Aerating Your Lawn: Why, When, and How to Do It
Why Should You Aerate Your Lawn?
A lush, healthy lawn doesn’t happen by accident—it requires proper care, including regular aeration. If your grass looks thin, struggles to grow, or feels spongy underfoot, it might be time to aerate. At Nature’s View Lawnscapes, we specialize in helping homeowners achieve vibrant, thriving lawns. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about lawn aeration, including why it’s important, the best time to do it, and how to get the job done right.
Why Should You Aerate Your Lawn?
Over time, soil becomes compacted due to foot traffic, mowing, and natural settling. Compacted soil prevents air, water, and nutrients from reaching grassroots, leading to:
- Poor drainage (puddles or runoff)
- Thin or patchy grass
- Increased weeds and disease
- Weak root growth
Aeration solves these problems by creating small holes in the soil, allowing:
✔ Better oxygen flow to roots
✔ Improved water absorption
✔ Enhanced fertilizer effectiveness
✔ Stronger, deeper root systems
When Is the Best Time to Aerate?
The ideal time depends on your grass type:
- Cool-season grasses (Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, ryegrass): Early fall or spring
- Warm-season grasses (Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine): Late spring to early summer
Avoid aerating during extreme heat or drought, as it can stress the grass.
How to Aerate Your Lawn
1. Choose the Right Aerator
- Spike aerators (poke holes but don’t remove soil) – Good for mild compaction.
- Core/plug aerators (remove small soil plugs) – Best for heavily compacted lawns.
2. Prepare Your Lawn
- Water the lawn 1-2 days before to soften the soil.
- Mark sprinkler heads and hidden obstacles.
3. Aerate Properly
- Go over the lawn in multiple directions for even coverage.
- Leave the soil plugs on the lawn—they’ll break down naturally.
4. Post-Aeration Care
- Fertilize to boost recovery.
- Overseed if needed for thicker grass.
- Water deeply to help roots grow stronger.
Need Professional Help? Let Nature’s View Lawnscapes Handle It!
Aerating can be a labor-intensive task, especially for larger lawns. If you’d rather leave it to the experts, our team at Nature’s View Lawnscapes is here to help! We use professional-grade equipment to ensure your lawn gets the best treatment possible.
📞 Call us today at (864) 416-5119 for a consultation or to schedule lawn aeration services!
