Tips for Aerating Your Lawn

We know, we know. The wacky April weather has all gardeners and homeowners alike wondering: is it even worth it to begin thinking about my lawn and garden care? The answer is, of course, yes. Despite the radical fluctuations in temperature on the eastern side of the United States, preparing and planning your lawn and garden care is pertinent. One of the primary steps to starting a garden or maintaining your newly sprouting lawn is to aerate the ground. But aerating your lawn should not be done just at any time; it depends on your location and your current ground’s status.

Warm Season Grass Growers

Find your winter coat (depending on how far north you live) and get out there! Mid spring to early summer is the perfect time to aerate your lawn.

Cold Season Grass Growers

Relax; you have plenty of time to worry about aerating your lawn. If you try to do it now, the benefits of doing so will be almost unnoticeable. The best time to aerate your lawns and gardens is the late summer to early fall months.

When Not to Aerate

Despite following these seasonal guidelines, there are times that aerating your lawn and garden are just a bad idea. Some of those times include droughts or high heats when moisture will escape the lawn more quickly that usual. Additionally, if you have current weed problems, aerating the lawn might accidentally spread the problem throughout the area. Finally, if you have recently laid sod or seeds, aerating your lawn after doing so can lessen the chances the seeds or sod formulate solid roots.

When To Aerate

In addition to the months, given your location, there are other times that it is beneficial, if not necessary, to aerate your lawn. Clay-based soils need more frequent aeration, so it would be ideal for you to do so twice a year (during spring and fall months). Fertilization and seeds stick better when there is a better chance for the nutrients to penetrate deep into the soil.