Q: Can you just sprinkle grass seed on a lawn?

• <div><p>Technically, yes&mdash;and you may have some successful growth&mdash;but this isn&rsquo;t the ideal way to fill in sparse areas. By clearing leaves and debris, amending the soil, and aerating it properly before you lay the seeds, you&rsquo;re providing the most ideal conditions for them to germinate.</p></div>

Q: How much does lawn aeration cost?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-lawn-aeration-cost.htm">Lawn aeration costs</a> between <b>$75 and $350</b> on average, depending on the size of the lawn, aeration type, slope of the lawn, soil type, lawn prep, and location. Keep in mind that it costs an average of <b>$0.10 to $0.35 per square foot</b> to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/why-aeration-key-healthy-green-lawn.htm">aerate a lawn</a> that&rsquo;s less than 1,000 square feet. Different types of lawn aeration include: </p><ul><li><p>Spike aeration: $85</p></li><li><p>Core aeration: $200</p></li><li><p>Liquid aeration: $75</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Question 1

Can you just sprinkle grass seed on a lawn?

Accepted Answer

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Technically, yes—and you may have some successful growth—but this isn’t the ideal way to fill in sparse areas. By clearing leaves and debris, amending the soil, and aerating it properly before you lay the seeds, you’re providing the most ideal conditions for them to germinate.

Question 2

What is the best way to aerate your lawn?

Accepted Answer

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The best way to aerate your lawn depends on what kind of grass and soil you have and your budget and patience level. There are many options to choose from, including spike aerators, core aerators, aerator shoes, and more, and many types can be found in either manual or motorized versions.

Question 3

How do I improve lawn absorption?

Accepted Answer

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One of the most effective ways to improve lawn absorption is to learn how to aerate your lawn. This is a process where you poke tiny holes all throughout it to break up tough soil and sediment, creating pathways for sunlight, water, air, and nutrients to seep into the plant’s roots. In turn, it promotes stronger root systems, making your lawn or plants less susceptible to pests and disease. Ideally, you’ll want to aerate your lawn at least once per year during the growing season—think late summer to early fall.

Question 4

Is it better to aerate or dethatch your lawn?

Accepted Answer

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Lawn aeration and dethatching are meant to solve the same problem, loosening up compacted soil so that the root systems can grow and receive more water, oxygen, and nutrients. Aeration is the gentler option and often the preferable one. Dethatching completely tears out the thatch layer of the lawn and can inadvertently yank out healthy grass if done incorrectly. Aeration loosens the soil and only removes small cores of it.

Question 5

How much does lawn aeration cost?

Accepted Answer

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Lawn aeration costs between $75 and $350 on average, depending on the size of the lawn, aeration type, slope of the lawn, soil type, lawn prep, and location. Keep in mind that it costs an average of $0.10 to $0.35 per square foot to aerate a lawn that’s less than 1,000 square feet. Different types of lawn aeration include:

Spike aeration: $85
Core aeration: $200
Liquid aeration: $75