GARDEN CARE, EXPLAINED / CORING

Give compacted soil breathing room

Help air and water reach the root zone when lawn soil has become compacted.

Watercolour illustration of coring — Coring lifts small soil plugs to relieve compaction.

WHAT IT DOES

A little understanding.
A better conversation.

Coring, also called hollow-tine aeration, removes small plugs of soil from the lawn. These openings relieve compaction and create space for air, water and nutrients to move towards the roots.

THE RIGHT TIME AND APPROACH

Choose a period when the grass is actively growing. Soil should be moist enough for clean cores, without being waterlogged or hard and dry.

HOW IT WORKS

Assess. Care. Follow through.

Start with the garden

Assess compaction, grass growth and soil moisture, and identify irrigation fittings before work begins.

Choose the right method

Pass a suitable coring tool or machine over the lawn to lift out small soil plugs.

Finish with a plan

Agree whether the plugs will be broken down or collected, then discuss watering and any suitable top-dressing.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Good care keeps going.

Small holes and soil plugs are normal after coring. Plugs can break down on the surface; follow the agreed watering and mowing advice as the lawn recovers.