Aeration is the process of breaking up the soil’s surface so that air and water can better penetrate it and improve the soil’s physical and chemical properties. There are three basic methods for aerating soil: spike, plug, and liquid.
This article will discuss how to aerate soil and provide information to help you determine which type of aeration is right for your property. If you’re not a fan of DIY aeration, the soil aeration experts in Kerrville, TX, from Rockoff Tree Solutions can help.
Spike Aeration
Spike aeration uses a mechanism that punctures the soil, creating small holes through which air and moisture can travel into the soil. Spike aerators are ideal for smaller plots of land that are otherwise difficult to aerate. Once the spikes are in the ground, homeowners should fill the holes with water or compost and let them sit for a few days.
The water prevents the soil from compacting once the spikes are removed, which can disrupt the growth of the plants in the ground and prevent the water from reaching the roots. After a few days, you can remove the spikes and till the soil to help absorb the water and improve its texture.
Plug Aeration
Plug aerators are devices that penetrate the ground to create a series of small holes in which water and air can enter the soil. Like spike aerators, homeowners can use plugs to create holes that are too small for other equipment to reach. As a result, homeowners can use plug aerators on large pieces of land and even in cases where other equipment might not be able to penetrate the surface of the soil.
Plug aerators can be especially useful in encouraging tree growth. The holes a plug aerator creates allow the tree’s roots to grow more effectively, leading to better growth and increased resistance to disease and pests.
The plugs are made from plastic or wood and have a sharp end. They also range in size from small cylinders to larger hollow tubes. To install them, you drive them into the dirt until they pass the surface level and then remove them carefully.
Liquid Aeration
Also known as “aerated” watering, liquid aeration is one of the most effective ways to improve your plants’ health and your yard’s soil quality. When learning how to aerate soil, understanding liquid aeration is essential.
Liquid aeration involves drilling small holes in the ground and adding a solution of oxygen and beneficial bacteria. This solution then passes through these holes into the compacted soil below, where the oxygen helps break down organic material. The beneficial bacteria help enrich the soil and provide your plants with essential nutrients.
Experts often use liquid aeration in conjunction with manual aeration, but it is also effective on its own to improve the health of plants in the ground. In addition, liquid aeration can improve the growth and quality of many different plants, including vegetables, flowers, fruit trees, and shrubs.
Conclusions
Ultimately, the ideal type of aeration depends on your garden’s needs and the kind of plant you’re growing. For example, spike aerators are suitable for smaller plots and plants that grow close to the surface of the soil, while plug aerators are excellent for large tracts of land and deep-rooted plants.
Now that you know how to aerate soil, the experts at Rockoff Tree Solutions can help you choose the best form of aeration for you. Please explore further if you’d like to learn more about caring for your tree’s roots, how to care for potted plants, or how to maintain a healthy lawn. Call Rockoff Tree Solutions at 830-955-0304 to schedule service today.
