Core Aerator

   / Core Aerator #1  

DDT

Platinum Member
Joined
Dec 18, 2000
Messages
966
Location
Clay Center, Kansas
Tractor
Kubota M6040/cab, BX25D, RTVX900
Can you guys tell me the advantage of useing a Core Aerator for your lawns? Landpride building them now.
 
   / Core Aerator #2  
Core aeration is done for a number of reasons the main ones are improve nutrient uptake by the root system, relieve compaction of high traffic areas, reduce pooling of water.There are numerous different types of machines used for this purpose, core aerators, high pressure water jets, slicing aerators, drill aerators, shatter tine aerators etc. Core aerators are the most common for household lawns.
 
   / Core Aerator #3  
DDT,

Let me climb up on my soapbox . . .

The main use of core aerators is to break through compaction on top of the soil. The implement cuts and removes a core (1/2" to 2" diameter, 1" to 4" long, depending on the unit) of material (grass, thatch, soil, etc.) from the ground, which then allows the movement of air, water, etc. down into the ground. Basically, a core aerator is a roller with a bunch of open pipes sticking out all over it. The pipes poke through the compaction and pull a plug of material out of the ground.

The REAL question is what causes the compaction . . .

Driving tractors and other heavy equipment over the ground is a good way to compact soil. The soil around a newly built house will usually be pretty well compacted from all the construction equipment. Highway departments use what's called a sheep's foot (a roller, sometimes filled with water, with metal 'feet' sticking up all over it) to compact a road bed before paving.

The main cause in grass yards is from using a mulching mower instead of bagging cut grass.

The problem is that not all of the cut grass breaks down, "to provide nitrogen and other nutrients for a lush, green lawn" - regardless of the claims of sales people. Over time this cut grass mats down, and must be removed with a dethatcher. Some people use a core aerator to cut through the mat, instead of dethatching.

/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gifAs you might guess, this is a pet peeve of mine. I really detest the fact that sales people don't give people "the rest of the story".

Pls pardon the preaching - I hope the rest of the info helped.

Dave Wells
 
   / Core Aerator #4  
DDT, Caretaker gives a good response to your question. I purchased a 48" Landpride aerator in Dec and will use it for the 1st time in late March-early April for the 1st time. Don't know if it will plug properly by itself or if I will have to add weight. It weighs about 80#'s more than a 48" Woods-Gill. Ryan makes a 48" that weighs around 600 #'s but was out of my price range. All were 3 pt hitch.
 
   / Core Aerator #5  
I have a 6 ft. Bush Hog core aerator and use it 4 times a year on my place. I do put weight on it so I get good plugs out of the ground. My soil is rock hard Georgia sun-baked clay. With time, and lots of chicken poop and aeration, it softens up.

I've found this really helps the pastures. Dont' care too much for a spike aerator. It compresses the soil, just the opposite of what you want to accomplish.

If you play golf you already know they do this about 4 times a year to the fairways and greens.

Bill Cook
 
   / Core Aerator
  • Thread Starter
#6  
Well thanks for all your repleys, That can be some info. I guess I'll wait and see if there is a need for that in my home town before I invest 2K. That would be alot of yards to recupe the money.
Thanks again I'm better educated now!!!
 
 
 
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