Yard Answers › lawn aeration
Should I aerate or dethatch my lawn?
Quick answer
Aerate when soil is compacted (water puddles, hard ground, heavy foot traffic). Dethatch when the spongy thatch layer is thicker than ½ inch. Cool-season lawns should be aerated in early fall, ideally followed by overseeding.
Step by step
- 1Check thatch depth with a trowel
- 2Aerate when soil is moist
- 3Leave the cores to break down
- 4Overseed and water right after
Gear that helps
Manual Core AeratorOpens up compacted clay soil so water and roots get deeper.$30–$50 · View on Amazon 
Electric DethatcherRakes out the matted layer choking your grass in spring and fall.$100–$160 · View on Amazon As an Amazon Associate, My Yard earns from qualifying purchases.
Common questions
How often should I aerate?
Once a year for clay or high-traffic lawns; every 2–3 years otherwise.
Is spike aeration as good as core?
No — core aeration removes plugs and actually relieves compaction.
Rather hire a local pro?
Find trusted lawn aeration pros near you — call or text them directly.