Aeration loosens compacted soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to get to grass roots. And the best time to aerate Minnesota lawns is when grass is growing most vigorously, generally late August to early October. Aerate, every two to three years, more frequently if your lawn gets a lot of use.
Minnesota’s loam and peat soils naturally compact at a moderate rate, quicker with added foot traffic. When soil becomes compacted, it’s difficult for grass roots to expand, grow, and absorb water, sunlight, fertilizers, and nutrients. Aeration creates small holes in your lawn, loosening the soil and allowing your grass to flourish.
Aerate between late summer and early fall
The best time to aerate in Minnesota is late August to early October. That’s because Minnesota’s cool-season grasses grow fastest between late summer and early fall, and you get the most benefit out of aeration when the grass is growing.
While you can aerate in spring, weeds are more likely to spring up through the holes.
Aerate before the first frost. Aerating after the first frost of the fall can damage your lawn. For more information on grass planting, here’s When to Plant Grass Seed in Minnesota.
For more about your cool-season grasses, check out The Best Grass Seed for Minnesota Lawns.
If you plan to aerate yourself, check out our How to Aerate a Lawn guide. Checking out the different types of aeration, Core Aeration vs. Spike Aeration, is a good idea, too.
How often should you aerate?
Generally, we advise aerating every year or two.
Minnesota’s soils vary from acid peat bogs in the north to gently rolling, deep loamy soils in the south. Because both loam and peat are moderately prone to compaction, you may only need to aerate every two to three years.
A lawn that is heavily used by kids and pets or for get-togethers may need to be aerated every year or two.
If you’re unsure if your lawn needs aeration, here’s a quick trick: Stab a screwdriver into your lawn. You don’t need to aerate if it goes in without resistance. If it’s challenging, you do.
Related Links:
- When to Fertilize Your Lawn in Minnesota
- The Best Lawn Fertilizers for Minnesota
- When to Plant Grass Seed in Minnesota
- Minnesota Native Plants for Your Landscape
- Drought-Tolerant Plants for Minnesota Landscapes
- Native Minnesota Prairie Plants for Landscapes
- The Best Minnesota Wildflowers for Your Garden
- How Minnesota is Paying Homeowners to Plant Wildflowers
Should I hire a professional?
Lawn care tasks, like aeration, are relatively easy and doable for most homeowners, but it’s also labor-intensive, time-consuming, and a pain in the grass. Lawn Love can help shoulder the load. We’ll connect you with a vetted, affordable, experienced, local lawn care professional. Your lawn will look fantastic without breaking a sweat or the bank.
Main Image Credit: Shutterstock
