Core Aeration Outlawed in Arkansas

Written By Andrew Kenley

Ok, so it isn’t technically illegal, but new legislation makes core aeration no longer a viable option.

For years, we have said that true core aeration is better than liquid aeration.

We still believe that.

If a lawn is truly compacted, physically pulling cores from the soil is the gold standard. So this change is not about us suddenly thinking liquid aeration is “better.”

It is about the reality of new Arkansas laws.

Why the change?

Arkansas has increased the legal and financial risks associated with soil-disturbing services like core aeration.

The Arkansas Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act

That means continuing to offer traditional core aeration now comes with:

  • mandatory marking with 811

    • multi-colored paint all over the property that lasts weeks

    • a 4 ft. barrier must be maintained around all markings

      • leading to significant areas left un-aerated

  • serious liability if underground lines are hit

    • fines that start at $2,500 per violation

    • escalates to more than $10,000 for repeat offenses

For us, that makes large-scale core aeration no longer practical.

We would rather be honest about that than pretend nothing has changed.

Our position, in plain English

  • Core aeration is still superior

  • Liquid aeration is not the same thing

  • But liquid aeration is now the most practical, responsible option under current Arkansas law

Are we Switching to Liquid Aeration?

Yes, but we are doing it THE NATURAL STATE HORTICARE WAY!

The only thing this new service has in common with other lawn providers offering a similar service is the name.

What makes it special:

  • The quality of products is unmatched

  • The mix rates of active ingredients are cranked to the max! We aren’t messing around 😊

  • Timing: two applications precisely timed for maximum benefit

  • Aggressively low pricing

Two liquid treatments per year, combining concentrated rates of Carbon-Rich Humic Organics and Biostimulants with premium Wetting Agents, a.k.a. moisture manager.

The first in May and the second in August.

“Aren’t these products already in your normal lawn treatments?”

Yes.

Our lawn program already includes moisture managers and soil-building organic inputs. But this service is very different because we are applying them at much stronger rates for a very specific purpose.

With Liquid Aeration, we will apply:

  • Carbon-Rich Humic Biostimulants @ 3X the normal rate

  • Moisture Manager @ 2X the normal rate

That means adding Liquid Aeration to your program will effectively triple the amount of soil-building organics applied each year.

Real Horticultural Benefits

This stronger mix has major benefits during the most critical times of year (May and August):

  • improve water and nutrient movement deep into the soil

    • meaning deeper, healthier roots

  • improved moisture retention during drought

  • organics soothe and reduce stress making lawns more resilient

  • thriving microbial life improves soil structure over time

And because these are soil-conditioning products, not a heavy nitrogen push, this stronger application does not create an overdose risk when applied at labeled rates.

Strategic Application Timing

May Treatment

Applied when the lawn is:

  • coming out of dormancy

  • recovering from winter stress

  • building strength for summer

This helps the lawn gain momentum early in the growing season.

August Treatment

Applied when the lawn is:

  • worn down from heat

  • dealing with drought stress

  • struggling with uneven moisture

This is where the heavier moisture-manager rate becomes especially valuable.

May builds strength. August helps relieve stress.

Benefits of Liquid VS Core Aeration

Unlike core aeration, Liquid Aeration:

  • can be performed 2X per year, not just once

  • lower cost

  • 3X annual organic input

  • 2X moisture-management

  • ZERO risk of damage to irrigation or utilities

  • wider availability to all clients

Financial Benefit

Here is the part most clients will appreciate:

2 Liquid Aeration treatments are 35-40% less than 1 Core Aeration

1 Liquid Aeration Treatment is 30% less than a Regular Lawn Treatment

We know the loss of core aeration STINGS for clients suffering from compaction, fairy ring, or just want the best results possible. That is why we’ve gone to great lengths to make this new service as accessible as possible.

Bottom line

We are not making this switch because of marketing hype.

We are making it because:

  • Arkansas law changed

  • the liability is real

  • this new service gives us a practical, premium alternative we can offer to everyone

It is not the same as core aeration, but it is a smart, effective, lower-cost service that fits the world we are operating in today.

Andrew Kenley
Next

Powdery Mildew