David Lofgren, of the Los Angeles County Arboretum, explains the need for lawn aeration, or the process of getting oxygen to the roots. Clay soil needs to be aerated when it has become compacted due to heavy use.
A hand aerator works well for small areas; simply push the spikes into the ground (figure A) and pull them back out. The plugs of ground will come out the top of the spikes and can be left out to disintegrate (if the soil is sandy) or thrown onto the compost heap (if the soil is clay). Sprinkle sand over the area to fill in the holes and keep the ground from being too soft.
If you have a large area to aerate, use a power aerator (figure B). As always, when you use power tools, be sure also to use safety equipment.
Gadget Dude: Stand-Up Weeders
The Gadget Dude demonstrates three weeders that can save wear and tear on your back: - The Japanese hoe can be identified by its triangular shape and razor-sharp edge (figure C).
- The weed hound is placed flat on the ground and, when the foot pedal is pressed, drives sharp spikes into the soil that close around a weed and remove it, root and all (figure D).
- The turf adz has a serrated edge that easily cuts through weeds and trims off sprouters (figure E).
Web site resources for aerating your lawn: Lifetips.com Tips from the National Gardening Association
GUESTS :
David Lofgren
Los Angeles County Arboretum
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