[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by shcisamax

Great. I am south of 466A but in Fernandina...I wonder if it is sand or clay. How do you find out?

It's both -- a combination of sand and clay.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by Happydaz

The soil you have in your yard may not be what others have in their yard. For example, the soil south of 466A in my area of Pinellas has a sandy clay subsoil that drains very slowly. Aeration can greatly improve the passage of fertilizer and water to the grass roots. The fact that sandy clay soil can get compacted overtime means that aeration also helps loosen the top few inches of the soil which can help the grass grow better.

I also live in Pinellas.
The roots of grass do not go much further than a few inches at most.
Liquids go right through sand; clay not so quickly, but combined with the sand will drain faster.
The clay won't get compacted any more than it already is and is below the grass by a couple of inches.

What I have found in the Villages is that the lots are poorly graded.
While there is a swail between houses, the main portion of the lots are too flat and do not promote drainage towards the swails.

I still say that aeration will not do enough to warrant the cost.
Fertilizer that is watered will feed the grass.
Aerating soil does not go that deep and who wants to feed the sand and clay anyway?

[Happydaz]

Originally Posted by Bonanza

It's both -- a combination of sand and clay.

Yes, but the question is what percentage is sand and how much is clay. This can vary a great deal. As a lifelong gardener I can tell you that nothing is as simple as people think.

[shcisamax]

Great debate. Who knew. One thing I have to agree with is, when it comes to gardening, nothing is as simple as we think.

[Bogie Shooter]

Seems to be going beyond debate.............................

[shcisamax]

Well, I am learning a lot I didn't know. And I thank all for taking the time to discuss this.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Seems to be going beyond debate.............................

I agree with you that discussions shouldn't turn into debates. It really shouldn't happen.

At a personal level, and as a Florida Certified Master Gardner, I was trying to be helpful without being condescending.
I guess it doesn't always work.

[Phanatic Luvr]

Adam Neusbaum does aeration. Plug aeration that is. Has his own business and does a fantastic job. Charges $69.00. His number is 1-855-WE-AERATE (1-855-932-3728) We had him do ours last year, as we do our own landscaping and needed someone to do this service, and we couldn't believe how many plugs were pulled out of our lawn. Down side of it was, we have dogs and couldn't figure our where we needed to pick up after them for about a week. hahaha

[shcisamax]

What is a plug?

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by shcisamax

What is a plug?

Two main aerating tools exist � a spike aerator and a plug aerator. With a spike aerator, you simply use the tool to poke holes into the ground with a solid tine, or fork. Plug aerators remove a core or plug of grass and soil from the lawn. For the best results, use an aerating tool or machine that actually removes plugs of soil. Poking holes is less effective and can actually cause additional compaction in the areas around the holes.

Look for an aerating tool or machine that removes soil plugs approximately 2 � 3 inches deep and 0.5 � 0.75 inches in diameter, and about 2 � 3 inches apart. These machines can be rented from lawn and garden stores or home improvement centers. Always follow the directions provided by the store. You may want to consider sharing the rental cost with a neighbor who is interested in aerating the lawn.

[shcisamax]

Thanks for the full explanation.

[batman911]

Aerating is not the same as detaching which removes dead grass. Not sure you need to do either in Florida unless you are having fungus problems.

[PaPaLarry]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Two main aerating tools exist � a spike aerator and a plug aerator. With a spike aerator, you simply use the tool to poke holes into the ground with a solid tine, or fork. Plug aerators remove a core or plug of grass and soil from the lawn. For the best results, use an aerating tool or machine that actually removes plugs of soil. Poking holes is less effective and can actually cause additional compaction in the areas around the holes.

Look for an aerating tool or machine that removes soil plugs approximately 2 � 3 inches deep and 0.5 � 0.75 inches in diameter, and about 2 � 3 inches apart. These machines can be rented from lawn and garden stores or home improvement centers. Always follow the directions provided by the store. You may want to consider sharing the rental cost with a neighbor who is interested in aerating the lawn.

That's correct Bogie!! (as usual) LOL

[bobthegolfer]

If you wish to aerate, we used Adam Neusbaum at 1-855 932-3728. GREAT job and very reasonable in cost - $69.00. Arrived on time and is very professional.

[kittygilchrist]

http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/materials/FY...ok_vSept09.pdf
Vast differences in soil composition exist in TV.
Look it up at the above site or search ifas. If you can't find the answer, contact your county extension agent who works for ifas.
I am in Gilchrist where the fill dirt is clay. some home sites were compacted additionally by construction vehicle traffic. These lawns sorely need aeration and addition of organic material. Scatter topsoil, black kow, and so on, and aerate. Just wearing cleats and clomping through the yard is helpful.