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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.

Reseeding your lawn can help eliminate thin or patchy portions of grass. If you’re paying a professional to aerate your lawn, it’ll cost you an additional $50 to $80 on average to reseed it  in the same trip. Reseeding a lawn yourself can cost between $500 to $1,000, meaning you’ll probably save time and money hiring a professional service. 

Try the tool test first. A screwdriver or a similarly long, thin tool will work best, as spades and shovels are too big. If something still seems off despite the screwdriver smoothly going into the soil, look for other signs that you need aeration, like thinning grass, discolored areas, and puddles forming on your lawn after light rain. This indicates poor drainage because of too many areas being compacted.

The grass could be dying because it’s overwatered or underwater. Additional issues include over-mowing the lawn, compacted soil, or a fungal disease in the lawn. In many instances, regular maintenance can keep grass from dying.