Do You Really Need to Aerate Every Year? Expert Advice on Aeration
Do You Really Need to Aerate Every Year? Expert Advice on Aeration
Lawn aeration is one of those services that often gets recommended, but not everyone understands when or why it's truly necessary. At Nature’s View Lawnscapes, we’ve helped countless homeowners across South Carolina grow greener, healthier lawns—and one of the most common questions we get is:
“Do I really need to aerate my lawn every year?”
Let’s dig into that.
What is Lawn Aeration?
Aeration is the process of perforating the soil with small holes to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the grassroots. This helps the roots grow deeper and stronger, which results in a more resilient and lush lawn.
There are two main types of aeration:
- Core aeration – plugs of soil are removed
- Spike aeration – holes are poked into the ground without removing soil
Core aeration is generally more effective, especially in South Carolina's clay-heavy soils.
So, Do You Need to Aerate Every Year?
It depends. Not every lawn needs annual aeration, but many benefit from it—especially in the South where compacted soil and heavy foot traffic are common.
You should aerate annually if:
- Your lawn gets heavy use (kids, pets, gatherings)
- You have clay or compacted soil (common in SC)
- You see bare spots, puddling, or thinning grass
- You have lots of thatch (over ½ inch thick)
You may not need to aerate every year if:
- Your lawn is new, professionally installed, and well-maintained
- The soil drains well and isn’t compacted
- You already have a regular lawn care plan in place (like ours!)
What Happens If You Skip a Year?
Skipping aeration now and then isn’t the end of the world—but neglecting it long-term can lead to poor drainage, weaker root systems, and increased susceptibility to drought, pests, and disease.
Think of aeration as giving your lawn a breath of fresh air. Without it, the roots suffocate under the surface.
When’s the Best Time to Aerate in South Carolina?
Early fall (September to October) is the ideal time for core aeration in South Carolina. It gives your grass time to recover and take full advantage of the improved soil conditions before going dormant in winter.
Let Us Do the Heavy Lifting
At Nature’s View Lawnscapes, we take the guesswork out of lawn care. We’ll assess your lawn’s condition and recommend a custom plan—whether that includes annual aeration or not.
Call us today at 864-416-5119 to schedule a consultation. Let’s bring your lawn to life—naturally.
