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when is the best time to aerate your lawn

Landscaping

The answer to 'when is the best time to aerate your lawn' is that the best time to aerate your lawn is typically in the fall, between September and November. This is the ideal time because the grass is actively growing, and the soil is still warm enough for the aeration plugs to break down quickly.

Aerating your lawn helps to alleviate soil compaction, which can prevent water, air, and nutrients from reaching the roots of your grass. By creating small holes in the soil, aeration allows these essential elements to penetrate the ground more effectively, promoting healthier, thicker grass growth.

Sources

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Lawn Care Nut• guide
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Step-by-Step Guide

  1. 1

    Prepare the lawn

    Before aerating, mow your lawn to the recommended height and remove any debris, such as leaves or twigs, from the surface.

  2. 2

    Use a core aerator

    Rent or hire a professional to use a core aerator, which will remove small plugs of soil from your lawn, creating holes that allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots.

  3. 3

    Water the lawn

    After aerating, water your lawn thoroughly to help the soil plugs break down and the grass recover.

  4. 4

    Overseed (optional)

    Consider overseeding your lawn after aerating to help fill in any bare spots and promote thicker, healthier grass growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I aerate my lawn?

Most experts recommend aerating your lawn once a year, typically in the fall.

Do I need to aerate my lawn every year?

While aerating annually is ideal, you may be able to get away with aerating every 2-3 years if your lawn doesn't experience heavy foot traffic or soil compaction.

What's the best way to aerate my lawn?

The most effective method is to use a core aerator, which removes small plugs of soil from the lawn. You can rent a core aerator from most home improvement stores or hire a professional landscaping service to do it for you.

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