After aerating your lawn, follow these key steps to ensure optimal lawn health and recovery:
- Let soil plugs dry and decompose naturally. Do not rake them up, as they will break down and return nutrients to the soil
- Overseed your lawn immediately. Spread grass seed over the aerated holes to promote new grass growth and a thicker lawn
- Water deeply right after aeration. Watering helps soil absorb moisture, prevents drying out, and aids seed germination. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches of water within the first 24 hours, ensuring water penetrates at least six inches deep
- Fertilize your lawn soon after aeration. Use a high-quality, preferably slow-release fertilizer to nourish grass roots through the aeration channels and encourage healthy growth
- Wait 2 to 4 weeks before mowing. This allows seeds to germinate and soil to settle. When mowing, keep grass height around 2 to 3 inches depending on grass type
- Avoid heavy foot or vehicle traffic for at least two weeks. This prevents soil compaction and damage to the healing lawn
- Continue regular lawn maintenance including watering, mowing, and pest control to sustain lawn health after aeration
These steps maximize the benefits of aeration by improving soil health, encouraging new grass growth, and helping your lawn recover quickly and become lush and resilient
