A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Published June 23, 2005

Why do we aerate? The proof is in the picture. This photo shows roots growing in the hole created by the areation process. Since healthy roots are important to support the leaves above it's important to provide an environment suitable for good root growth. Why are the roots attracted to the aeration hole? The answer is air. Roots don't grow in soil, they grow in the air spaces between the soil particles. The hole created by the aerator is filled with air and thus a good environment for root growth. Did you ever hear someone say that roots grow in drain lines because they are searching for water? Well, it's not water they're after, it's air. If the drain line was filled with water there would be no roots in it. Remember this photo the next time the golf course is aerated and you'll know why aeration is an important part of growing good healthy turf.

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