Get matched with top lawn irrigation specialists in White Sulphur Springs, WV

Liquid aeration products are generally safe for pets and children when used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once the liquid has dried on the lawn, it poses minimal risk. However, as a precaution, keep pets and children off the treated area until it has dried completely, which usually takes a few hours. This helps ensure their safety while allowing the product to work effectively in improving your lawn's health.

If your lawn hasn't been aerated in over a year, or the soil is incredibly compacted, do two passes with the aerator. The first pass should follow your mowing pattern and the second one should form a perpendicular angle relative to the first. Stick to 20 to 40 holes per square foot as a rule of thumb.

Each type of grass has its own specific needs regarding the timing of aeration, but in general, late summer to early fall is the best time to do so. For most lawns, that means sometime between September and November, though certain types of grass, like St. Augustine Grass, do better with aerations in late spring and early summer.

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.