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There are a few time periods or conditions during which you should avoid aerating your lawn. For example, do not aerate when the ground is frozen or waterlogged, as it can damage the soil structure and grass roots. Aerating during the peak of summer heat or drought is also not recommended since it can stress your grass further. It's best to wait for cooler, more favorable conditions. Finally, newly seeded lawns should not be aerated until the grass is well-established, usually at least one year after seeding.

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 in the fall to relieve compaction and allow nutrients and water to better reach roots.

Power seeding machines do a great job of creating narrow trenches in the soil to plant grass seeds into, but aerating before power seeding can be beneficial for your lawn. By aerating first, more water, oxygen, and carbon dioxide can reach the roots of your germinating grass seeds. Plan to aerate your lawn about once or twice a year, whether you plan to power seed or not.