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Short answer: yes. Although aeration is beneficial for most lawns and soil types, if it’s done too frequently, you can weaken the grass’s roots so much that they’ll begin to have trouble. Generally, most lawns can be aerated as infrequently as once every one to three years, although those with more foot traffic and compaction may benefit from aeration up to twice yearly.

It’s a good idea to aerate your lawn in the fall or spring when there is plenty of moisture in the soil. If you plan to aerate twice annually, you can do so once in the fall and once in the spring. You don’t want to aerate when your grass is dormant, and you also don’t want to aerate directly after a big rain, as the soil will be too wet for the aeration to be effective.

You can thicken new grass by using fertilizer, watering it 1 to 1½ inches per week, mowing when it is at an optimal height, and preventing weeds. You should fertilize your grass while you plant the grass seed, or soon afterward. Use an herbicide to prevent weeds or spot spray with herbicide to kill existing weeds.

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.