Get matched with top lawn irrigation specialists in Nettleton, MS

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.

Whether you’re putting down fresh seed or reseeding, there are a few things to keep in mind when seeding your lawn. Be sure to choose the correct seed for your climate, seed at the right time of year, and water two to three times a day for the first week. Generally, Dudley recommends seeding in spring and fall as it is usually cooler and rainier.

Break up hard dirt in your yard with popular methods such as core aeration or manual aeration with a spade, mini excavator, or pitchfork. You can also alter your soil to keep it from compacting in the future. Adding compost, groundcover plants, or aeration granules—preferably made of organic materials—can also soften your ground and encourage water saturation.

Aerating a newly sodded lawn is generally not recommended immediately after installation. It's crucial to allow the sod to establish itself first, typically over the first growing season. Aerating too soon can disrupt the fragile root systems of the newly laid sod and potentially damage the turf. It's best to aerate prior to laying new sod or wait until the sod has fully rooted and the lawn is stable before considering aeration, usually after the first year.