What Is Lawn Aeration?

Lawn aeration, coring, and aerifying are different terms you might hear for the same procedure. A core aerator removes plugs of soil from your lawn, which helps loosen compacted soil and allows vital air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots. You can either aerate your lawn yourself or call a lawn service. If you plan to DIY, rent an aerator (you’ll need help and a truck to transport it) and follow these tips.

How to Aerate Your Lawn

1. The day before aerating your lawn, apply 1 inch of water to the lawn to soften the soil.
2. Make sure to mark any sprinkler heads or shallow irrigation, septic, or utility lines so that you won’t accidentally run them over.
3. For lightly compacted soil, go over your entire lawn once with the aerator, making sure to follow directions for use.
4. If your soil is seriously compacted (or if you’ve never aerated it before), go over the entire lawn twice, with the second pass perpendicular to the first.  
5. The aerator will remove plugs of soil. Leave them on the lawn so they can break down and add nutrients back into the soil.
6. Once you’ve finished aerating the lawn, water it well.
7. Water your newly aerated lawn every 2-3 days during the next couple of weeks.