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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. 

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.

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.

Aeration can level your lawn if the issue is minor soil compaction, so it can help smooth things out if your yard is bumpy from foot traffic or vehicle traffic. However, it won’t slope your yard. If you have small areas where water seems to pool after precipitation, aeration could help, but larger issues with improperly sloped lawns and problems leading to foundation leaks or structural damage will require more comprehensive solutions.