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Show Aeriating lawn aids root growth Aerating your lawn can help improve im-prove the underground root structure, struc-ture, the key to keeping the lawn lush and full. Bill Varga, Utah State University Universi-ty Extension horticulturist, says a commonly asked question at the Utah Botanical Gardens extension office is when to power-rake the lawn. But Varga advises against power-raking except in extreme cases of thatch buildup. "Aerating the lawn, over time, is a much better procedure than power-raking," he explains. Aerating is the process where plugs of sod are removed, opening small, vertical channels into the root zone. This allows water and air to penetrate into the lawn's root zone and encourages stronger root growth. "How lush and full your lawn looks above ground is directly proportional to how healthy and strong the roots are," Varga says. Aeration also helps decompose thatch layers and encourages deeper deep-er movement of phosphorus fertilizer. ferti-lizer. Mr. Varga says it's especially important to aerate lawns with steep slopes or in path or play areas where soil compaction may be a problem. For those who still want to know the best time to power-rake, he advises waiting until after Sept. 15. |