Knowledgebase

Liquid aeration #841845

Asked July 21, 2023, 11:14 AM EDT

Do you have any information about the efficacy of liquid versus mechanical aeration. I've attempted to search for some guidance from the Virginia Tech Extension Service (or other authoritative source), put am pretty much coming up without anything. A search of the Knowledgebase did not find anything. My lawn service is promoting liquid aeration. But my intuitive sense is that mechanical aeration is more beneficial given the heavy clay soil where I live in Varina. The lawn service says liquid is better (and there is no cost difference for either), but I'm skeptical. Any guidance that you can offer will be greatly appreciated.

Henrico County Virginia

Expert Response

I hadn't heard about liquid aeration before.  I did a quick search of extension sites and this information came up, which was along the lines of what I was thinking: https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/lawns/1545-liquid-lawn-aeration/

I then reached out to our turfgrass specialist on campus for his opinion and this was his response: 

No scientific basis for liquid aeration to compete with mechanical aeration, Ed... lot of discussion about it, but nothing to vouch that it is that beneficial... most of these materials seem to be concentrated liquid soaps.


I would stay with the mechanical, core aeration this fall.  You may also benefit with adding 1/4" of compost when you aerate.  The organic matter can help to break up clay over time.  You can topdress with another 1/4" in the spring.  

Would you mind sharing with me the name of the lawn service company that is offering liquid aeration?

Ed
Ed Olsen Replied July 21, 2023, 3:37 PM EDT

Ed,

 

Thank you so much for your research and response. I will definitely stay with mechanical aeration.

 

The company is Picture Perfect Lawn Maintenance. https://pictureperfectlawn.net/

 

They sent me this video to support their claim that liquid is better than mechanical: https://youtu.be/mz-AWOm2XLc

 

They promoted liquid aeration last year (I refused) and are making a much harder pitch this year (although there is no cost difference to the homeowner).

 

Best,

Lee

 

From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Friday, July 21, 2023 3:37 PM
To: Lee Tyler Ball <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Liquid aeration (#0111771)

 

The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2023, 4:01 PM EDT

Loading ...