Grass roots need air, water and nutrients to grow thick, deep and strong. When soil becomes compacted, even slightly, it inhibits the flow of the essentials that support thicker, healthier turf growth. Compacted soil can make a significant difference in the health and beauty of turf.
When soil is compacted, turf tends to grow shallow roots because the water does not penetrate beyond the upper layer of soil. In this condition, turf struggles in stressful situations, such as heat and low rainfall, and requires more irrigation. The aeration process vents soil to alleviate compaction so that air, water and nutrients can reach grass roots. These vents allow water to penetrate farther into the soil, encouraging deeper roots and reducing irrigation runoff.
Third Mutual will begin aerating turf beginning the week of October 30, 2023, in Gate 7 and working through the mutual’s 165 acres of turf, a process that is expected to take four months. Irrigation crews will work ahead of the aeration contractor, marking irrigation heads with blue flags to avoid damage from the aeration machine. The machine will leave behind small brown “plugs” that are harmless cores of soils and grass. These plugs will be broken up by the VMS mowers on the next mow cycles.
No chemicals are involved in this work and the plugs on the turf are no danger to pets.
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