A regular fertilization program is important to maintain healthy, attractive turf. A fertilizer grade or analysis is the percentages of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the fertilizer. You should choose a fertilizer for the total amount of nutrients in the container and the nitrogen source. It is usually wise to get a […]
How often you aerate your lawn can depend on many factors, especially the soil in your area. In areas like Georgia, the soil contains a lot of clay. This type of soil becomes easily compacted due to small pores and can seem like it is made of bricks after a long, hot summer. When pores are notoriously small, the soil cannot get the nourishment it needs – even with proper water and fertilization. Yards with high-traffic areas also can become compacted more quickly due to the foot traffic. In these situations, the soil needs to be loosened while avoiding extreme damage to the lawn. This means you need to aerate your lawn.
How to Know if Your Lawn Needs Aeration
Many people aerate every year, once per year, and that works well for most. If you are not sure, here is a tip on how to determine if your lawn needs aerating:
- Wait 5 days after a rain
- Poke a Phillips head screwdriver into the soil
- If the screwdriver easily penetrates only one inch into the soil – it’s time to aerate!
When is the Best Time To Aerate Your Lawn
The best time to aerate your lawn is just before the grass begins to grow rapidly. When your grass is in its peak growing period, it can recover more quickly after aerating. So, consider times when your grass has the most growth. This will vary, depending on the type of grass and the climate in your area.
The following table is a quick guide to help determine when to aerate, depending on the type of grass you have in your lawn:
| Type of Grass | When It’s Best to Aerate |
| Fescue | Fall – September/October |
| Bermuda | Spring - April |
| Centipede | Spring - April |
| Zoysia | Spring - April |
These are times for the state of Georgia – or other similar climates. Fescue grass has its most productive growth in the Fall, while the others (Bermuda, Centipede, and Zoysia grass) have completed green-up and are ready for vigorous growth around April.
How Aeration and Overseeding Go Together
Right after aeration is the perfect time to overseed and water your lawn. The soil has been refreshed and the thatch debris that might block nutrients from reaching the new roots has been reduced or removed. The new seeds drop into the holes and make excellent contact with the dirt. This allows the seeds to germinate and allows new growth to flourish.
Annual aeration and overseeding will strengthen your entire lawn. It will give you the following results:
- Fills in empty or bare spots with new grass
- Hinders weed growth, as it makes it harder for weeds to take hold
- Increases the resistance to pests in your lawn
- Gives you a gorgeous, green lawn
Conclusion
Hopefully, this information gives you an idea of when it is best to aerate your lawn. It will vary, depending on the climate in your area and the type of grass in your lawn. The table above is based on warmer climates, such as the state of Georgia. If you aerate at the appropriate time, following aeration with overseeding and watering (not too much, but enough to keep the soil moist) – you can have the lawn you desire.
If you are concerned about doing it yourself, dealing with equipment rentals, and having the time or ability to do this well – contact Pride In Turf. You will be assured of a professional outcome – guaranteed!