Spike aeration is a process that punches small holes into lawn turf to allow air, water and nutrients to get to the grass roots. It provides a quick way to get oxygen to compacted soil and can help lawns recover from high traffic. But is spike aeration actually effective for improving lawn health compared to doing nothing at all? Let’s dive into the pros and cons.
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What is spike aeration?
Spike aeration, sometimes called plug aeration, involves using a tool to punch holes into the soil. The holes are typically 2-3 inches deep and 1/2 inch in diameter. The holes allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate the soil more easily compared to compacted soil.
The spiking action helps break up compacted layers in the soil. Soil compaction occurs when foot traffic, mowing equipment and other factors compress the soil over time. Compacted soils have reduced pore space, which limits air and water circulation to grass roots.
There are a few different spike aeration tools:
- Spike lawn shoes – Straps onto shoes to punch holes as you walk
- Rolling spike lawn aerator – Pulls behind a lawn mower to aerate as you mow
- Stand-on spike aerator – Allows standing on a platform to press spikes into soil
- Tow-behind spike aerator – Attaches to a lawn tractor to puncture holes across the lawn
Spike aerators are faster and easier to use compared to core aeration, which extracts plugs of soil. However, spike aeration does not remove soil like core aeration. It simply punches holes into the ground.
Benefits of spike aeration
Here are some potential benefits of using spike aeration:
- Relieves soil compaction – The spikes puncture compacted layers to create openings for air and water movement.
- Improves water infiltration – Water absorbs into the soil better through the holes instead of running off the surface.
- Enhances nutrient absorption – Aeration allows fertilizer and nutrients to get to roots more effectively.
- Encourages deeper roots – Oxygen to roots encourages them to grow deeper into the loosened soil.
- Reduces thatch – Thatch breakdown is enhanced when more oxygen can reach soil microbes.
- Quick and easy – Spike aerators are simple tools that allow quick aeration.
The main advantage of spike aeration is how quickly it can perforate the soil to allow air penetration. For highly compacted lawns, spike aeration may provide noticeable benefits.
Limitations of spike aeration
Spike aeration has some drawbacks to consider:
- Temporary effects – The holes can close back up in as little as 2-4 weeks.
- Minimal soil loosening – Does not lift or fracture soil, only punches holes.
- Potential grass damage – Foot traffic and equipment can damage grass plants.
- Soil drying – May speed up soil drying if unable to water frequently.
- No soil amendment – Unlike core aeration, does not allow adding materials into holes.
- Repeated needed – Requires repeating every 4-8 weeks for continued effects.
The narrow holes created do not reduce soil compaction as much as core aeration. The aeration effects are temporary since holes can re-close. Frequent re-spiking may be needed to sustain benefits.
When to use spike aeration
Here are some situations where spike aeration could provide benefits:
- Lawns with high foot traffic that quickly compact
- Athletic fields used frequently for sports
- Soil that is naturally dense with little aeration
- Compacted lawns overlying hardpan soil layers
- As preparation for core aeration or other lawn treatments
- When core aeration is not feasible or affordable
Spike aeration offers a quick, inexpensive way to puncture the soil. It can help hold lawns over until core aeration is done. For high traffic areas, occasional spiking may provide periodic soil opening.
When to avoid spike aeration
Here are some instances where spike aeration may not be beneficial:
- As a replacement for core aeration
- On new lawns still establishing
- On sloped areas prone to erosion
- During drought conditions
- On lawns with extensive fungal issues
- If unable to irrigate after spiking
The punctures from spike aeration may stress weaker grass. Core aeration is still the best method for thoroughly reducing compaction. Spiking should be avoided when grass is trying to establish or is already stressed.
Spike aeration vs. core aeration
Here is a comparison of spike aeration and core aeration:
| Spike Aeration | Core Aeration |
|---|---|
| Punches small holes 2-3 inches deep | Extracts plugs of soil 2-4 inches deep |
| Requires less equipment and labor | More equipment and labor intensive |
| Provides only temporary improvement | Better for long term improvement |
| Does not remove soil | Removes cores of soil to promote growth |
| Can be done 1-2 times per year | Typically done 1-2 times per year |
| Less risk of damage to lawn | Potential damage if cores not handled properly |
In summary, spike aeration offers quick puncturing of soil but does not remove soil or provide lasting compaction relief. Core aeration lifts plugs to significantly reduce compaction but requires more effort and has some risks.
Improving spike aeration effectiveness
Here are some tips to get the most benefit from spike aeration:
- Water deeply 1-2 days before spiking to moisten soil
- Use fan-type spikes to open larger holes
- Spike in multiple directions for better coverage
- Apply fertilizer or compost into holes after spiking
- Consider rolling after spiking to press holes firmly
- Irrigate immediately after spiking to fill holes
- Repeat spiking every 4-8 weeks through the growing season
Proper watering, fertilization, and frequency are important to extend the limited benefits of spike aeration. Using high quality spikes that make larger holes can also help improve effectiveness.
Does spike aeration work?
Research studies on spike aeration effectiveness show mixed results:
- A 2-year university study found no improvement in lawns with spike aeration compared to no aeration.
- Another study showed aeration increased root mass for 1 month but then declined.
- Research in 2004 found spike and core aeration similarly improved turf quality and density.
- One study found spike aeration marginally improved root growth compared to an untreated lawn.
Overall, research indicates spike aeration alone provides minimal and temporary benefits to soil and grass. However, it is likely better than no aeration at all in heavily compacted lawns.
Conclusion
Spike aeration can provide periodic, light relief of soil compaction in lawns. The holes allow sudden infusion of air and improved permeability. However, the effects are very short-term compared to core aeration.
Spike aeration is best suited for use in high traffic areas and athletic fields that experience frequent compaction. For homeowners, spike aeration may hold benefit when performed multiple times per year. But core aeration is still required periodically for deep compaction relief.
Spike aeration is not a complete replacement for core aeration. But it does offer an inexpensive, low risk option to lightly puncture the soil when used properly. Overall, spike aeration is better than no aeration for periodically improving severely compacted lawns.