Get matched with top lawn care providers in Belzoni, MS

Several signs indicate that your lawn may require aeration. If you notice water pooling or runoff after rainfall, it suggests poor water infiltration, and aeration could help. Compacted soil may cause grass to thin out, turn yellow, or struggle to grow. Additionally, the presence of a thatch layer, which is a buildup of dead grass and debris, can indicate aeration is needed to alleviate thatch and promote healthier grass growth. Monitoring these signs can help you determine when your lawn would benefit from aeration.

Try the tool test first. A screwdriver or a similarly long, thin tool will work best, as spades and shovels are too big. If something still seems off despite the screwdriver smoothly going into the soil, look for other signs that you need aeration, like thinning grass, discolored areas, and puddles forming on your lawn after light rain. This indicates poor drainage because of too many areas being compacted.

First, make sure you’re watering your grass early in the morning (and keep in mind you don’t have to water every day). Doing this helps ensure the water is able to soak in before the hot temps evaporate all of the water. Also, when you mow, don’t mow your grass as short as you would in non-drought conditions. Taller grass can help slow down the rate at which soil dries out. Finally, take your leftover lawn clippings and spread them out across the lawn to give it a little extra shade and nutrients.

Don't pick up or dispose of aeration plugs. They will break down by themselves in one or two weeks. Rainfall will speed this up, as will watering the lawn. Mowing helps, but don't mow the grass too soon post-aeration. It's unusual that the plugs would remain after three or four weeks, but mowing and raking will break them down by that point.