The best times to aerate your cool-season grass are from April to May and September, and the best time to aerate your warm-season grass is between May and July.
These are the periods when grass is growing fastest, and aerating your lawn during growing periods loosens compacted soil and provides passageways for water, nutrients, and air to reach the roots. In this article, we look at the ideal time to aerate your Utah lawn.
Time of year
Both cool- and warm-season grasses grow in Utah. Cool-season grasses grow throughout the whole state and warm-season grasses grow in the southernmost part. (Read our article, The Best Grass Seed for Utah Lawns, to learn what grasses grow in Utah).
A general rule of thumb is to aerate your lawn when your grass is actively growing, that is:
- For cool-season grasses: once between April and May and once in September.
- For warm-season grasses: once between May and July across the state. However, in cooler areas like Grand County and southern San Juan County, aerate between May and September.
Pro Tip: If you plan on applying a pre-emergent to control common Utah weeds, wait until after you aerate. Aerating the lawn can reduce herbicide’s effectiveness by opening up spots for weeds to sprout.
Soil temperature
Soil temperatures affect when to aerate your lawn. Both cool and warm-season grasses need the soil to consistently reach specific temperatures:
| Type of grass | Soil temperature |
| Cool-season grass | 50°F |
| Warm-season grass | Between 65°F and 75°F |
Helpful tools and resources:
- This app shows soil temperatures based on location.
- Our guides, Lawn Care Calendar for Cool-Season Grass and Lawn Care Calendar for Warm-Season Grass, tell you where aeration fits in your yearly lawn care routine.
Other conditions for aeration
Other conditions that influence the best time to aerate your lawn include:
- Soil moisture: Aeration works best when the soil is damp but not overly saturated. Place a screwdriver into the ground to measure your soil’s moisture. If it slips in easily, your soil is ready for aeration.
- Time of the day: Aerate your lawn in the morning, when cooler temperatures and higher humidity help the soil retain moisture.
- Before overseeding: Aerating your lawn pokes holes into the ground, creating spaces for new seeds to settle and grow.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best way to aerate my lawn?
The University of Utah recommends using a hollow-tine aerator 3 to 4 inches in length and ¼ to ¾ inches in diameter.
How often should I aerate my lawn?
Lawns in Utah only need to be aerated once a year. For best results, the University of Utah suggests aerating in one direction and once again at a 90-degree angle in the first direction.
What should I do after aerating my lawn?
Lightly water your lawn to promote soil recovery. This watering guide for Utah homeowners will help. Next, seed the lawn to encourage new grass growth and improve density. Finally, fertilize to nourish your grass as aeration makes channels for fertilizer to reach the roots more effectively.
Hire a professional
We know you’re busy. Maybe you won’t be in town when it’s time to aerate. Don’t worry – Lawn Love has your back. Contact us and we’ll send a lawn care pro to aerate your lawn for you.
Main Image Credit: Horticulture | Adobe Stock | License
Related Posts:
