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 […]
Everyone enjoys a beautiful lawn. Aerating your lawn at the appropriate times along with overseeding and fertilizing can help you achieve the beautiful lawn you want. Aerating your lawn can be done in the Spring; however, it depends on several factors to choose the best time for the best results. Whether or not to aerate your lawn in the Spring depends on the climate in your area, soil conditions, and the type of grass you are using in your lawn. Aerating at the best time is important.
When to Aerate in the Spring
For many areas, Fall or early Fall is the best time to aerate your lawn. There are times when it is best to aerate in the Spring as well. If your lawn has become compacted and the grass is not growing well, early Spring may be a good time to aerate. It is best to aerate between March and May, making sure you have waited until the last frost of the season. You need to aerate before the Spring weeds start to germinate if at all possible for the best control of weeds. You do not want to aerate during the heat of summer.
To aerate in the Spring, you need to be able to know or estimate the soil temperature. Here are the main points to consider:
- Ground temperature should be at least 50 degrees
- Air temperature should have been at least 59 degrees for two weeks. This will give more assurance that the soil temperatures are at 50 degrees
Keep in mind that overseeding goes hand in hand with aerating, so the type of grass you are using is also a consideration.
What Temperature is Good for Overseeding
Again, this depends on the type of grass you are using as well as the climate. In warmer climates, such as Georgia, you can aerate and overseed as late as June, depending on the type of grass you are using. Grasses such as Bermuda or Zoysia are types of grass that can be seeded in Spring or early summer.
The following table may help in determining when to aerate your lawn and overseed, depending on your climate and the type of grass you use:
| Type of Grass | Region / Climate | When to Aerate / Overseed |
| Bermuda | Southeast Region / Warm and humid Southwest Region / high temperatures – needs more watering due to dry climate | Spring – March-May After frost and when temperatures are consistently 59 degrees |
| Centipede | South / Gulf Coast Region / Hot and humid | Early Spring / After frost and when temperatures are 59 degrees |
| Bahiagrass | South / Gulf Coast Region / Hot and Humid | Early Spring – when temperatures consistently above 55 degrees |
| Zoysia | Southern / Transition Zones/ Cool Season (some types are more heat tolerant) | Early Fall – Soil temperatures between 50 and 65 degrees |
| Fescue | Northeast / Transition Zone/ Cool season (some are more heat tolerant) | Early Fall – Soil temperatures between 50 and 65 degrees |
This chart is not all-inclusive of types of grass and regions but should give you an idea of differences depending on the type of climate and which grass is best for your area.
Conclusion
As you can see, it is okay to aerate your lawn in the Spring – especially if you live in a warmer climate and uses grass suitable for that climate. In some areas, it is actually the best time to aerate. Aeration and overseeding go hand in hand, so be sure to overseed your lawn at the same time. Of course, you should also fertilize your lawn at the time of aeration and keep it watered so the ground is moist until the seeds germinate. Then, as the growing season gets into full gear, your lawn should start to revitalize and look beautiful.
A lot of time can go into going through the whole process. If you do not have the time or are unsure of what to do, it is best to contact a professional for the best results. Pride-In-Turf will get you the absolute best results and save you a lot of time. Often, you can end up saving money by hiring a professional, such as Pride-In-Turf as well.