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No, it's not a good idea to put grass seed directly on top of dead grass. For successful germination and growth, grass seed needs good soil contact. To prepare the area, start by removing the dead grass using a shovel or a sod cutter. Then, loosen the soil, add soil amendments if necessary, and spread the grass seed evenly. This allows the seed to come into direct contact with the soil, promoting better germination and establishing a healthier lawn.

Aerate during the growing season, typically in spring or fall, when grass can quickly recover.

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.

Yes, it’s worth aerating a lawn. Even the most diligent mowing, watering, and fertilizing schedule is not enough if the roots are not able to benefit from the care and nutrients you’re giving them. Even a lawn that’s already healthy can benefit from aeration because the more air that circulates around the roots, the stronger and healthier it will grow.