What Is the Best Way to Aerate My Lawn?

Aeration is one of the most impactful yet often-overlooked lawn-care practices. By perforating compacted soil, aeration allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deep into the root zone—promoting stronger roots, thicker turf, and better drought resistance. In Edmonton’s clay-heavy soils and busy yards, proper aeration can transform a struggling lawn into a lush, resilient carpet.

1. Why Aeration Matters

• Relieves Soil Compaction: Foot traffic and heavy equipment compress soil over time, restricting root growth.
• Improves Drainage: Open channels let excess water drain away, reducing puddles and root rot.
• Enhances Nutrient Uptake: Fertilizer and water move more freely to the grassroots.
• Boosts Microbial Activity: Air pockets invite beneficial soil organisms that break down organic matter.

2. Deep‑Core Aeration

We exclusively offer Deep‑Core Aeration using a reciprocating aerator that pulls evenly spaced 2.5″ plugs from your lawn. Unlike non‑reciprocating machines that rely solely on their weight to poke holes, our reciprocating aerator forcefully drives tines into the soil, ensuring consistent penetration even in compacted turf. This method:

• Creates optimal air and water channels
• Mixes soil layers for improved root growth
• Delivers deeper, more uniform plugs than weight‑only machines
• Provides faster, more reliable results in Edmonton’s clay‑heavy soils

Learn more about our deep‑core aeration service on the Services page.

3. When to Aerate for Optimal Results

• Early Fall (late Aug–early Sept): Grass is actively growing and recovers plugs quickly before winter.
• Spring (late April–early May): A secondary window if fall was missed—ensure soil isn’t waterlogged.

Pro Tip: Aim for moist but not soggy soil. Avoid aerating during drought or extreme heat.

4. Aftercare: Maximizing Your Aeration Investment

1. Overseed Immediately: Spread grass seed right after aeration to fill holes and thicken turf.
2. Fertilize: Apply liquid fertilizer within 24 hours—see our liquid fertilization services for custom blends.
3. Water Deeply: Give a thorough soak after fertilizing, then maintain your regular 2–3×/week watering schedule—learn more in our watering guide.
4. Leave the Plugs: Plugs break down naturally over 1–2 weeks, returning nutrients to the soil.

5. Next Steps & Expert Help

Deep‑core aeration is the single best way to rejuvenate compacted lawns in Edmonton’s unique soils. Integrate it into your annual lawn‑care routine—ideally each fall—to enjoy thicker grass, fewer weeds, and a healthier lawn overall.

👉 Ready for professional deep‑core aeration? Contact us to schedule your service today!