Learn when to aerate, methods for aeration, and preparation steps.
Several methods and tools are used to accomplish the task manually or mechanically.
When deciding how to aerate your lawn, consider your yard size,grass key in, and budget.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
Why Aerate Your Lawn?
Over time, soilespeciallyclaytends to compact and harden due to foot traffic, mowing, and poor drainage.
This prevents water, oxygen, and nutrients from reaching the hungry roots of your grass.
Credit: Blaine Moats
As a result, your lawn becomes thin, pale, and patchy.
Lawn aeration breaks up hard soil so the grass roots can feed more easily.
Seedlings need time to reach maturity before being able to withstand aeration.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
There are several types of manual aerators: aerator shoes, handheld aerators, and manual drum aerators.
Aerator Shoes
Aerator shoes with sturdy metal buckles are a great budget-friendly choice for small yards.
Penetrate the turf thoroughly by making multiple passes over your lawn in different directions.
Handheld Aerators
Handheld aerators come in various configurations, but most resemble a pitchfork.
The manual tool is generally a spike aerator, but some handheld aerators are designed to removeplugs.
Consider investing in an aerator with a foot bar for extra leverage.
Push the drum aerator across your lawn, making at least two complete circuits in different directions.
Most manual drum aerators are spike lawn tools, but some are plug aerators.
How to Aerate Your Lawn Mechanically
Consider mechanical tools to aerate your lawn more quickly and efficiently.
These heavy-duty aerators usually remove plugs of soil and grass, which is the best method of lawn aeration.
Pull-behind aerators are generally heavier and spikier than manual lawn aerators, more effectively executing the task.
Preparation
A few days before aeration, rake up any fallen leaves or debris.
Mow your grass to about half its usual height andwater itwell.
Mark the locations of sprinkler heads and other small in-ground obstacles with flags or chalk.
During Aeration
Aerate the lawn using your chosen tool.
If using a plug aerator, one pass is sufficient.
Fertilize your lawn or apply a top dressing ofcompost.
This is also a good time toreseedany bare patches.
Return to watering andmowing your lawnaccording to your regular schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should aerate your lawn at least once a year.
Heavily used yards and landscapes with clay soil should be aerated more often.
Yes, you’re free to water and fertilize your lawn after aeration.
In fact, newly aerated holes give water and fertilizer the most direct path to grass roots.
Utility lines and pipes are generally buried deep enough to avoid damage during aeration.
Wires and underground sprinkler systems, however, are potentially at risk.
Use flags to mark hidden objects, helping you avoid them when aerating your lawn.
