Aerating and Fertilizing

Aeration is good for lawns but can stress them if timed improperly. For cool-season grasses common in northern lawns, early fall or early spring are the best times for aerating. For warm-season grasses common to southern lawns, the best time for aerating is late spring or very early summer. It's best to aerate during or right before the time your grass reaches its peak time for natural growth. Never aerate dormant lawns. When aeration coincides with active growth, grasses recover quickly and fill in areas where aerator equipment exposes soil.

Pro Tip: Aerating is easiest when your soil is moist from irrigation or rainfall the day before. Overly dry or hardened soil can be tough to aerate, so moisture eases the process. Never aerate overly wet lawns; wait a few days instead.

Immediately after aerating, your lawn is exposed to oxygen, and so laying fertilizer during this time is your best bet for growing a healthy, envy-worthy lawn. The best fertilizer to use (and how much) will be dependent on your grass type and lawn size. Rather than playing a guessing game, hiring a professional is a simple solution. Professional lawn care experts, like TruGreen’s Specialists, can accurately determine the best needs for your lawn based on grass type, lawn size and other needs. Aerating and fertilizing (or overseeding) are almost always done together when hiring a professional. The best part? You won’t need to worry about purchasing or renting tools, choosing the right fertilizer, or getting sweaty. 

Compare different TruGreen Lawn Care plans, which provide essential nutrients, protection, organic soil amendments and lawn aeration for a healthy, green lawn!