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Your local extension service or nursery may be able to provide a more precise answer
but here is some general guidance. If you have cool season grass such as fescue or Kentucky bluegrass (that is
to say, if you live in the north), the time to aerate is in the spring and fall. If you have warm season grass such
as bermuda or zoysia (that is to say, if you live in the south), the time to aerate is in the spring. Many lawns will
benefit from aeration even when it is off season, especially if the soil is compacted. In general, lawn aeration may
be performed when there is at least a few more weeks of growth period; the only time you should not aerate your lawn is when
it is dormant. If you are lucky enough to live in an area where the grass is green all year round, you may aerate any
time of the year.
Lawn aeration exposes some bare soil for a short period of time, usually about 10 days. The
bare soil may present an opportunity for weeds to grow, although the benefits of lawn aeration usually far outweigh the slight
potential of weed growth. If you do not overseed, you may apply fertilizer with pre-emergent (sometimes known as crabgrass
preventer) as a precautionary measure. If you do not apply pre-emergent after lawn aeration, it is a good time to overseed
and apply starter fertilizer.
To achieve up to three inch deep aeration, remember to aerate a day after rain
or irrigation. The soil has to be soft and moist but not too wet. Wet, muddy soil may clog the hollow aerator
tines. You will be rewarded with a lush green lawn and a higher home value within just a few weeks.
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