What are signs that my lawn needs aeration?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Detecting the need for your lawn to be aerated saves you headaches in the long run. There are four easy signs to look for that will indicate soil compaction and need to be addressed immediately. I overlooked these signs once, and I paid for it with less-than-ideal grass that summer. You will save on time and hassles in the future by observing regularly.
Water Absorption Issues
- Puddles form instead of soaking in after watering
- Runoff occurs even during light rainfall
- Soil feels concrete-hard below the surface
Thatch Problems
- Spongy feel underfoot when walking on grass
- Visible brown layer thicker than ¾ inch
- Grass blades pull out easily with little root
Growth and Health Signals
- Slow growth despite fertilizer and watering
- Discolored or thinning patches in high-traffic areas
- Weeds spreading faster than grass
The screwdriver test is a sure-fire way of determining whether or not your soil is compacted. Take a standard screwdriver and push it into moist soil. If you cannot make the screwdriver three inches into the soil, your lawn is compacted, and you will need to help it. Be sure to try this in multiple spots, as soil compaction will differ throughout your yard.
Timing is crucial for addressing these warning signs through aeration. Don't aerate cool-season grasses or dormant warm-season grasses, as they will not recover. You will achieve rapid recovery when you aerate while the grass is actively growing. Cool-season grasses should be aerated in the fall, while warm-season grasses should be aerated in late spring. Each year in September, I test my lawn for aerification or other treatments.
If you do not take notice of these signs, it can lead to long-term damage. Compacted soil drains roots of oxygen, water, and nutrients. Thatch continues to accumulate, creating a risk of pathogen or pest infestation. Thin grass becomes un-green and weakens. Regular inspections keep your lawn healthy.
Read the full article: How to Aerate Lawn: The Complete Guide
