Why and When is it Important to Aerate Warm-Season Lawns?

The two most common warm-season grasses in Virginia are Bermudagrass and Zoysia grass. Unlike cool-season lawns, warm season lawns benefit from annual core aeration during the early to mid-summer. Virginia Green utilizes a double core aeration technique which removes 2-to-4-inch plugs from the soil. A double aeration of the lawn reduces soil compaction and helps the spread of the warm season grass through the aeration plugs.

Benefits of Warm-Season Aeration

• Improved air and water infiltration
• Increased nutrient availability to the roots
• Increased turf density
• Reduced thatch development

Virginia Green does not recommend seeding during the fall for warm season lawns as it weakens the turf the following summer and creates other issues which reduce the overall turf quality. Warm-season grasses have lateral stems, called Stolons and Rhizomes which are capable of rooting in the soil, resulting in new plants. Also, when these grasses are cut and left on moist soil, they can easily spread.

Virginia Green recognizes annual core aeration is an important cultural practice. With our equipment and technique, you will get the best aeration possible for your warm-season turf.

If you have any questions or are interested in signing up for warm season aeration, call us today at 804.285.6200.