Get matched with top lawn irrigation specialists in Larimore, ND

If you have a healthy lawn, it’s not necessary to aerate it. However, lawn aeration comes with many benefits that can improve lawn health and help you save money on lawn care. 

Aeration makes it easier for lawns to absorb water and key nutrients. It also encourages a strong root system and discourages weed growth. So do your lawn a favor: Make it as holey as Swiss cheese, and let it breathe. If you have more questions regarding aeration, you can contact a landscaping company near you.

No. Both processes are important for a healthy yard and work toward a similar goal, although dethatching serves a slightly different purpose. Making sure the thatch doesn’t grow too thick prevents other lawn problems, such as attracting pests if the plant decay layer gets too big. Aeration puts less strain on your lawn than dethatching, but both are of equal importance.

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.

Although core aeration is overall a better method of aerating a lawn, spike aeration can still be helpful, especially if you have a smaller yard or are only trying to work on a specific problem area. Because spike aeration is so accessible thanks to its lower cost and easy DIY tools like aerator shoes, it can still be worthwhile for some gardeners.