Get matched with top lawn irrigation specialists in Lower Brule, SD

Break up hard dirt in your yard with popular methods such as core aeration or manual aeration with a spade, mini excavator, or pitchfork. You can also alter your soil to keep it from compacting in the future. Adding compost, groundcover plants, or aeration granules—preferably made of organic materials—can also soften your ground and encourage water saturation.

Pros provide deep, even aeration with machinery inaccessible to the DIY homeowner.

Overseeding after aeration is not always necessary, but it can be highly beneficial, especially for lawns with thin or patchy areas. Aeration creates an optimal environment for new grass seed germination by improving soil contact and reducing competition from thatch. If you aim to thicken your lawn, address bare spots, or introduce a new grass variety, overseeding immediately after aeration can help rejuvenate and enhance your lawn's overall health and appearance. However, whether you overseed or not depends on your specific lawn goals and condition.

Strange as it may seem, poking holes in your lawn can do a great deal to help the grass grow back stronger, thicker, and happier. By allowing light, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil, the grass can root down deeper and get more of what it needs to thrive. All of which is to say, if you care about the appearance of your lawn, yes, lawn aeration is usually worth the money—especially since it’s not that expensive.