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Each type of grass has its own specific needs regarding the timing of aeration, but in general, late summer to early fall is the best time to do so. For most lawns, that means sometime between September and November, though certain types of grass, like St. Augustine Grass, do better with aerations in late spring and early summer.

When you don’t aerate your lawn, the soil will become more compact over time. This limits how much water can soak in to reach the roots of your grass, and it keeps oxygen and carbon dioxide from the plant roots. This can limit grass growth, which may sound great for limiting mowing, but it also leads to a lawn full of grass that looks dull and sparse. Eventually, compacted soil can weaken grass, while also making it more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and erosion and even causing it to die off.

Carpetgrass is a low-maintenance grass requiring little fertilization that thrives in subprime growing conditions. However, regular mowing is necessary to avoid the growth of unsightly seed stalks, and you may have to water it frequently to prevent drying out the soil. That includes watering the grass over dry winters to help keep it healthy, and it may start dying out in particularly cold climates where it grows poorly. Carpetgrass can also be vulnerable to some types of turf fungus, so it’s important not to overthatch. 

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.