Liquid Aeration — Is it helpful or just hype?

Liquid Aeration — Is it helpful or just hype?If you're thinking about aerating your yard in the fall, you've probably heard of liquid aeration. You're most likely to be familiar with core aeration, too, which perforates the soil by making small holes in the ground to let air, water, and nutrients penetrate into the root zone and improve grass growth; it is an effective way to maintain the beauty of your lawn. 

We'll take a deeper look at liquid aeration and cover the following points:

Understanding Lawn Aeration

Compacted soil can slow — and sometimes prevent — root growth, negatively affecting a lawn's health. Aeration removes plugs of soil to combat soil compaction. Aeration is all about perforating soil. The process allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the root zone more efficiently. Soil compacts with lots of foot or vehicle traffic. 

Lawn aeration is essential for:

• Reducing soil compaction

• Enhancing water and nutrient absorption

• Promoting root growth

• Improving lawn resilience and overall health

Proper aeration makes the difference between the neighborhood eyesore and the envy of all turf lovers. Core aeration remains the gold standard. But some now turn to liquid aeration.

Method matters. Aeration is critical. So, does liquid aeration really work?

Does liquid aeration really work?

Experts at the Colorado State University Extension had this to say about the effectiveness of liquid aeration:

"There is no indication that any of these products has ever been scientifically evaluated for effectiveness. Simply stated, there is no 'chemical' substitute for physical remediation of soil compaction – namely the traditional core cultivation techniques that have been used for years on all types of turf areas."

We agree.

While liquid lawn aerators serve a purpose for minor soil compaction and are certainly more convenient, they shouldn't supersede core aeration for lawns subjected to heavy foot traffic or with significant compaction concerns.

Liquid aerators help relieve mild soil compaction since the surfactants' design improves water penetration. The enhanced water access helps replenish the root zone. This process merely mimics what core aeration accomplishes: freeing up water and air to reach the root zone that compacted soil kept closed.

Most experts agree: there is no chemical substitute for core aeration.

Liquid Aeration vs Core Aeration

Liquid aeration is the new kid on the block. Several products claim they are an effective and quicker way to aerate a lawn. Homeowners are supposed to apply the solution evenly across their lawns using a hose-end sprayer.

Whether or not this method makes a difference to the health of your lawn will depend on how severely your lawn suffers from compaction in the first place (as mentioned above).

Core aeration, also known as mechanical or plug aeration, involves using a machine to remove small plugs of soil from the lawn top physically. 

Removing plugs creates more space for roots to spread, leading to a healthier lawn. This practice benefits extremely compacted lawns and lawns grown on heavy clay soils. Core aeration acts as an immediate short-term relief for the lawn because it directly reduces compaction and creates long-term relief for the root system of the lawn.

It's a tried-and-true method.

Most lawn care professionals recommend it. Once the plugs of soil are removed, they create paths for air and water to infiltrate the soil. The holes left behind are also a perfect place to add sand, composted material, or topsoil, further improving the overall quality of the soil.

However, core aeration does have some drawbacks:

• It's a job for professionals. For most homeowners, doing core aeration themselves is not in the cards. The equipment? Heavy and expensive. Plus, the job must be done well and during the right time –— it's easy to cause more harm than good.

• Core aeration can be costly. Whether renting the equipment or hiring a professional, aeration comes at a price. The national average cost for aerating the typical 10,000-square-foot lawn is $139. If your lawn is large ... let's see: priced per acre, it'll be somewhere in the ballpark of $500 or more.

• The plugs are unsightly. Long-term, core aeration brings lawns a lush, vibrant look. But it takes time. It's not a quick, aesthetic fix.

Benefits of Liquid Aeration

Liquid aeration doesn't pull up plugs of soil. Looks better, no doubt. This fact is the appeal for many. On the surface, liquid aeration is cheaper, simpler, and doesn't leave a lawn littered with holes and small soil piles.

Professionals who use liquid aeration in their business enjoy not having to mark irrigation heads and worrying about damaging sprinkler lines.

(Drum-style aerators are not a cause for concern. While it is possible that a line might be buried too shallow, it's rare for any issue to occur as most water lines adhere to code).

Liquid aeration eliminates these stressors since they do not require heavy machinery that perforates the ground. It contributes to the maintenance and improvement of lawn health. It enhances the soil structure by causing particles to break down, which, in combination, improves air and water movement for better root respiration. Liquid aeration minimally enhances the soil's structure so nutrients can migrate into the root zone to benefit the grass.

A third potential benefit is that liquid aeration might stimulate soil microbial activity. Many liquid aeration products contain humic acid and other organic materials that promote the growth of beneficial soil microbes. These microbes decompose organic matter and recycle nutrients. The greater the microbiological activity in your soil, the healthier, more balanced, and ultimately more fertile it will become. 

Liquid aeration is easy to apply with a garden sprayer and can be done without as much disruption to the look of a lawn.

Liquid Aeration Application and Frequency

Applying liquid aeration is easy. Simply mix the ratio of product concentrate to water into a hose-end sprayer and apply and reapply according to the product's instructions.

Liquid aeration products rely on active surfactants, humic acid, beneficial microbes, and other organic ingredients.

Start by watering your lawn. It will soften the soil and encourage deeper penetration of the liquid aeration solution. Begin applying at the edges of your lawn and work toward the center to ensure even coverage.

Focus on areas with heavy foot traffic.

After application, water the lawn again. The goal is to help the product soak into the soil further and activate the ingredients. Avoid mowing for a day or two to ensure the solution can seep through. Many products encourage reapplication at set intervals.

Best Liquid Aeration Products

When it comes to achieving the best lawn, choosing the appropriate product is crucial. Remember, take the claim of the following products with a grain of salt. Liquid aeration won't clear up severe compaction. But it may have a place on your shelf for minor issues and occasional applications for overall lawn health.

Here are some of the following products we've seen experts use and that users have left good reviews for:

Simple Lawn Solutions Liquid Soil Loosener

Simple Lawn Solution's liquid soil loosener states that it can be used alone or alongside core aeration. It can be used on all grass types, including:

Apply it to your lawn with a garden sprayer, and let the solution get to work. Some of the reviews noted their lawns looked more vibrant after repeat application.

Nature's Lawn & Garden Aerify Plus

Nature's Lawn & Garden Aerify Plus is another highly-rated liquid aeration product. It combines surfactants and soil conditioners, including humic acid, to break up compacted soils. Users have been pleased with the product, claiming greater overall lawn health and improved appearance after repeat applications.

Aerify Plus claims it can break up clay soil, compaction, and hardpan. Plus, it states it's a pet-friendly product.

Revive Organic Lawn Soil Treatment

Revive Soil Treatment is a liquid aeration product that increases the water-retaining, nutrient-absorbing, and soil-structural capacities of your lawn's topsoil. A formulation containing surfactants, organic matter, and essential nutrients makes a fertile home out of your turf. Revive is well-suited for drought-prone areas because it boosts the soil's water retention capabilities. This product also receives high user ratings because of its ease of use and results.

Liquid Aerator by Covington Naturals

Liquid Aerator by Covington Naturals reduces soil compaction and improves root structure. The product claims to loosen compacted soil, increase microorganism populations, and boost enzymes.

Reviewers noted that their lawns appeared healthier and greener with this product. One reviewer, a grounds crew worker for a golf course, said they use four to six ounces per 1,000 square feet on their tee boxes and greens.

Quick Summary

Liquid aeration is a relatively new product compared to core aeration. While many homeowners noted their lawns benefited from using a liquid aeration product, many experts refute their effectiveness.

We also feel that, while liquid aeration can supply benefits to the soil, it is not a replacement for actual physical soil remediation – something that core aeration does. It may be of benefit for minor issues. But if your soil suffers from severe compaction, core aeration is the way to go.