Lawn Aeration

Lawn aeration is the process of removing small plugs of soil from your lawn to relieve compaction, improve airflow, and enhance water and nutrient absorption. Over time, soil becomes dense, making it difficult for grass roots to grow deep and strong. Aeration allows your lawn to breathe, promoting healthier, greener grass.

Your lawn likely needs aeration if:

• Water pools instead of absorbing into the soil
• The soil feels hard and compacted
• Grass looks thin, weak, or patchy
• There’s excess thatch buildup (a thick layer of dead grass and debris)
• Your lawn sees heavy foot traffic from kids or pets

For most lawns, once per year is recommended. If your soil is heavily compacted or your lawn sees a lot of use, aerating twice a year (spring and fall) may be beneficial.

The best time for aeration depends on your grass type:

• Warm-season grasses (Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St. Augustine) – Late spring or early summer
• Cool-season grasses (Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass) – Early fall or early spring

Avoid aerating in the peak of summer heat when the grass is stressed.

To maximize the benefits of aeration:

• Water your lawn to help the roots recover
• Apply fertilizer to encourage growth
• Overseed (if needed) to fill in bare patches
• Leave the soil plugs on the lawn—they will break down naturally and improve the soil

Yes! A thick, healthy lawn is the best defense against weeds. Aeration promotes dense grass growth, making it harder for weeds to take over.

If your lawn has poor drainage, aeration can help by loosening compacted soil and allowing water to penetrate deeper. However, severe drainage issues may require grading or additional soil amendments.

Yes! If your lawn looks weak, thin, or patchy, aeration can stimulate root growth and improve nutrient absorption, helping your lawn recover and grow thicker over time.