How Does a Tow Behind Lawn Aerator Seed the Grass?

Aeration

• Over time, a lawn can become compacted and make it difficult for seeds to germinate. By aerating the lawn, you offer a better environment for new seeds to grow. Core aerators are the best type, as opposed to spike aerators that compress the soil. Core aerators send hollow-cored spoons, or pegs, into the soil, down to 3 inches, and remove cores of soil from the turf. This leaves behind non-compressed soil and holes that more readily absorb oxygen, nutrients and water. Such conditions are ideal for dropped seeds to germinate. Avoid using the spike-type of lawn aerators, which push spikes into the soil rather than opening it up with holes, especially if you have compacted turf.

Aerator/Spreaders

• Aerator/spreaders do two tasks in one, improving your soil condition for planting while dropping seeds into the prepared soil. As the equipment is towed, grass seed flows from the hopper unit whenever it is in the open position. The speed of the seed flow can be controlled with the flow setting adjustment. Seed distribution is also effected by the speed with which you tow the equipment. You can also spread fertilizer, lime or other additives with the seed spreading unit.

Benefits of Aeration

• Aerators increase the pore size of soil particles, helping grass roots grow better and resulting in stronger and more vigorous turf development. Another way to get seeding benefits with an aerator is to scatter seeds prior to running the machine. This improves seed to soil contact, resulting in quicker germination. The soil bed should be adequately prepared beforehand with this method. Seeds germinate faster when spread before, during or after aeration because it boosts their access to nutrients and water.

Improving Seeding Results

• Proper contact with loosened soil, as achieved with aeration, is just one aspect of successful seeding. Provide plenty of water and fertilize with a high-nitrogen turf fertilizer. If you are working with clay soil, your turf will benefit from topdressing of compost after seeds are scattered. The best time to use a core aerator is in spring or fall, rather than during the heat of summer, but it is effective whenever the soil has adequate moisture.