It’s almost fall—pumpkin spice is in the air, lunch boxes are back in rotation, and it’s already time to start thinking about Halloween decor. But while you’re busy thinking about cozy throws and costumes, there’s one thing you might be overlooking: your lawn. More specifically? Lawn aeration. This process of reviving and refreshing compacted grass keeps your lawn healthy and thriving, but what exactly is it, how often should you do it, and how much? We brought in two pros to answer your FAQs.
Meet the experts:
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Jacob Romkee, Thumbtack Pro Advisory Board Member and owner of Vintage Lawn Service
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Erik Collado Vidal, horticulturalist, cultivation industry expert, and CEO of Grow Barato
FAQs about lawn aeration
What is lawn aeration?
“In its simplest form, aeration means ‘to insert air,” explains Romkee. “When we provide a lawn aeration service, we use a tool that breaks the layer of top soil, making finger-sized holes throughout a lawn. This allows for both oxygen to reach deep into the soil and carbon to escape.”
Why should you consider lawn aeration?
“Aeration is important because it improves the overall health and resilience of your lawn,” Vidal says. “When roots can access oxygen, water, and nutrients more freely, grass grows thicker and develops stronger root systems, which makes it more tolerant to drought and heat stress.”
What are some signs that your lawn needs aeration?
If your lawn has bald spots or you notice water pooling on the surface after watering or rain, your soil may be compacted and in need of aeration. “Another indicator is if your grass looks weak and thin despite regular care, or if it feels hard when you press your foot down,” Vidal says.
What’s the best time to aerate your lawn?
The best time to aerate depends on the type of grass you have. “For cool-season grasses, early spring or fall works best because that is when they are actively growing and can recover quickly,” says Vidal. “Warm-season grasses do better if you aerate in late spring or early summer. Said differently? “You always want to time aeration during a growth period so the lawn can heal and take advantage of the improved soil conditions.”
How often should you aerate your lawn?
Romkee recommends at least once every year or two. Have a lawn that sees heavy traffic, whether from kids, pets or equipment? You may need to aerate sooner or more often than in low-use areas.
How much does lawn aeration cost?
Most lawn service companies will be able to provide this service and you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to about $500, depending on the size of your lawn.
Can you DIY lawn aeration?
Yes—but if you go this route, both Vidal and Romkee recommend using a power core aerator (which you can rent for around $100 per day). Vidal adds that those spiked shoes “can help a little, but they are not as effective as proper equipment.” Spike aeration, he explains, punctures small spikes through the top layer and is okay for lighter soils or quick in-between maintenance.
You’ll also want to make sure your lawn isn’t too moist or too dry before starting. “A little moisture is good, but a lot can cause tracks and damage from the aerator,” explains Romkee. “In a dry climate, you will probably need to water three to four days before aerating for best results.”
He also recommends mowing your lawn shorter than usual—”about half an inch to a full inch shorter should be enough—and putting a landscape flag next to each sprinkler head to avoid them when aerating. “Follow all safety guidelines for your specific equipment, and make two to three passes over every area of the lawn.” Finally, he suggests adding topsoil, grass seed, and fertilizer when you’re finished.
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