How to aerate your lawn

The best time to aerate your lawn is during early spring or autumn when the grass is actively growing. This gives the roots the best chance to absorb water and nutrients.

Before aerating, mow your lawn quite short. Trimming the grass down ensures the lawn aerator can penetrate the soil more easily. This simple step helps set you up for success.

If you have an irrigation system installed, it’s important to mark where the pipes are before you start. This prevents accidental damage while aerating. You can use flags, pegs, or any visible markers to identify pipe locations.

For smaller lawns, a garden fork is a great tool for aeration. Push the fork into the soil about 8–10 centimetres deep, then wiggle it back and forth to open up the soil. Repeat this process across the entire lawn, spacing the holes about 10–15 centimetres apart. If you’re working with a larger lawn, consider using a grass lawn aerator. This tool is specifically designed for aerating and makes the process much faster.

Another fun option is to use lawn aerator shoes, which have spikes on the soles. Simply strap them on and walk around your lawn. It’s an easy way to get some exercise while helping your grass at the same time. If the soil feels too hard to penetrate, water the area lightly and come back to it later. Softening the soil will make the process much easier.

After aerating, water your lawn thoroughly to help the roots absorb nutrients. For an extra boost, apply some fertiliser to give your grass everything it needs to grow strong and healthy.

Aerating pairs well with other major lawn care tasks, like top dressing. These activities are most effective during the active growing seasons, which are typically mid-to-late spring and summer for most grass types. Combining tasks saves time and ensures your lawn gets the best possible care. Aerating is easy to do and delivers great results, giving you vibrant, lush grass that you can enjoy year-round.