How do you soften hard soil for grass seed?

• <div><p>One of the best ways to soften your grass and prepare it for planting grass seed is aeration. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/why-aeration-key-healthy-green-lawn.htm">Aerating your lawn</a> will loosen up compacted soil and facilitate a more even balance of nutrients from root to topsoil. We recommend using core aeration methods for the most effective soil-loosening results.</p></div>

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Q: How do you prepare your lawn for core aeration?

• <div><p>To prepare your lawn for core aeration, water it the day before you aerate. (Alternatively, you can wait until it rains and aerate the following day.) Aerating after watering or a rainy day will make the process easier since you can penetrate moist soil better than dry soil. You should also flag your sprinklers so that you don&rsquo;t accidentally hit them while aerating. If you have a lot of thatch buildup in your yard, you might need to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-dethatch-your-lawn.htm">dethatch your lawn</a> before aerating as well.</p></div>

Q: Can you just sprinkle grass seed on a lawn?

• <div><p>Technically, yes&mdash;and you may have some successful growth&mdash;but this isn&rsquo;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&rsquo;re providing the most ideal conditions for them to germinate.</p></div>

Q: When should I aerate my lawn?

• <div><p>The frequency of lawn aeration depends on factors such as soil type, yard traffic, and lawn health. In most cases, annual aeration is sufficient to maintain a healthy lawn. However, if your lawn experiences heavy use or soil compaction issues, you may consider aerating twice a year. Keep an eye on your grass and soil conditions to determine when aeration is needed to keep your lawn in its best shape.</p></div>

Q: How often should you core aerate your lawn?

• <div><p>Experts typically recommend aerating your lawn about once per year, but your aeration frequency will depend on your soil type, lawn condition, and other factors. For instance, you should aerate annually if you have clay-heavy soil or frequent foot traffic in your backyard. However, if your soil is loose or sandy and you don't use your yard often, you can probably aerate every other year.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Lawn Irrigation pros in La Grange, MO

*The Angi rating for Lawn Irrigation companies in La Grange, MO is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Lawn Irrigation needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Lawn Irrigation companies in La Grange, MO is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Lawn Irrigation needs.

Last update on December 15, 2025

Reviewed in October 2024
Lee kept weeds and brush in check as well as lawn care.
Lee's Yard Works
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Reviewed in August 2023
Kaiser Lawn Service is terrific. Jim is easy to work with and helped figure out a schedule that worked well for everyone. Trent does an amazing job at keeping my lawn looking great. If you are in the Sullivan, MO area and need lawn care, this is the company to go with.
Kaiser's Lawn Service, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2023
Zach did a great job on our lawn. He cut, trimmed and blew the clippings so it looked very nice. He was on time and did this on one of the hottest days. I would recommend him for your lawn care.
Edelen's Clean Cut Services
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Reviewed in April 2022
Nick was super helpful. His knowledge and service was impeccable, especially for the price. Would ð ¯ recommend him for any and all of your lawn needs.
Nicholas Morgan Lawn Care
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Reviewed in September 2018
They applied the applications to our lawn that we had chosen because we wanted a certain thing and they did a wonderful job. We will certainly call them again
Turf One Landscape Management
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Reviewed in December 2017
They haven't done any snow removal yet but Brian did work for us on our front lawn and he did a good job and was very dependable.
KZK Lawn Care
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Reviewed in June 2015
He does a good job. He will trim shrubs but he does not do that for us. He was doing the lawn before we moved in so he was familiar with the lawn. We told him not to mow the grass when it was wet and he did not. When the grass was dry we called him and he came out. I would recommend him.
Matt's Lawncare
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Reviewed in July 2013
We hired Lawler Exteriors based on good reviews on Angie's List, so we realize our experience may not be typical, but we weren't totally happy. Never got to meet Mr. Lawler, but he was very nice and professional on the phone. The actual crew didn't speak much English, and communication was...
St Louis Roofing & Renovation LLC
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Reviewed in August 2012
He's great. He's very responsive and take good care of our needs. I would use them again in the future if needed.
Realty Executives of St Louis
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Reviewed in July 2005
THIS COMPANY WAS RECOMMENDED TO ME BY MY SISTER. THEY WERE VERY PROFESSIONAL AND DID A GREAT JOB. THEY DID NOT TARE UP THE LAWN ANYMORE THAN NEEDED. THEY SHOWED UP ON TIME AND DID A GOOD JOB.
Septic Services, Inc
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FINISH GRADE CONSTRUCTION

FINISH GRADE CONSTRUCTION

Dehn's Lawn Care, LLC

Dehn's Lawn Care, LLC

Vaughn Irrigation LLC

Vaughn Irrigation LLC

ALL-N-ALL CONSTRUCTION, LLC

ALL-N-ALL CONSTRUCTION, LLC

Taylor engineering and construction inc.

Taylor engineering and construction inc.

Nunezotw

Nunezotw

All-In Lawn Care LLC

All-In Lawn Care LLC

Pringer Lawn Care

Pringer Lawn Care

Dick Tracy Contracting

Dick Tracy Contracting

Foundation to Roof

Foundation to Roof

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