Aeration
Aeration removes small plugs of soil (core aeration) or punctures the ground (spike aeration) to relieve soil compaction, improve drainage, and allow water, air, and fertilizer to reach the root zone. Core aeration is substantially more effective than spike aeration and is the recommended method for most lawns.
When to Aerate
Late summer to early fall (August–September) when soil is moist and the grass has 6+ weeks to recover before winter.
Late spring to early summer (May–June) during peak growth so the lawn recovers quickly.
Never aerate dormant warm-season grass in winter or heat-stressed cool-season grass in summer. The lawn needs active growth to recover from aeration.
Why It Matters
- ✓Compacted soil prevents water from penetrating — it runs off rather than soaking in, wasting irrigation and causing drought stress
- ✓Roots in compacted soil grow shallow, making grass less drought-tolerant and more susceptible to heat and wear
- ✓Aeration dramatically improves the effectiveness of fertilizer, lime, and overseeding by giving them direct access to the root zone
- ✓Thatch layers above 0.5 inch can be decomposed faster after aeration, where soil microbes can break it down
How to Aerate
- 1Water the lawn 1–2 days before aerating so the soil is moist but not soggy — dry soil prevents the tines from penetrating adequately
- 2Make 2–3 passes over high-traffic areas and one pass over the rest of the lawn
- 3Leave the soil plugs on the lawn surface — they will break down within 2–4 weeks and return organic matter to the soil
- 4Overseed immediately after core aeration for best germination results — the plug holes are ideal seed beds
- 5Apply fertilizer immediately after aeration for maximum uptake
Common Mistakes
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