Core Aeration vs. Liquid Aeration
In 1976 All American Turf Beauty developed the very first lawn care program for the state of Iowa. Iowa lawn care staples for best results include a pre-emergent for crabgrass in the spring, slow-release fertilizer, and post-emergent weed control to handle dandelions and clover. Based on changing weather, more Iowans now opt for a grub preventer as well.
How Core Aeration Helps
Hollow tine core aeration, or lawn plugging, has been a critical component of lawn care in Iowa for decades. Plugging the cores helps clear thatch, create a seed bed, and increase soil-to-seed contact for best results. Unlike a power rake or detacher, core aeration helps clear thatch without tearing the turf.
A lawn care application is a treatment designed for turf, and core aeration is a mechanical process that works with the soil. However, it’s been an open question for decades on how best to improve the soil.
The Drawbacks of Topseeding Compared to Aeration
Many companies suggest an expensive process known as topdressing or soil restoration. Essentially this process involves hauling in a lot of dirt and dumping it on the lawn. While there can be benefits to this process, there are also some drawbacks.
The first drawback is the price tag of soil restoration. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to spend thousands of dollars. Another drawback is the dirt can blow around in the wind and roll down hills. Additionally, in most cases, there is a lot of weed seed brought in with the dirt. This can lead to heavy weed pressure.
Why We Love Liquid Aeration
Liquid aeration is the best solution for improving Iowa soils. Based on successful trials at Iowa State University, All American Turf Beauty has released our spring and fall liquid aeration program.
The successful trials at Iowa State were run by The Andersons, Inc. based domestically out of Ohio. All American Turf Beauty has partnered with The Andersons for our fertilizer needs since the mid-1970s. Our liquid aeration product comes from The Andersons directly.
Our liquid aeration, or bio-stimulant treatment, includes humic acid, fulvic acid, and sulfur. Humic and fulvic acid are bio-stimulant soil conditioners designed to increase the cation exchange ratio of the soil. This bio-stimulant treatment essentially unlocks the existing nutrients in the soil while making it much easier for water and fertilizer to get down to the roots of the turfgrass. Sulfur fixes chlorosis, or the yellowing of the leaf blade. Sulfur is incorporated in our slow-release fertilizer as well, as it’s known to improve color.
If you were a race car driver looking to get down the track faster, you might “supercharge” your car. Liquid aeration is a supercharger for your lawn.