Get matched with top lawn irrigation specialists in Bryant, SD

The length of time it takes to aerate a lawn mostly depends on the yard's size. Generally, a lawn care professional can aerate a lawn that is 10,000 square feet in size in about 30 to 45 minutes. This process may take additional time if you have a heavily sloped or uneven yard, and it may cost extra for the lawn care pro’s labor and time.

Short answer: yes. Although aeration is beneficial for most lawns and soil types, if it’s done too frequently, you can weaken the grass’s roots so much that they’ll begin to have trouble. Generally, most lawns can be aerated as infrequently as once every one to three years, although those with more foot traffic and compaction may benefit from aeration up to twice yearly.

In the fall, you should aerate the soil, overseed the bare spots, kill weeds, mow the lawn low, and rake your leaves. By boosting your lawn’s health in the fall, your grass will be stronger throughout the winter and come back healthier in the spring. You should also trim your perennials so that they withstand the winter and are ready for new growth in the spring. 

If your lawn has some lumps and bumps, yes, aeration can help—although it may also be beneficial to take on other steps, like irrigation, fertilization, and dethatching (also known as scarifying). You can also use a power rake to physically break up the bumps in your lawn, which can help you achieve a more even look.