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A manual spike aerator or aerator shoe is a very affordable way to aerate a lawn. Such devices can often be purchased for between $30 and $50. Liquid aerator is another affordable option, but this enzymatic spray may not work as well as actual, physical aeration for helping ease compacted soil and may take several applications.

The grass could be dying because it’s overwatered or underwater. Additional issues include over-mowing the lawn, compacted soil, or a fungal disease in the lawn. In many instances, regular maintenance can keep grass from dying.

Raking only moves soil, leaves, and debris around on the surface. Aerating your lawn addresses compacted soil. Core aeration loosens up the soil, which makes it healthier and creates more verdant grass from the richer nutrients and stronger root systems that develop. Raking only provides short-term benefits, while aeration creates higher-quality soil and grass growth in the long term. Rake or dethatch before aerating for a bigger benefit to your lawn.

If it’s been a few weeks and you haven’t seen anything pop up, double-check your seed packet and make sure you didn’t miss any steps. Did they need cold stratification (putting seeds in the freezer and then transferring to water before planting)? Do they have an exceptionally long germination period? 

 If you’ve followed all of the directions closely, you may just have had a bad batch of seeds. (Sadly, it happens.)