Why April is the Best Time to Aerate Your Lawn

Spring is here and while April showers will bring May flowers, there are some actions you can take to help your yard bloom this year. Lawn aeration, done by a professional lawn care company or yourself is one of the first steps to prepping your lawn in the springtime. Lawn aeration helps with spring yard prep by improving the overall health of the lawn. While it depends on your local climate and weather, generally speaking April is the best time to aerate your lawn. Aerating in the spring gives your grass a breath of fresh air, allowing it to get the oxygen and nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy.

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TruGreen is America’s #1 lawn company. TruGreen provides tailored solutions and a team of professionally trained experts to provide homeowners with a healthier, greener lawn. From basic weed control and fertilization to total yard care, TruGreen has a plan for every lawn.

What is Lawn Aeration?

Lawn aeration is a process that involves using a machine to puncture small holes in your lawn. This helps to loosen compacted soil, reduce thatch build-up, and improve drainage so that the roots of your grass can get more air, water, and nutrients, resulting in a healthier and more resilient lawn.

Why April is the Best Time to Aerate Your Lawn

What are the benefits of aerating your lawn?

Improved Soil Structure:
Aeration helps break up compacted soil, allowing oxygen, water, and other essential nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil and reach the roots of your lawn. 

Improved Root Growth:
Aeration helps stimulate new root growth, allowing your lawn to better absorb water and nutrients to stay healthy and green.  

Improved Drainage:
Aeration improves the drainage of your lawn, so water can move more easily through the soil and prevent waterlogging during the rainy season. Another reason why April is the best time to aerate your lawn.

Enhanced Nutrient Uptake:
Aeration helps break up soil particles, allowing fertilizer, herbicides, and other nutrient sources to be more readily absorbed by the roots of your lawn. 

Improved Appearance:
Aeration helps your grass stand upright, creating a thicker, lusher lawn.

How can I have my lawn aerated?

You can have your lawn aerated by hiring a lawn care professional or renting a lawn aerator from a local hardware store. Some lawn care professionals offer lawn aeration services as part of their routine maintenance packages. It is generally recommended to work with a professional for lawn aeration, as the machine and process can be difficult to use if you’re not experienced, and they’ll help you determine exactly when the best time to aerate your lawn would be. Additionally, most professionals will have access to a machine that can penetrate deeper into your lawn, which will provide better results. If you choose to rent a lawn aerator, make sure you read the instructions carefully and follow all safety precautions.

The Benefits of Professional Aeration

While DIY is an option, to save time and frustration, we recommend working with a professional lawn care company such as TruGreen to have your lawn aerated, here’s why: 

  1. Professional lawn care companies have the right tools and equipment to do the job correctly and efficiently. 
  2. Professionals have the experience and knowledge to identify and treat any underlying issues that may be causing your lawn to be unhealthy or overgrown. 
  3. Professional lawn care companies can provide additional services such as overseeding, dethatching, fertilizing, weed control, and disease control. 
  4. Aeration is a very important part of lawn care, and having it done correctly can result in a healthier, more attractive lawn. 
  5. Professional lawn care companies can save you time and money in the long run, as they are more efficient and effective at aerating than doing it yourself.
  6. Professional lawn care companies like TruGreen offer additional services during the aeration process including dethatching and overseeding to improve the health of your yard and achieve a thicker and greener lawn. But, if you want to accomplish this be sure to get on their schedule in order to do it during the best time to aerate your lawn.

Some considerations before aerating your lawn:

  1. If your lawn is newly sodded, wait at least 6 months before aerating. 
  2. If your soil is already well-drained, aerating may not be necessary. Getting a lawn assessment from a professional lawn care company can help determine if aeration is needed. 
  3. Over-aerating can damage your lawn, so make sure you are following the manufacturer’s instructions and only aerating when needed.
Why April is the Best Time to Aerate Your Lawn

Post-Aeration Lawn Care:

After aerating your lawn, it is important to fertilize and water it. This will help the soil absorb the fertilizer and water more easily, and it will also help the grass to grow. You may also want to consider overseeding your lawn to help thicken and green up the grass. Finally, make sure to mow your lawn regularly and to keep it well-watered.

With the right preparation and care, your lawn can be the envy of your neighborhood this spring. By aerating your lawn in April, you can help ensure your lawn is properly prepped and ready to bloom. Professional lawn care services can help with this process, but if you wish to do it yourself, make sure to do your research and prepare for the job. Remember, a healthy and beautiful lawn is within your reach and a great start to any spring season.

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Fall in love with your lawn again with the help of our recommended professional lawn care services.