Aerate phrase example They improve the soil's nutritional content, make it healthier, provide organic matter, aerate the soil, and make it easier for roots to develop. The compost components are aerated by rotating the drum. If you have a half-inch or more of thatch on your lawn, now is the time to aerate it. The thicker the layer of thatch, the harder it will be to cultivate and the less likely you are to see any results from your efforts. Aeration is the process of creating holes in the soil so plants can get air and nutrients needed for healthy growth. This is done with a spade called an aerator. There are two types of aerators: open-top and closed-bottom. Open-top aerators leave a thin layer of dirt on top of the soil to allow water to drain through. Closed-bottom aerators create a deep trench in which to deposit their material, leaving no surface residue. Trenches should be at least 30 inches wide to ensure adequate coverage of the rooting area. Aerating your yard keeps the soil porous and allows gases such as oxygen and nitrogen to reach plant roots, helping them obtain the nutrients they need for healthy growth. This is important for lawns that don't receive regular fertilization because nutrients are lost into the ground if left intact. Lawns that aren't aerated may look fine on the surface but could have problems beneath the surface where nutrients are needed the most.