If your lawn looks like it’s struggling no matter how much you water or fertilize, the problem might be under the surface. Compacted soil blocks air, water, and nutrients from reaching your grass roots, and that’s where core aeration comes in. It’s one of the most effective ways to break up dense soil and help your lawn breathe again. But how often do you need to aerate? Let’s break it down.
Why Core Aeration Matters
Over time, soil becomes compacted, especially in high-traffic areas or yards with clay-heavy soil. When this happens, roots can’t grow deep, water runs off instead of soaking in, and grass starts to thin out. Core aeration solves the problem by removing small plugs of soil across your lawn. This creates pockets that allow oxygen, water, and nutrients to reach the roots, and that’s when the real growth happens.
How Often Should You Aerate?
For most homeowners, once a year is enough to keep their lawn in great shape. The best time for aeration is typically in the fall, when your grass is still growing but the stress of summer heat is behind it. That said, some lawns benefit from being aerated twice a year, especially if:
- You have clay-heavy soil
- Your yard sees heavy foot traffic
- You notice standing water after rain
- You’ve dealt with persistent thatch buildup
In those cases, spring and fall aeration can keep things from getting too compacted and help your lawn stay strong all season long.
Spot the Signs Early
You don’t have to guess if your lawn needs aeration. Here are a few signs it’s time to call in a lawn core aeration service:
- The soil feels hard and tough to dig into
- Grass is thinning, despite regular watering or fertilizing
- Water is pooling instead of absorbing
- You pull up a small section of grass and see short, shallow roots
These are all indicators that your lawn is ready for a fresh start.
What You Can Expect After Aeration
After a quality core aeration service, your lawn might look rough for a few days, but don’t worry, that’s part of the process. Those little plugs will break down naturally, and you’ll see thicker, greener growth within a few weeks. Aeration also sets the stage for overseeding and fertilization, helping those efforts work even better.
Ready to Breathe New Life Into Your Lawn?
If your lawn needs a reset, Turf’s Up is here to help. Our no-nonsense, results-driven core aeration service gives your grass the room to grow deeper, healthier, and greener. Contact us today to schedule your aeration and give your lawn a solid foundation for the seasons ahead!
