The best time to aerate your lawn will depend on your grass type. For warm-season grasses, late spring to early summer aeration is best. On the other hand, early spring or fall aeration is ideal for cool-season grasses.
We all need to take a breather sometimes — and your lawn is no exception. With lawn aeration, you can give your grass the oxygen, water, and nutrient boost it needs while improving soil drainage.
Signs your lawn needs aeration
If your grass is not growing densely or as green as it used to, soil compaction and nutrient deficiency may be the problem. Aeration can help revitalize your lawn by allowing the grass to produce a deeper and stronger root system, helping it withstand environmental stressors such as pests, drought, and disease.
To determine if your lawn needs aeration, you must consider several factors, such as:
- Your lawn was established with sod: If you installed sod over compacted soil and the soils were not mixed, roots won’t grow into the ground beneath the sod, making them shallow and weak. Aeration breaks up the soil layering to spur root growth.
- Your lawn feels spongy and dries quickly: A lawn with a spongy feel may have a thatch problem. Take a sample with a shovel that goes about 4 inches deep. If you have a layer of thatch greater than a half-inch, it’s time to dethatch and aerate.
- Your lawn is new: Lawns that are a part of newly constructed homes often need aeration to help the lawn develop properly. The topsoil is often stripped away, and lawns are established on subsoil that has seen a lot of traffic, so it’s likely compacted.
- Your soil feels compacted: It may be time to aerate if your soil is hard to the touch and water tends to puddle or run off rather than soak in. A simple test involves pushing a screwdriver into the ground. If it meets resistance, it’s a sign of compacted soil.
- Your lawn gets heavy foot traffic: Aeration can be especially beneficial if your lawn gets heavy foot traffic or you have clay soil. Even lawns with sandy soil can benefit from aeration.
- Your grass has become unhealthy: If you notice your grass thinning, withering, or losing its green color, soil compaction may be the culprit. Compacted soil also can cause your grass to develop diseases like brown patch.
Pro tip: A quick test to check if your lawn needs aeration is to cut out a section of your lawn around a square foot and at least 6 inches deep. If the grassroots are growing only 1 to 2 inches deep, your soil may be compacted, and aeration could give your roots a boost.
Best time to aerate your lawn
Timing is everything when it comes to lawn aeration. You’ll want to aerate during your region’s growing season so that grass recovers quickly and fills the holes in your lawn. Here’s when you should consider aerating your lawn:
- If you have warm-season grasses like Zoysia and bermudagrass, aerate in late spring or early summer for quick grass recovery.
- Fall is the ideal time to aerate cool-season grasses like tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass. Even though you can aerate cool-season lawns in early spring, fall is preferred because weeds are less likely to sprout in the holes created by aeration.
To tailor your aeration schedule precisely to your grass type, consult this quick guide:
| Type of grass | When to aerate |
| Bahiagrass | Late spring to early summer |
| Bentgrass | Early fall |
| Bermudagrass | Late spring to early summer |
| Carpetgrass | Late spring to early summer |
| Centipedegrass | Late spring to early summer |
| Kentucky bluegrass | Early fall |
| Perennial ryegrass | Early fall |
| St. Augustinegrass | Late spring to early summer |
| Tall fescue | Early fall |
| Zoysiagrass | Late spring to early summer |
Pro tip: To avoid lawn stress, do not aerate in the peak of summer heat. The high temperatures and potential lack of moisture can make recovery more challenging for your grass. For specific aeration advice based on your region and soil type, it’s a good idea to contact your local extension office.
How to maximize the effects of lawn aeration
Aeration involves puncturing small openings in your lawn to relieve soil compaction and enhance the delivery of vital elements like oxygen, water, and nutrients to the root system. This process encourages roots to dig deeper beyond the topsoil, fostering their strength and resilience as they grow.
For the best results, consider aerating your lawn:
- When the soil is moist: It’s best to aerate when the soil is moderately damp but not overly saturated. To gauge this, try inserting a screwdriver into the ground. If it slips in with ease, it’s usually a good time to aerate.
- Before overseeding: If you’ll be overseeding your lawn, aerate just before scattering the new grass seeds. Aeration creates little holes for the seeds to settle in, which helps them in their growth.
- Every one to three years: While some lawns need it more often, most lawns benefit from aeration every one to three years. If your lawn has sandy soil or good drainage, you can aerate it every two or three years. But if your lawn has heavy clay soil or gets a lot of foot traffic, consider aerating more frequently.
Apart from aerating your lawn at the right time, remember to follow these tips to make it more effective. Additionally, if you assess your soil conditions and moisture levels and plan your aeration schedule according to your grass type, you’ll have a healthier and more vibrant lawn.
FAQ about lawn aeration
How much does lawn aeration cost?
Lawn aeration costs anywhere from $82 to $251, depending on various cost factors like lawn size and grass type. If you already have an aerator and the skills to use it, you can save money on aeration. However, hiring a pro for the job can ensure better results while you use your time for other important matters.
Does my lawn need to be aerated or dethatched?
You’ll need to aerate your lawn if the soil is compacted. On the other hand, lawn dethatching is essential if there’s a thick layer (more than half an inch) of thatch.
What happens if I apply herbicide after aerating?
A pre-emergent herbicide can stop weeds, such as pesky crabgrass, from growing in the holes you’ve created.
However, synthetic herbicides can harm new seeds and prevent healthy growth. If you’re planning to overseed after aeration, hold off on a broad herbicide application. Instead, spot spray if weeds emerge.
Aerate for a healthy lawn
With aeration, your grass can flourish and provide you with a lush, healthy landscape that will make your neighbors green with envy. Now that you know the best time to aerate your lawn, you can schedule it according to your grass type and location.
If you’d like to get your soil in peak condition, you can hire a local lawn care pro who knows when to aerate your lawn best. They’ll make aeration a real breeze, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing all’s well beneath the soil surface.
Main Photo Credit: omasz Zajda | Adobe Stock Free | License
