What is lawn aeration? When and how is lawn aeration done?

For many years, golf course superintendents have known that one of the biggest secrets to having perfect greens is by aerating two to three times per year

 

Aeration, or core cultivation, is standard lawn care. Aerating a lawn means supplying the soil with air, usually by poking holes in the ground throughout the lawn using an aerator. It reduces soil compaction and helps control thatch in lawns while helping water and fertilizer move into the root zone.

A lawn can be aerated at any time the ground is not frozen, but should not be done when it is extremely hot and dry. Heavy traffic areas will require aeration more frequently. Lawn aeration may be undertaken in the spring or fall, as long as the soil is not frozen.

Aeration is most effective when actual cores or plugs of soil are pulled from the lawn. Holes should be two to three inches deep and no more than two to four inches apart (double aerating is not necessary) . Lawns should be thoroughly watered the day before aerating so plugs can be pulled more deeply and easily. Mark all sprinkler heads, shallow irrigation lines and cable TV lines before aerating so those lines will not be damaged.

It is important to leave the cores on the lawn, allowing them to work back into the grass.  Lawns may be fertilized and over seeded immediately after aeration. There is no need to top dress lawns following aeration. 
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