let in more oxygen and moisture. By allowing oxygen and nutrients to penetrate your lawn at a deeper level, reaching up to 12 inches of depth.

Liquid organic aeration is completely safe for children and pets, as it is made from only natural and organic materials. Your lawn technician manually mixes our solution the day of your lawn service, so it hasn’t been sitting in a warehouse for months.

Pros of liquid organic aeration:

• Easy application. Unlike mechanical aeration, liquid organic aeration does not need large machinery to be completed.
• No soil disturbance. Liquid aeration also leaves no mess! No messy cores scattered across your yard, keeping it usable right away.
• Improved soil health and microbial activity. Liquid aeration reaches up to 12 inches of depth, whereas mechanical aeration only reaches a depth of 2-4 inches. The added inches allow for more nutrients and water creating a healthier, greener lawn.
• Cost-effective. We specialize in liquid organic aeration because it is faster. Mechanical aeration requires heavy equipment and is more labor-intensive. Less labor means a lower cost for our customers!

Cons of liquid organic aeration:

• Results can vary based on soil conditions. Liquid aeration can be used on all kinds of soil, but is typically more effective on less compacted soil with moderate to low levels of thatch.

Understanding Mechanical Aeration

Mechanical aeration involves using a tool or machine to poke holes into or dig out cores of soil and thatch from your lawn.

Core aeration involves using a machine with hollow tines that penetrate the ground and then release small cores of soil and thatch onto your lawn. These plugs are typically 1-2 inches long and 0.5-0.75 inches in diameter and break down over time.

Pros of mechanical aeration:

• Provides a good opportunity for overseeding thin areas with heath & drought tolerant grass.
• Cons of mechanical aeration:
• Extremely expensive and labor-intensive
• Damages sprinkler heads, dog fences, internet, and utility lines
• Promotes shallow rooting compared with LOA

Comparing Liquid Organic Aeration and Mechanical Aeration

Although both organic liquid aeration and mechanical aeration have their pros and cons, they are different in many ways. Mechanical aeration has a more immediate impact on your soil and the look of your lawn, because it does not reach as deep as liquid aeration, it is not as long-lasting. Organic liquid aeration will have a slower impact on your soil, but the effects are longer lasting.

Which process, liquid or mechanical aeration, is most cost-effective?

On average, liquid aeration costs between $80 and $150, whereas spike aeration can be anywhere from $250 to $1000. Core aeration is the most expensive, at $85 to $250.

DIY versus professional service:

Opting for a bargain lawn care service might seem like a smart financial move, but often it’s just like that DIY project you started last year that quickly spun out of control.

Three things to consider when debating a DIY method or professional lawn aeration: cost, time, and results. Sometimes less expensive is not the best option. Cheaper aeration equipment is often smaller and takes longer to use on your lawn.

The value of Ecolawn’s professional expertise is we do not see your lawn as just a patch of grass. We offer expert guidance, insightful advice, and clear communication at each step of the process. We offer customized lawn packages and organic nutrients that are EPA-approved. Everything we do is backed by our immutable laws.

Aeration, especially liquid aeration, has major sustainability benefits:

We have the experience and have spent years perfecting our process. Our liquid solution contains biochar, organic matter, yucca extract, orange peel, coffee grounds, and seaweed. Learn more about each ingredient and its purpose. Scientists believe that biochar has the potential to reduce or reverse environmental damage. This formula contains ingredients that provide food for microbes that nourish your lawn. These nutrients create a great environment for beneficial microbes and fungi.

Some brands of liquid aeration contain man-made surfactants, just like the ones used in household soaps. These surfactants are generally safe. However, we prefer to use a natural plant-based surfactant.

One major benefit of aeration is that it helps your lawn hold in moisture longer. A tightly compacted yard leaves no space for water and nutrients to seep into the soil and reach the root of your grass. The permeable soil allows water to best soak into the ground, which means less water waste for our customers!

Which Aeration Method is Best for Homeowners in Mentor, Ohio?

Textures of soils in Northeast Ohio often have high levels of clay and poor drainage. Tall fescue is our go-to grass type for Mentor landscapes. It holds up to the Northern Ohio summers.

Both liquid organic aeration and mechanical aeration can be beneficial for lawns in Mentor, Ohio. They loosen the soil and improve air, water, and nutrient access to the roots. This process can help tall fescue grass grow thicker and healthier and control thatch, which can slow growth and weaken the turf.

Tips for choosing the right aeration method:

• Know your type of soil and the amount of thatch and build-up your lawn has
• Determine the type of coverage you want, liquid aeration has 100% coverage and longer-lasting results
• Know the possible underground obstacles in your lawn and which service can best avoid damaging them

What is the best time of year for a successful aeration in Mentor, Ohio?

Liquid organic aeration in Ohio should be applied in the back half of the year or in the fall months. Rainy weather helps push the solution into the soil. Additionally, aeration is beneficial in the fall, between October and November, to help the lawn recover from the hot summer.

Expert Tips for Successful Lawn Aeration

Pre-aeration care:

• Know the quality of the grass seed you may be using. Some companies cut corners when it comes to seed blends.
• Inform your lawn care service about underground obstacles. Be sure to inform your potential lawn care company and be aware of underground objects such as an irrigation system or an invisible dog fence.
• Perform leaf clean-up before and after aeration. If aerating in the fall, it is important to rake and dispose of leaves prior to aeration. Also, leaf clean-up post aeration and overseeding is important to ensure new grass seeds are getting proper sunlight.

Post-aeration care:

• Create a lawn watering schedule. Understand proper water practices and gather the necessary equipment in advance, especially if soil conditions are drier than normal.
• Do not pick up aeration cores. You may be tempted to pick up the soil plugs left from core aeration, however these are extremely beneficial to your lawn and break down naturally over a couple of weeks.
• Water new grass seed. If you have added overseeding to your aeration process, the right amount of water is critical for their survival. Water as needed to keep the soil moist.
• Continue with a lawn care program. Work with lawn care professionals to continue with a plan to fertilize and control damaging weeds and insects. Our focus is on fostering a lush, healthy lawn that naturally discourages weeds. Ohio’s hot summer months create an environment for crabgrass. It is important to stay ahead of the curve with pre-emergent herbicides. Our team uses high-quality, EPA-approved fertilizers and organic matter to nourish your lawn and deter weed germination.
• Repeat aeration yearly. Set your lawn up for success by making aeration part of your yearly routine!

Let’s Recap!

1. Properly aerating your soil is one of the most important factors in maintaining a healthy lawn.
2. Know what time of year is best for your specific type of soil. In Mentor, Ohio, fall and spring are the best seasons for aeration, and these are the most common months for homeowners to aerate their lawns.
3. Decide which aeration method is best for your lawn. Mechanical and liquid organic aeration both have different processes and offer different results.
4. We recommend liquid organic aeration as the better solution in most circumstances.

Aeration not only adds beauty to your property but also creates a comfortable space for outdoor activities, increases property value and even contributes to environmental sustainability. Ecolawn offers comprehensive lawn care services to Northeast Ohio, proudly serving Cuyahoga County, Geauga County, and Lake County.

We specialize in:

• Lawn Care
• Liquid Organic Aeration
• Tree & Shrub Care
• Perimeter Pest Control
• Flea & Tick Control

Help us understand what you are looking for in your lawn. If you want to hear your neighbors say, “Your lawn is so much better than mine!” We encourage you to fill out our complimentary consultation so one of our lawn technicians can give your lawn the help it needs to thrive and become resilient year after year.