Get matched with top lawn irrigation specialists in Carlton, MN

Lawns can be high maintenance, and therefore require regular spending if you’re not up for doing certain lawn care tasks yourself. But you can save time and money on lawn maintenance by mulching, composting, and planting species native to your area, so they keep alive with less ongoing TLC from you.

There are several ways to decompose yard waste quickly. The first step is to move all debris into a compost bin or pile. From there, microorganisms, bacteria, and insects will break down the yard waste into compost. To speed things up, shred the waste into smaller pieces, add live worms to the pile, or introduce nitrogen-rich compost accelerators like grass clippings, coffee grounds, and manure. Turn the compost over every few days. This process, called aerating, allows oxygen to get in and accelerate decomposition.

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

Aeration is most effective when the soil is slightly moist but not excessively dry or waterlogged. If your lawn's soil is extremely dry, consider watering it a day or two before aeration to facilitate the process. Conversely, avoid aerating when the soil is saturated or excessively wet, as it can lead to poor aeration results and potential damage to your lawn. Finding the right moisture balance is crucial for successful lawn aeration.