A lawn—whether in the front, side or backyard—requires maintenance for a healthy, thriving turf. Mowing is a regular lawn task, especially during the grass-growing season, for a beautiful and well-kept turf.

There are also other lawn maintenance tasks that can be done less frequently. Aeration—putting tiny holes in the soil to loosen it and allow for more nutrients, air, and water to reach greater depths—is another component of having beautiful turf. “Most lawns benefit from aeration as it’s a critical practice for improving soil health and grass growth,” says Brian Feldman, TruGreen’s senior director of technical operations.

We consulted two lawn experts about why aerating helps maintain a thriving lawn, grass types,  the best time to aerate, and whether you should DIY or hire a professional. 

What Is Lawn Aeration? 

Aeration is the process of putting small holes into the soil. “Aeration involves perforating the soil with small holes, allowing water, air, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil and reach the grass roots more effectively,” says Feldman.

A frequently used lawn, such as where kids run around or play catch or that’s often walked on, is likely to have compacted soil. Regions with clay soil are likely to have issues with compaction. “Aeration helps to alleviate soil compaction, a common problem in lawns that experience heavy foot traffic, or those with heavy clay soils that are more prone to compacting,” says Feldman. 

Signs You Need To Aerate Your Lawn

Aerating the lawn helps nutrients reach deeper into the soil, minimizes compaction, and can help when overseeding the lawn. Sometimes, the lawn will give signals that aerating is needed. “If your lawn feels hard, has water pooling after rain (standing water), or looks thin and patchy, it may be time to aerate,” says Valerie Smith, Content Strategist of Sod Solutions.

Why Aerate Your Lawn?

Reduce Compaction

“Aeration allows the soil to breathe by breaking up compacted soil, [which] is particularly important in areas where soil becomes dense due to foot traffic, vehicle traffic, or heavy clay soils,” explains Feldman. “The process helps promote deeper root growth, which is vital for maintaining a healthy lawn.”

Reduce Thatch And More Nutrients Reach Roots

Organic matter and dead grass can accumulate on the soil surface, known as thatch. “Aeration helps break up this thatch layer, allowing the grass roots to grow deeper and access nutrients, water, and air,” he adds. Because tiny holes are poked into the soil surface, more nutrients can reach greater soil depths. “Proper aeration creates channels for water and fertilizer to penetrate the soil more effectively,” says Feldman. 

Overseeding

When you already have a lawn, sometimes you want to fill in bare or thinning patches of turf. Overseeding is when you add more grass seeds to your lawn. This can be a perfect time to overseed as you’re already adding tiny holes throughout your turf. “Aeration holes allow a great place for seeds to germinate and establish a more dense, vibrant, and healthy lawn,” says Feldman.

When To Aerate The Lawn

Cool-season and warm-season are two types of grass that grow in different geographical regions and climates. The time to aerate depends on the grass type. “Timing is key because aerating when your grass is actively growing helps it bounce back quickly and soak up all that extra air, water, and nutrients,” says Smith. Aerating in the incorrect season could have negative consequences for your lawn. “Doing it at the wrong time—like in the dead of winter or during peak summer heat—can stress your lawn, making it harder for the grass to recover and thrive,” she adds. Depending on the type of grass, aeration is typically done in the spring, early summer, or fall. 

Warm-Season Grasses

Aeration is typically done in the spring or early summer before it gets too hot. “For warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine, aeration should ideally be done in late spring to mid-summer when the grass is actively growing,” says Feldman. “During this period, the lawn can recover quickly from aeration, and the freshly aerated soil allows these heat-loving grasses to fill in bare spots and thrive through the hot summer months.”

Cool-Season Grasses

Cool-season grasses include Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, and Perennial Ryegrass. Aeration is usually done at the end of summer and in fall after the hot weather. “Fall aeration is particularly beneficial because it occurs after the stress of summer, giving the grass a chance to focus on root restoration,” says Feldman. “Aerating during this period helps the grass recover from the summer heat, promotes deeper root growth, and prepares the lawn for the winter months.”

Sometimes, aeration can be done in the spring for specific situations, such as compacted soil. Evaluate if aeration makes sense as aerating can cause more weeds to grow. “Spring aeration works best for lawns that have compacted soil from the winter, but it may also expose the grass to weed competition, as spring is a time when weeds are particularly active,” says Feldman

How Often Should You Aerate Your Lawn?

The frequency of aerating a lawn varies based on foot traffic, compaction and soil type, such as clay soil. “Generally, most lawns thrive with aeration every 1 to 5 years,” says Smith. Experts typically recommend annual aeration but can vary based on your specific turf. “Yearly aeration is ideal for maintaining strong, healthy grass, especially in compacted or high-use areas,” she says. “Clay soil should be aerated at least once a year or twice if heavily compacted, while sandy and loam soils may only need aeration every 2–5 years,” says Smith. 

DIY Aeration Vs. Hiring A Lawn Professional 

Aerating the lawn can be a DIY task or you can hire a professional. Costs, time, lawn size, equipment, and know-how are factors that play a role in deciding what is best for your home and budget. Hiring a professional service provides peace of mind that the lawn will be aerated correctly and that there’s no need to figure out how to operate a core aerator. “It requires timing, the right equipment, and specialized knowledge to ensure the process is effective,” says Feldman, who recommends people hire lawn pros. The lawn can’t be too wet or too dry for aerating, either.”Experts can assess the soil’s moisture and adjust aeration timing accordingly,” he adds. 

Another reason to hire a lawn service is if you have a sizable lawn or the soil is compacted, making it more difficult and time-consuming if you don’t have lawn aeration experience. “If you have a large lawn or severely compacted soil, a professional can aerate more efficiently using commercial-grade equipment,” says Smith. 

DIY is usually less expensive and can be rewarding once you complete the job. However, it does require renting equipment or borrowing from a neighbor and having the time to do it. Renting an aerator is a cost-effective option for occasional aeration, says Smith. She recommends starting with a small area first to familiarize yourself and get comfortable before aerating the whole yard.