Verticutting Vs. Aerating; Which is Best for Your Turf?

Verticutting and aerating are both highly effective ways to prepare your turf for renovation. However, depending on the ultimate goal of your renovation efforts, either verticutting or aerating might be a better solution for your needs. We understand that you might not be sure which method to choose, which is where the experts at Kenney Machinery can help.

In our latest blog post, we’ll discuss when to use verticutting vs aerating, as well as discuss the equipment necessary to get the job done right. 

When Should You Aerate Your Turf?

During turf aeration, holes are made in the turf’s soil to provide the turf with greater access to valuable nutrients. This is especially important if your field has heavy soil compaction which is common over time. If you’re frequently noticing puddles in the turf or bare spots, heavy soil compaction is likely restricting the grass root system of the turf from accessing key nutrients they need for good health.

Soil can become compact for a number of reasons, including significant foot or vehicle traffic on an area, poor drainage, and thick turf. 

Aerating your turf is a great way to help your soil receive access to nutrients that will contribute to a healthy lawn. Attempting to aerate your turf with a rake can cause more harm than good. An aeration machine is designed specifically for jobs like yours. Contact Kenney Machinery to learn more today.

When Should You Verticut Your Turf?

Verticutting is the process of vertically mowing your turf. It attempts to eliminate too much thatch that might have built up over time. If left alone, this kind of thatch problem can destroy an area of turf, as it’s preventing the grass roots from receiving access to the nutrients that it needs to start the grass growing. When thatch has built up in a certain area of the lawn, you can often tell with a simple visual inspection. Thatch buildup is often made up of organic materials like grass clippings and dead leaves. 

Not only does thatch prevent the turf from receiving nutrients, but it also promotes disease that can cause dead grass and creates a welcoming environment for insects. In areas with a significant thatch buildup, consider verticutting your turf. This will help to remove thatch in a certain area, allowing your turf to grow and thrive.

When the time comes to verticut your turf, consider renting or purchasing a vertical mower or a verticutting machine. Utilizing the best possible equipment will provide ideal verticutting results.

Should You Aerate and Verticut Your Turf?

Many turf areas can benefit from both aeration and verticutting. In areas where thatch has occurred, verticutting the entire lawn is a great way for removing thatch. After that’s complete, you can aerate the area to provide it with even greater access to nutrients grass seed needs for sustained life and growth. Whether you’re verticutting or aerating, be sure to treat your entire area, and not just certain spots.

At Kenney Machinery, we’re proud to provide aeration and verticutting equipment from the biggest and best names in the industry. For more information about these products, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. We’d love to help you solve your turf management needs and concerns.

Contact Kenney Machinery for Turf Management Equipment

Here at Kenney Machinery, we understand how much it means to you to have healthy grass throughout your entire grounds. No matter what your needs might look like, Kenney Machinery is here to ensure that you have access to the right equipment for all your lawn care needs. To discuss your needs in greater detail, be sure to get in touch with us today. We’ll help you find the very best equipment for your situation.