The best time to aerate your lawn depends on the type of grass you have:
- For cool-season grasses , the optimal time to aerate is late summer to early fall or early spring. This timing coincides with cooler nights and warm days, which support seed germination and healthy growth. The soil temperature should ideally be between 50 and 65°F for best results.
- For warm-season grasses , aerate in late spring to early summer when the grass is actively growing, typically when soil temperatures are between 65 and 75°F.
Aerating your lawn during these active growth periods allows the grass to recover quickly and benefit from improved air, water, and nutrient access. Avoid aerating during dormant periods, extreme heat, or frost times as it can stress the grass. In addition, aerating annually is usually sufficient, especially if your soil is compacted, has heavy foot traffic, or you have clay soil that restricts air and water flow. To summarize:
Grass Type| Best Aeration Time
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Cool-season| Late summer to early fall or early spring
Warm-season| Late spring to early summer
Aerating at these times helps maintain a healthy, thick lawn by improving soil conditions and promoting root growth. If your lawn shows signs of compaction, thatch buildup thicker than ½ inch, puddling, thinning grass, or poor water absorption, it is a good indication that aeration is needed regardless of time.
