🕳️ Lawn Aeration Calculator
Let your lawn breathe. Find out when and how to aerate to reduce compaction and boost root growth.
Compaction Check
Aeration Recommendation
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Best Season
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Pro Tip
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Breathe Life Into Your Soil: The Benefits of Aeration
Over time, soil becomes compacted. Foot traffic, heavy mowers, and even rain can squeeze the air pockets out of the ground, making it difficult for water, nutrients, and oxygen to reach the grass roots. This is where Core Aeration comes in as the most important "reset" button for your lawn.
Core vs. Spike Aeration
Not all aeration is created equal. Our calculator assumes the use of a **Core Aerator** (also known as a plug aerator).
- Core Aeration: Removes 2-3 inch deep cylinders of soil. This actually creates space for the soil to expand and roots to grow.
- Spike Aeration: Pokes holes with solid tines. While it allows water in, it can actually *increase* compaction around the entry point.
When Should You Aerate?
The best time to aerate is when the grass is in its most vigorous growing phase. For **Cool-Season** grasses, this is the fall (Sept-Oct). For **Warm-Season** grasses, this is late spring or early summer (May-June). Aerating during a dormant period can expose roots to cold or heat stress without the plant's ability to recover.
Aeration FAQs
What should I do with the soil plugs left on the lawn?
Leave them! They will break down in 1-2 weeks with regular mowing and rain. As they dissolve, they return valuable microbes and organic matter to the surface of the lawn.
Should I water my lawn before aerating?
Yes. Aerating a bone-dry lawn is difficult and results in shallow cores. Water your lawn deeply 24 hours before aerating so the soil is moist but not muddy. This allows the tines to penetrate deep into the profile.
Is aeration better than dethatching?
They serve different purposes. Dethatching removes the layer of debris on top of the soil. Aeration fixes compaction *inside* the soil. However, core aeration also helps control thatch by bringing soil microbes to the surface to "eat" the thatch layer.