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Yes, you can DIY either core or liquid aeration for your lawn. You can use a manual core aerator or rent an automatic one. Just be sure to mark off yard obstacles like sprinkler heads before you start. Liquid aeration is easier—just hook up a garden pump sprayer, although some are able to be attached to a hose. While liquid aeration is not as laborious as core aeration, you will need to focus on an even distribution of the solution across your entire lawn for it to be effective. Of course, if you are unsure about doing both, call a pro.

If your lawn hasn't been aerated in over a year, or the soil is incredibly compacted, do two passes with the aerator. The first pass should follow your mowing pattern and the second one should form a perpendicular angle relative to the first. Stick to 20 to 40 holes per square foot as a rule of thumb.

Hiring a lawn service company can free up your schedule for other tasks and ensure high-quality results. However, doing some of the maintenance yourself can reduce your monthly costs. Another factor to consider if it's worth it is whether you already own lawn equipment and tools you will need to keep your yard looking lush. Ultimately, it depends on your budget, schedule, and the type of tasks you need to complete.

Yes, you should water the lawn after aerating. Now that you’ve loosened up the soil to better receive nutrients, it’s time to hydrate and fertilize your lawn. You’ll want to keep it evenly moist to promote healthy growth. Don’t drown your grass—too much of a good thing can reverse all the work you’ve done with aeration in the first place. But especially if you’ve overseeded and/or fertilized after aeration, you’ll want to ensure a moist soil layer to absorb those nutrients and fuel for new growth.