Get matched with top lawn irrigation specialists in Woodbine, IA

Mow before aeration. After you've aerated the lawn, you can fertilize, water, and overseed. But wait at least two weeks after aeration before you mow.

In most cases, it is worth paying for professional lawn care. DIY lawn maintenance is possible, but it can get extremely time-consuming, especially to make your property look well-maintained. Not only is lawn maintenance time-intensive, but it can also get expensive, even to DIY, especially considering the cost of fuel and maintenance for your lawn care tools. Professional lawn care services average around $100 per service, making it a relatively inexpensive investment, especially for how much time it saves you.

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.

There are a few time periods or conditions during which you should avoid aerating your lawn. For example, do not aerate when the ground is frozen or waterlogged, as it can damage the soil structure and grass roots. Aerating during the peak of summer heat or drought is also not recommended since it can stress your grass further. It's best to wait for cooler, more favorable conditions. Finally, newly seeded lawns should not be aerated until the grass is well-established, usually at least one year after seeding.