Effects

• Turf grass performs poorly in compacted soil. Roots lack sufficient water and air, causing them to thin out. They also fail to grow deeply in the soil, resulting in a weak root system that fails to recover from environmental stresses and regrows poorly year after year.
  
  

Aerating

• Core aerating reduces soil compaction and improves associated problems. These include thatch buildup and water run-off. Removed cores should measure at least 1/2 inch in diameter and 3 inches long for best results.
  
  

Soil Amendments

• Adding gypsum or lime to the soil increases the amount of calcium. Performing this task at the time of aeration increases the speed with which the calcium is dispersed into the soil. This proves especially helpful in cases in which soil compaction is caused or aggravated by high levels of salt or fertilizer.
  
  

Grass Species

• Most grass species experience great difficulty growing in areas with compacted soil. Bermuda grass is one species that may grow and continue root development in such soil.