Lawn aeration is a simple process that can have a significant effect on the overall health of your yard. Even if you don’t own aeration tools, you can easily obtain them through equipment rental, and with a bit of practice, you’ll be able to aerate the lawn on your own. This guide covers some of the most common questions that people have about the process. 

4 FAQs About Lawn Aeration

What is aeration?

Aeration is a process that helps reduce soil compaction and allows more sunlight, air, and water to easily circulate through your lawn. Aeration involves removing thousands of small soil chunks, which are left sitting on top of the lawn. After exposure to water, these chunks dissolve back into the lawn, which helps spread nutrients throughout the soil and improves the condition of your grass. 

What tools do you need for aeration?

You need a special machine to extract the soil cores from your lawn. Contact an equipment rental company for help with finding the right tool for your yard and plan on renting the tool for at least a few hours, depending on your yard size. You can extend the equipment rental if necessary, to ensure that your whole yard gets done in one sitting. 

How often should you aerate? 

Aerate your lawn at least once a year, but ideally twice a year for the best results. This process helps air, fertilizer, and water to penetrate lawn roots, so it’s critical to aerate regularly for a healthy lawn, especially if your grass gets a lot of foot traffic. 

What should you do after aerating the lawn? 

After you’ve removed the soil cores with the aeration tool, water the lawn thoroughly to help break down the extracted pellets. It’s also an ideal time to apply fertilizer – just be sure to follow the instructions for the type you plan to use and apply the right type of fertilizer for the season. Lastly, if your lawn has thin spots, it’s a good time to overseed sparse patches of grass. Overseed shortly after you’ve finished aerating for the best results. 

If you need to rent an aerator or any other type of yard equipment, call the professionals at Expert Rentals in St. Peters, MO. This rental company offers a variety of garden tools for rent and also has items for special occasions, like parties and weddings. Learn more about their equipment rentals online or speak to a representative by phone at (636) 379-4933.