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Technically, yes—and you may have some successful growth—but this isn’t the ideal way to fill in sparse areas. By clearing leaves and debris, amending the soil, and aerating it properly before you lay the seeds, you’re providing the most ideal conditions for them to germinate.

Several signs indicate that your lawn may require aeration. If you notice water pooling or runoff after rainfall, it suggests poor water infiltration, and aeration could help. Compacted soil may cause grass to thin out, turn yellow, or struggle to grow. Additionally, the presence of a thatch layer, which is a buildup of dead grass and debris, can indicate aeration is needed to alleviate thatch and promote healthier grass growth. Monitoring these signs can help you determine when your lawn would benefit from aeration.

If your lawn and general landscape are struggling, consider calling a local landscape specialist to suggest lawn amendments, local plants, and hardscape changes to boost the long-term health of your outdoor space. While you may be able to take on small projects yourself—such as reseeding your lawn or testing the soil—a professional can help you build a plan to bring a struggling yard back to life quickly.

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.