Best time to aerate lawn?

[sangerwaker]

Hi all!<br />Just wondering if anyone knows which is a better time to aerate my lawn...spring or fall? I've seen people doing both, so maybe it doesn't matter. I've never aerated before and I am hoping it will help out my lawn.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[ehenry]

Re: Best time to aerate lawn?

I'd talk to the greens keeper at a golf course. If anybody will know the best time....the greens keeper would. Its their job to grow pretty grass.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Best time to aerate lawn?

They claim you should do it spring and fall. I do it in the spring, before the soil dries out and I have to rely on irrigation.<br /><br />My reasoning is that the lawn basically goes dormant in the winter. Aeration is necessary for both getting oxygen to the roots and to allow water and nutrients down below the root. On both counts spring makes the most sense. As lawns wake up, they need to strengthen there root system to face the comming heat.

 

[dhud64]

Re: Best time to aerate lawn?

I've done both. I'd rather do it in the fall, and follow it with a good grass seed, and starter fertilizer. If your lawn is already thick, just a light overseeding will do. If you have bare spots, aerate a little heavier and seed a little heavier too. Do this early enough for the seed to germinate and get a fair start. (Probably too late in the year where you're at).<br /><br />The disadvantage to doing it in the spring is, you cant use a pre-emergence with new grass seed. I know you didn't mention re-seeding, but again, too me the two go together!<br /><br />If you dont know, pre-emergence, will keep weed, (and grass) seeds from germinating. There are supposed pre-emergence products that are 'safe' with grass seed, but the one time I tried it, I had no luck.<br /><br />Therefore, I seed in the fall.<br /><br />I'm not a pro, just learning the hard way along with some other local fanatics!

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: Best time to aerate lawn?

Thanks for the responses. I do plan on overseeding this fall, that's why I am leaning towards aerating this fall (maybe this weekend?). I finally have my lawn looking decent again. I just about killed the whole thing 3 years ago, and it is finally coming around! Maybe I should just aerate in the spring again, too. I've owned my place 10 years now, and it's never been done.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Best time to aerate lawn?

Aerate then immediately seed. That way, maybe a few seeds will find their way into the holes created by the aerator. Also, the above ground activity in the yard declines in the fall and winter months, but there is still active root growth going on. If you'll notice the local co-op, the farmers buy the most seed in late summer.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Best time to aerate lawn?

aerate MY lawn? ok, sure y'all <br />time better spent in a boat IMO....

 

[cajun555]

Re: Best time to aerate lawn?

Saw a idea years ago. Take a couple of 1x4, a little bigger than your shoes. Drive a bunch of nails through boards, strap these to your shoes, then mow the lawn. Never tried this but seems it would work. Kill 2 birds with 1 stone.<br /><br />Aerating is good all the time. Gets that much needed oxy. down to the roots.