When is it best to Core Aerate your Lawn in Charleston Tri-County?    May  - Aug 

Don't Wait.  Schedule your Core Aeration ahead of time prior to May.   

Schedule Us Now. 

Why Core Aerate?

WHAT IS CORE AERATION?

If your lawn soil is compacted, the solution is straightforward: aerify   The practice of physically removing cores of soil and leaving holes or cavities in the lawn is defined as core aeration or aerification.  Aeration is the naturally occurring process of air exchange between the soil and its surrounding atmosphere to help reduce soil compaction, promotes root growth, & improve soil for healthier grass (see video).  Core Aeration is part of your Soil Amendment maintenance.  

Note: For optimum results for your lawn, we recommend on the same day to:

1. Core Aerate

2. Fertilize with slow release pellets according to your grass type. 

3. Topdress w/CarbonizPN  or Regular Organic Compost then add CarbonPro G  (look for the Mirimichi Green Indian Arrow Logo on the bag) every 4-6 weeks on your entire lawn to maintain & build excellent organic materials on your soil.

Note:   Also your lawn will benefit from a Soil pH Test, fix the pH balance from your soil test results and follow your grass type's Lawn Maintenace Calendar. 

You can take Core Samples from the lawn immediately after Core Aeration (take off the top 1" and only use the bottom 2-3 inches for your soil samples, crush it, let dry and place into a soil bag).  See video on our web Soil pH Testing. 

Our website has lots of great information to assist you with your lawn journey. 

BENEFITS OF CORE AERATION:

• Loosens compacted soil and increases the availability of water and nutrients.

• Enhances oxygen levels in the soil, which stimulates root growth and enhances the activity of thatch-decomposing organisms.

• While removing cores of soil, the spoons or tines also sever the roots, rhizomes, and stolons. Grass plants are stimulated to produce new shoots and roots that “fill up” the holes in the lawn and increase the density of the turf.

• Reduces water runoff, increases water infiltration and percolation, and improves drainage.

• Increases the lawn’s drought tolerance due to enhanced root growth and improves its overall health.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD LAWNS BE AERATED?

Most home lawns benefit from annual aeration.  Heavily used lawns, or those growing on heavy clay or subsoils may need aeration twice a year. 

Once your soil is up to par, you can aerate every two years.

Golf fairways, sports turf and municipalities may need aeration three to five times per year depending on the amount of use. 

SOURCE:  Clemson HGIC & RYAN Turf.com

How Much is it?

• 500 sq ft (.022 acre) - 5,000 sq ft (.11 acre) starts at $185 - Most HOA Home Lots

• 5,001 sq ft (.11 acre) - 9,900 sq ft (.227 acre) starts at $255

• 10,001 sq ft (.23 acre) - 21,780 sq ft (.5 acre) starts at $345

• 1/2 acres and above - Customized Quote

  • Prices are based on lawns that are ready to be Aerated.  See Ready Means below.

  • Military & 1st Responders 10% off Core Aeration Service.  Please note on your quote form & have identification available at time of core aeration service. 

  • NOTE:  Core Aeration Services requires a Credit Card on File.  We charge your Card once the job is completed. 

If you want to Do It Yourself (DIY):

• DIY (Do It Yourself) - You can rent the walk behind Core Aerator machine at your nearest:

• Home Depot Unbranded PRO Aerator Rental 554918A - The Home Depot and/or your nearest equipment rental companies.

DIY - Keep in Mind:

1.  Check to see if the core aerator equipment is available for the day, you're wanting to aerate your lawn.

2.  You'll need to pick it up one day & return the equipment the next day unless you finish your project that same day.  

   • Do you have a truck or minivan?  The machine is very heavy.  

   • You'll need to lift it up and over your truck bed or minivan unless you have ramps.  Your vehicle will get dirty.

   • Core Aeration is labor intensive & you'll need to dedicate time out of your day.  As of 2024, Push Aerator rents for 109 + tax at Home Depot. 

   • Heavily compacted lawn may require two passes to make sure entire lawn is covered.   Again, labor intensive in a hot weather.

What Palmetto Lawn Service Recommend immediately after Core Aeration?

1.   Fertilize  - We recommend Lesco Products (for Centipede Grass - Lesco 15-0-15) for other types of turf, Palmetto Lawn Service 843.779-6069 - Fertilizing or see Clemson HGIC website.

2.  TopDress with CarbonProG  LESCO CarbonPro-G Soil Optimizer (QGCY) 40 lb. | SiteOne  (make sure it has Mirimichi Green Logo On it)

   • For your initial topdressing:  Use 1 bag of CarbonPro-G per 1000/square feet

   • Then topdress using 1 bag per 8k sq. ft. of CarbonPro-G every 4-6 weeks thereafter. 

     • Product origination:  LESCO® CarbonPro-G™ | Mirimichi Green 

3.  Deep Watering at least 1" see Clemson HGIC Watering Lawns

4.  Follow your grass type's Lawn Maintenance Calendar  (email us PalmettoLawnService2020@gmail.com & request a pdf copy for your grass type, & we'll send you a pdf copy).

5.  Control your Weeds & Lawn Insects. We recommend: Lawn Doctor, Crystal Cook group616@lawndoctor.com  Phone: 843.873-5711 

   • or Visit your nearest Local Landscape Supply Companies. 

   • Here's a sample page for weed & insect products:  Lawn Care Products | Super-Sod (supersod.com) 

Core Aeration Prices are based on lawns that are ready to be Aerated.

Ready means:

1.  Yard is Free of Debris.  (If you need us to clean the debris, let us know - Surcharge fee is according to what needs to be cleaned up).

2.  Lawn is Cut at between 1" - 2.5" height prior to Aerating.  (If you need mowing service prior to core aeration, let us know - Surcharge Fee). 

3.  Before we get started, make sure the soil is moist enough.  Please water your lawn the day before we arrive unless it rains prior to our scheduled service arrival.

4.  For Lawns that have water sprinklers, please mark your sprinkler heads with flags & any obstacles prior to the day of Aerating.  

   • (If you need us to do this, let us know - Surcharge Fee).

 5. Contact or go to the website:  811 In Your State (call811.com) at least 4-7 days prior to your Lawn Core Aeration Project.   -  We will set this up for you. 

Note:  

• Please Refer to Our Agreement & Cancellation Policy.

• Prices subject to change depending on size of lot, obstacles & market. 

DISCLAIMER: 

1.   We are NOT liable for any sprinkler damage that is not marked.

2.   We are NOT liable for any other obstacle on your lawn that is not marked.

3.   We are NOT liable for any sprinkler lines, cable, internet, electric wiring, etc.  that are within 6" of your lawn soil and/or ground.  

• Note:  Our Core Aerator Machines can aerate between 2" - 5" deep.   It is set to core aerate between 3"- 4" deep.