how deep do i aerate

[dlandscaping]

I need some quick help, tried a search didn't find what i was looking for. Here in the northeast specifically Mass. How deep should i aerate 2.5"? I have a 19inch bluebird aerator and it has 4 plugs across. Should i go over it twice or no? Can i run the engine on low throttle and still be ok as long as it doesnt stall? I booked it for tomorow morning since it is my only spare time all next two weeks so i need some quick help. thanks in advance guys.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Run it wide open and let it go as deep as it will penitrate.

Idea water absorbsion is to 6".

[Brickman]

I have a similar aerator. I adjust the throttle for how open an area I am working in. Around the house and shrubs, slow it down. Wide open yards you can fire wall it.
As for how deep? go as deep as the machine will go. I have never gotten more than 3 inches out of mine. Or any that I ever used.

[Planter]

In turf class the prof did a study on aeration patterns. He claims the more hole/square foot the better. Two passes is great and three is better. I try to overlap each pass by one-half the width of the tines, that give me about double coverage.

I did the back yard at home one time, double coverage, and the front four times, double coverage, last spring. In the summer heat you could see a difference in the two. Front was much better.

Kevin

[RoyaleRcr]

I agree with Planter. i allways overlap to get about 9 to 12 holes per sqr. ft. Depth is a matter of soil moisture. 6" is almost impossible to acheive.

[garydale]

Soil moisture is the most important factor.

Take what ever you can get depth wise. You will never get 6"with a hand unit.

Deep tine aerator will do 6"- 8" but its a big unit.Used mainly on athletic fields.

Spring AE vs. fall aeration??? I was thaught to never aerate in spring ( mid-atlantic region ) because it just opened you up to more crabgrass.What are some of your thoughts?

[GarPA]

true about spring and crabgrass....but...with the improved air and water to the turf, the grass will be thicker in a month or 2, healthier and more drought tolerant....we can always kill the weeds later...personally I'll take a few more weeds with a healthier turf than the other way around.

as said above, plug depth varies due to soil condition...I have a Lawnaire 28...it will take plugs out of asphalt and yet there were times last week where it pulled deeper ones in certain parts of the yard....if you can get 2 to 2.5 inches thats good. Just my opinion, but you also dont want to over do the amount of cores you take out...2 passes are great but I wouldn't do more than that....make sure you charge for 2 passes too, most companies do only one pass around here in PA...but it still produces good results...hope this helps