At Landmark Landscapes, we believe a healthy, thriving lawn starts beneath the surface. That’s why we often recommend two important services—core aeration and dethatching—and advise against a common but outdated practice: lawn rolling.
The Benefits of Core Aeration
Over time, soil becomes compacted from foot traffic, mowing, and general use. When the soil is too dense, air, water, and nutrients have difficulty reaching the roots. That’s where core aeration comes in.
Core aeration uses a specialized machine to remove small plugs of soil from the lawn, creating pockets that allow oxygen, water, and nutrients to reach the root zone. This process:
- Relieves soil compaction
- Enhances root development
- Improves water absorption
- Boosts fertilizer effectiveness
The result? A thicker, greener, and more resilient lawn. We recommend aeration at least once a year—typically in the spring or fall—for best results.
The Role of Dethatching
Thatch is the layer of dead grass stems, roots, and debris that accumulates between the soil and the grass blades. A small amount of thatch (less than ½ inch) is natural and beneficial. But too much can block water and nutrients from getting into the soil, harbor pests, and promote disease.
Dethatching removes this excess material, allowing your lawn to breathe and absorb what it needs. It also promotes new growth and gives your turf a fresh, rejuvenated appearance.
Why We Don’t Recommend Lawn Rolling
While lawn rolling might seem like a good way to smooth out bumps or settle sod, Landmark Landscapes does not recommend it for established lawns. Rolling compacts the soil even further—especially in spring when the ground is wet—undoing the benefits of aeration and making it harder for roots to grow.
Compacted soil leads to poor drainage, shallow root systems, and increased stress on grass during hot or dry weather. In short, rolling might make your lawn look flatter temporarily, but it harms long-term health.
The Bottom Line:
Choose practices that support deep root growth and soil health for a vibrant, healthy lawn. Core aeration and dethatching help your lawn breathe, while lawn rolling works against it. Trust Landmark Landscapes to deliver thoughtful, proven solutions for your lawn—rooted in science, not old habits.
Contact Us
Landmark Landscapes of Sheboygan Falls, WI is a full-service landscape company. Based out of Sheboygan County, with a Green Lake, Wisconsin satellite office. We are centrally located and uniquely positioned to service the areas of Sheboygan, Elkhart Lake, Fond Du Lac County, Green Lake County, Ozaukee County, Manitowoc County, and Door County. We can manage your property with our Total Property Care system, and design and build projects large and small. Contact us today at 920-467-6442 to learn how we can care for you.
