What Are The Signs That My Lawn Needs Aeration?

Lawn aeration has become a common maintenance practice for homeowners wanting a high-quality lawn. Many homeowners aerate their lawn once a year. This is a good practice, too. Lawns with a high thatch layer, or severely compacted soil, should aerate in both spring and fall. Lawns that receive a lot of public attention, like professional sports fields or golf courses, aerate as often as once per month. So, how do you know if your lawn will benefit from lawn aeration? There are several key signs that indicate your lawn needs aeration.

Soil and Water Issues

• Water pooling or puddling on the lawn after rain
• Poor water drainage and runoff
• Soil that feels hard, dry, or difficult to penetrate
• Inability of water to soak into the ground

Grass Health Indicators

• Thinning grass or bare patches
• Discolored areas (brown or yellow spots)
• Grass losing its green color or vitality
• Grass roots growing less than 2 inches deep

Structural Lawn Problems

• Thatch buildup (layer more than 1/2 inch thick)
• Heavy foot traffic areas
• Clay-heavy soil that restricts nutrient and water movement
• Spongy lawn that dries out quickly

Additional Warning Signs

• Grass developing diseases like brown patch or necrotic ring spot
• Difficulty moistening the soil
• Grass stops growing
• Lawn feels compacted underfoot

A simple test to check if your lawn needs aeration is the screwdriver test: If you struggle to insert a screwdriver into the soil, it's likely compacted and needs aeration. By addressing these signs early, you can help restore your lawn's health and promote stronger, more resilient grass growth. Contact Owen Tree & Lawn Care today if you need a price to have a lawn aeration scheduled for your property.