7 Benefits of Lawn Aeration – Why Your Lawn Needs It & When to Do It
Lawn aeration involves making small holes in the lawn so that the grass’s roots receive all the necessary nutrients for proper growth and development. This practice, often neglected, plays a vital role in lawn care. Homeowners and estate owners are increasingly performing this task at a specific time of the year to achieve the best results.
Aeration is carried out to eliminate soil compaction. Compacted soil can be recognized because the lawn dries out quickly, grass can be easily pulled from the ground, and the roots may be shallow or poorly developed.
When soil is poorly drained, the roots cannot absorb water, air, and other nutrients. Compacted soil is often the result of heavy foot traffic on the lawn, prolonged rainy days, or children playing. In such conditions, the plant expends a lot of energy to develop a strong root system. Since it cannot supply nutrients to the entire mass of leaves, the grass begins to die.
In this text, we present all the essential details about aeration and how it can contribute to the proper development of your lawn—because surely, you want a lush, healthy, and green lawn.
How Is Aeration Done, and What Methods Exist?
Soil aeration, or the process of making small holes in the soil, allows for better drainage and a more efficient flow of air and water. This, in turn, means that the roots will develop better.
The next question is: how is aeration performed, and which methods are the most popular among homeowners? There are two predominant methods: Core Aeration and Spike Aeration.
What Is Core Aeration?
Core aeration works by using hollow tines on an aerator to mechanically remove plugs of compacted soil. The plugs are then left on the surface to naturally break down the thatch. The soil plugs are extracted at a depth of 5 to 10 cm, with a spacing of 5 to 7 cm.
The soil remains dotted with small holes, but this is how to aerate it and allow thick and healthy grass to sprout. Some experts say that core aeration is the best and most effective method.
If you have a smaller lawn, manual core aerators are the best solution, especially when you want to perform targeted aeration—e.g., on a specific part of the lawn. Depending on the brand and quality, manual aerators range from $25 to $90. For a larger area, a wheeled aerator, similar in appearance to a lawnmower, is a better choice.
If your lawn requires a gas-powered core aerator, you should pass over the lawn twice, once in one direction and then again at a right angle. Approximately 20 to 40 holes per square meter are made, with 2 to 3 cm spacing.
Mechanical aerators are most commonly chosen for medium to large lawns where moderate to severe soil compaction has been observed—their price ranges from $1,500 to $6,500.
What Is Spike Aeration?
Spike aerators are aerators that also create holes in the soil, but they are pointed and do not remove plugs of soil as hollow tines do in core aeration. Figuratively speaking, it would be like poking a fork into the dough before baking it. The pointed rods do not penetrate the ground, so these aerators work best on small areas without rocky or clay-heavy soil.
This type of aeration is believed to relieve soil compaction temporarily but increases compaction in the long run.
How to Perform Spike Aeration Based on Lawn Size?
For small lawn areas, a simple garden fork or spiked shoes (which can be purchased for around $20 per pair) will suffice. The tines of the fork should be pushed into the soil at a depth of 8-10 cm, and to loosen the soil, they should be tilted forward and backward. Forks are most commonly used for small lawns with minimal soil compaction or when treating specific problem areas.
Spiked shoes are a very inexpensive option, also for small lawns, but experts consider them less effective.
There are also roller aerators, which are pushed across the lawn and resemble large cylinders with spikes. These are suitable for small lawns with mild soil compaction. However, if the soil is rocky or heavily compacted, this type of aerator will not be an effective solution. Essentially, it functions like a manual lawn mower, and you should go over the lawn twice, once in one direction and then at a right angle to the first pass. To add extra weight, models with a metal container are often chosen.
Tow-behind spike aerators are purchased by those who have large lawn areas, as they save time and effort in aeration. Additional weights can be purchased to improve soil penetration. This type of aerator typically has between 10 and 15 star-shaped blades that pierce the soil.
7 Key Benefits of Lawn Aeration
We are sure that by now, you are starting to understand the importance of aeration and why this is a highly recommended practice in overall lawn care.
Let’s take a look at the key benefits of aeration:
Reduces Soil Compaction
It is well known that compacted soil does not contribute to a lawn’s proper growth and development. In such conditions, the roots fail to promote the germination of new blades due to a lack of oxygen, sunlight, and essential nutrients.
What causes soil compaction? It most often occurs on lawns where children play daily, where there is frequent foot traffic, after prolonged heavy rainfall, or as a result of construction work in the area where the lawn is located.
Aeration resolves compacted soil. The holes in the ground help break up the soil, allowing better absorption of essential nutrients. The lawn’s recovery will be noticeable in a short time.
Improves Air Exchange & Root Growth
Aeration is important for multiple reasons, one of which is that it enhances air circulation. When the roots receive more oxygen, it directly influences faster grass growth.
The stronger the root system, the healthier and more resilient the grass blades become, making the lawn noticeably greener and denser. This contributes to the overall aesthetics of the lawn, and we all know that everyone wants a lush, green, and healthy lawn in their yard.
Enhances Water Absorption & Drainage
An essential role of aeration is to prevent water runoff and accumulation. If the soil is compacted, it cannot absorb moisture, leading to puddles forming on the surface. After aeration, water is evenly distributed and absorbed into the deeper soil layers.
Aeration improves the soil’s ability to retain water, preventing puddles and surface runoff. When the soil effectively absorbs water, it also reduces the risk of drought stress.
Lawn care experts constantly emphasize that plant root systems grow deeper and stronger when the soil is well-drained. This allows grass to draw water from deeper layers, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Increases Nutrient Uptake
Soil requires nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, but for them to reach the roots, they need a clear path. Aeration creates channels that allow nutrients to travel freely.
If you fertilize your lawn without aerating it first, the fertilizer may remain on the surface, or heavy rain may wash it away before it reaches the roots. Aeration facilitates faster absorption, ensuring that nutrients penetrate the deeper layers of the soil.
Promotes Thicker, Healthier Turf
Once aeration breaks up and loosens the soil, the roots have more space to expand and grow stronger. As the roots strengthen, the grass becomes more resilient, thicker, and healthier.
Aeration simply encourages new grass growth, filling in thin or uneven patches. The result is a lush, dense, and visually appealing lawn.
Helps Control Thatch Buildup
Thatch buildup is inevitable on lawns, but it must be managed to prevent dead grass from blocking the essential nutrients needed for proper growth.
Aeration improves soil aeration and helps in the natural decomposition of dead grass and organic debris. It is important to prevent thatch from suffocating the lawn and blocking the flow of oxygen and nutrients.
Prepare the Lawn for Overseeding
You may not have considered this, but aeration is an excellent preparatory step before overseeding your lawn.
After aeration, when small holes are created in the soil, the ground is ready to receive new seeds. Seeds that settle into the holes have a higher chance of germination because they can access essential nutrients in the deeper layers of the soil.
When you overseed a lawn on compacted soil, new seeds may struggle to establish themselves alongside existing grass. Aeration helps ensure uniform growth and better integration between new and old grass.
When & How Often Should You Aerate?
The best time to aerate is during the season when the grass is entering its peak growth phase, which varies depending on the region where you live. Aeration is most effective when done at the right time, and the golden rule is never to aerate dormant grass.
Aeration should be performed in late spring or early summer for warm-season grasses such as Bermuda, Zoysia, or St. Augustine. When aeration aligns with the grass’s active growth, it has a better chance of recovering quickly after aeration. The golden rule is to avoid aerating during the hottest summer days.
If your lawn consists of cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky Bluegrass, fall is the best time for aeration. While aeration can also be done in spring, fall remains the better choice. Why? Because weeds do not germinate as actively during this period, they will not take advantage of the holes created by the aerator.
How Often Should You Aerate the Soil?
Most lawns require aeration once a year to remain healthy and well-aerated.
However, if the soil is heavily compacted or the lawn experiences high foot traffic, it is recommended that it be aerated twice a year, typically in spring and fall.
How to Aerate Your Lawn Properly
These five key steps will help you master the aeration process, especially if you’re doing it for the first time.
Step 1: Test for Soil Compaction
Before starting aeration, it’s essential to test the soil to determine whether it is necessary.
Here’s how to do it: Insert a long screwdriver or metal rod into the ground. If it quickly penetrates at least 4-6 inches, the soil is loose enough, and aeration is unnecessary. However, if you encounter strong resistance, the soil is compacted, and aeration is necessary.
There are also clear visual signs that indicate it’s time for aeration. If water pools and does not drain after heavy rainfall or you notice weak, yellowing grass blades, this is a clear sign of compacted soil.
Step 2: Choose the Right Aeration Tool
Proper aeration depends on the tool you choose. There are two main types of aerators:
Core Aerator
- Uses hollow tines to remove soil plugs, creating holes 2-4 inches deep.
- Improves water, air, and nutrient absorption.
- Over time, this method enhances soil structure and reduces compaction.
- Best for heavily compacted soil and high-traffic lawns.
- Available as a manual tool, a gas-powered machine (similar to a lawnmower), or a tow-behind version (for large lawns).
Spike Aerator
- Creates holes using solid spikes but does not remove soil plugs.
- Provides temporary relief but mostly pushes soil sideways instead of loosening it.
- Suitable for lightly compacted lawns and occasional use.
- Available as spiked shoes, rolling aerators, and tow-behind spike aerators.
Step 3: Water the Lawn Before Aeration
For optimal aeration results, water the lawn beforehand – the soil should be moist but not overly saturated.
- Water the lawn the day before aeration, using about 1 inch of water.
- Watering should last 20-30 minutes to soften the soil properly.
- If you have an automatic irrigation system, set it to a light soaking.
- Do not aerate dry or excessively wet soil.
Step 4: Aerate the Lawn Evenly
Perform aeration evenly across the entire lawn, ensuring no areas are neglected. Pay special attention to compacted spots and high-traffic zones.
- Focus on areas that experience frequent foot traffic, as they often require multiple passes with the aerator.
- For thorough aeration, go over the lawn twice in different directions.
- Holes should be spaced 3-4 inches apart.
- If using core aeration, leave the soil plugs on the lawn-they will naturally break down and return nutrients to the soil.
Step 5: Fertilize or Overseed After Aeration
After aeration, it’s the perfect time to apply slow-release fertilizer, as the soil is now ready to absorb nutrients effectively.
- Use a fertilizer suited to the season and your grass type.
- This is also an ideal time for overseeding to increase lawn density.
- Seeds will settle into the aeration holes, promoting quick germination as they absorb nutrients from deeper soil layers.
- Water the lawn after seeding to moisten the soil and encourage faster germination.
Mistakes to Avoid When Aerating
Inevitable mistakes can occur during the aeration process, whether you’re a beginner or have some experience. Here are the most common ones:
Aerating when the soil is too wet or dry is one of the biggest mistakes. Aeration can make the soil even softer, leading to unnecessary disruption if the soil is too wet. On the other hand, dry soil makes it difficult for spikes to penetrate, reducing the effectiveness of the aeration process.
Using a spike aerator instead of a core aerator. While spike aeration may provide short-term benefits, core aeration has proven to be much more effective in the long run.
Timing is crucial. Aeration should be done in late spring or early summer for warm-season grasses, while fall is the best time for cool-season grasses.
Neglecting post-aeration care is another common mistake. Proper watering and fertilization after aeration help the lawn recover and thrive. After aeration, the soil is more open and receptive to nutrients, so neglecting fertilization and moisture can slow its recovery.
Conclusion
Lawn aeration is a crucial and necessary practice in lawn care, as it improves the absorption of oxygen, water, and essential nutrients.
Breaking up compacted soil through aeration enhances drainage, encourages deeper root growth, and creates a denser, healthier, and more resilient lawn.
Aeration is typically performed using two methods: core aeration and spike aeration. Core aeration is the recommended option due to its greater efficiency.
To achieve the best results, it is essential to choose the right aeration tool, water before and after aeration, apply fertilizer, and, depending on your grass variety, overseed the lawn to maintain its lush, green appearance.
As for timing, aeration for warm-season grasses should be done in late spring or early summer, while fall is the best time for cool-season grasses. Most lawns need aeration once a year, but twice a year may be necessary for lawns with heavy foot traffic.
If you have any questions about aeration, feel free to contact The Grass Outlet—they will be happy to provide expert advice.
The Grass Outlet offers premium Bermuda sod and expert lawn care advice to help homeowners keep their lawns looking their best year-round.
