Checking outdoor tasks off your list before flakes start to fly? Regardless of climate, aeration might just be the best late-season task you can do to set it up for success. It's great for many reasons, especially if your lawn had periods of stress this summer due to drought. Let this be one of your last lawn care chores this fall, and give your lawn the best chance at surviving the winter’s chill.

Why is late-season aeration so effective?

As temperatures drop and days get shorter, take steps to make sure it thrives come spring. It may be a great way to boost your lawn year-round, but in the Fall, aeration is one of the most effective ways to give your lawn a boost. The aeration process involves using a plug aerator to make small holes in the soil. As Matthew Koch, Ph.D., Director of Biotechnology, Genetics, and Seed at Scotts explains, "Water, nutrients, and oxygen are [then] able to penetrate deeper into the soil. This encourages healthier root systems, as grass can better absorb the nutrients it needs for robust growth."

He adds, "Additionally, aeration helps break down thatch layers. Thatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, and other organic material that can suffocate your lawn if it becomes too thick. Aeration makes it easier for your lawn to breathe and prevents potential issues like fungal growth."

It's a simple process that strengthens any grass type, and it also helps your lawn bounce back from the stresses of summer.

Benefits of Aerating Before Winter

  1. Improved Nutrient Absorption: Lawn aeration opens up compacted soil, making it easier for essential nutrients to reach the roots. By increasing the soil's ability to absorb fertilizers and other nutrients, aeration helps your lawn receive everything it needs to grow healthy and strong.
  2. Enhanced Root Growth: When you aerate, grass roots get more space to expand and develop. Stronger, deeper roots make for more resilient lawn with grass that can withstand environmental challenges. With healthier roots established in the fall, your lawn is better prepared to handle winter's cold and recover quickly in spring.
  3. Reduced Thatch Buildup: The thatch layer of dead grass and debris on top of the soil can choke your lawn if it becomes too thick. Regular aeration helps break up the layer of thatch, allowing air and water to flow freely. By addressing this in the fall, you reduce the risk of excessive thatch buildup, which can lead to poor grass health and pest problems.
  4. Better Water Drainage: Soil compaction often leads to poor drainage, causing water pooling and water runoff without soaking in. Aeration relieves compaction and improves water absorption, preventing waterlogging during winter rains and ensuring water infiltration deep into the ground where healthy roots can use it effectively.
  5. Increased Tolerance to Harsh Weather Conditions: Aeration helps your lawn withstand both winter’s freezing temperatures and summer’s intense heat. By creating a stronger, healthy root growth, aeration makes grass more resilient overall, helping it adapt to harsh weather conditions with ease.
A house in the fall with a green, grassy lawn and orange trees.
Fall is a great time of year to fertilize your lawn. Credit: jsnover / Getty Images
Sprinkling a handful of grass seed.
If you're going to chance planting grass seed in the fall, make sure you know what will work. Credit: Imagesines / Getty Images

When and How to Aerate for Best Results

Timing of Aeration Matters

The best time to aerate your lawn is in early to mid-fall, while the healthy grass is still actively growing. For cool-season grasses (like Kentucky bluegrass or fescue), this period allows for ample root development in cooler months before the first frost. Aerating too close to winter may not give roots enough time to establish, so aim to aerate a few weeks before freezing soil temperatures are expected.

Aeration Techniques

There are two main ways to aerate your entire lawn: core aeration and spike aeration. Core aeration, where plugs of soil are removed, is generally more effective and is recommended for compacted soil. Spike aeration, which punches aeration holes in the soil without removing soil plugs, can also be helpful but is less impactful for heavily compacted areas. If you’re using a rental aerator machine, go for core aeration for the best results.

Tips for Aerating:

  • Water your lawn a day or two before aeration for easier soil penetration, and again immediately after aeration to maximize its benefits
  • Mark sprinkler heads and shallow utility lines to avoid damaging them.
  • Use a machine or tool that creates holes about 2-4 inches deep for maximum benefits of aeration.
  • Follow up with a light fertilization, overseeding, or dormant seeding to promote healthy growth.

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Dealing with Soil Cores After Aeration:

After aeration, you'll have plugs of soil all over the lawn. How you deal with them is up to you:

  • Leave them: The most common and recommended approach is just leave the cores on your lawn. They look a little unsightly, but as they decompose, they will return valuable nutrients back into the soil, promoting healthier grass growth.
  • Rake them lightly: This is what we do to speed up the decomposition process and improve the look of our lawn. This breaks them up and helps them blend into the soil faster.
  • Mow over them: Mowing over the cores can also help break them down, especially if your mower has a mulching blade.
  • Whatever you do, avoid removing them: It's generally not recommended to remove the cores, as they contain valuable nutrients that will benefit your lawn.

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FAQ

Can I aerate my lawn in the spring instead of fall?

For sure, especially if your lawn has severe compaction. Some homeowners do it in the spring and the fall. That said, fall is often the preferred time because it allows deep root growth over winter, leading to a healthier lawn by spring. Spring aeration can also disturb early weed growth, which may numerous benefits, but it doesn't give your grass the same winter recovery benefits.

How often should I aerate my lawn?

Most lawns benefit from proper aeration, but if you have heavy clay soil or high foot traffic, you may want more frequent aeration, like twice a year (fall and spring). If your lawn has good absorption of water, drains well, and has sandy soil, annual aeration or aerating every other year may be sufficient.

Quick Tips for Successful Lawn Aeration

  • Water before and after: Soft soil is easier to aerate, and watering afterward helps valuable nutrients reach the roots.
  • Fertilize or over seed: Aeration with over seeding opens up soil, making it ideal for over seeding or applying balanced fertilizer to boost grass growth.
  • Check for compacted areas: Walk around your lawn to check the soil surface for hard patches; these areas need aeration the most to promote healthier grass.
  • Use the right aeration tool: Core aerators are best for compacted soils, while spike aerators work for lighter soil compaction.
  • Get on an aeration schedule: Meet with a lawn care professional that offers aeration services to help determine the ideal time, proper aeration method, and frequency of lawn aeration to help you get your healthy lawn.