Lawn aeration can be a big job in the summer heat. Liquid lawn aeration might sound like a dream come true for the homeowner who wants to cut down on the work and time required to keep that lawn looking perfect. But does liquid lawn aeration really work?
What Is Liquid Lawn Aeration?
Liquid lawn aeration is done by spreading a chemical product across the ground, just as you would use liquid fertilizer. Liquid aerators add humic acid, polymers, and other materials that claim to change soil chemistry, soften the ground, and allow more oxygen to get to the roots. They also break up sodium deposits and encourage more earthworm activity to help open up the soil.
Does Lawn Aerating with Chemicals Really Work?
Lawn aeration with chemicals works to a point, but it requires several applications to see a difference in the health of your lawn. Since the chemicals work on the soil but not the top layers of grass, if you have very thick thatch, liquid lawn aeration might not work as well as manual aeration.
A lawn with very thin or very hard topsoil might not benefit from liquid aeration products either; in that case, top-dressing the lawn with fresh topsoil every season and gradually building up the base for grass roots to grow might be your best bet. Don't hesitate to sow new grass seed in any bare patches.
A good alternative to using liquid lawn aeration alone is the occasional rental of a physical aerator for your lawn. Using the aerator over your lawn and then using the liquid aeration a few weeks or months later could jump-start your lawn into better health.
Shannon Dauphin is a freelance writer based near Nashville, Tennessee. Her house was built in 1901, so home repair and renovation have become her hobbies.
