As summer slowly transitions into fall, your lawn experiences a change in its growth patterns. The upcoming seasonal transition presents a golden opportunity for aeration during this period. As temperatures cool down and moisture and sunlight levels become more consistent, the grassroots are more receptive to these lawn care practices. Now is the best time for your lawn to recover from the summer stress and prepare for winter. Here, we’ll dive into the benefits of aeration and shed light on how EKG Lawn's professional services can be your go-to solution for lawn care. The Basics of Lawn Aeration One essential lawn care technique is aeration, which punctures the soil with small holes, allowing essential air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeply and touch the grassroots. Over time, your lawn's soil can become affected by year-round and normal occurrences, becoming more compact. The soil hinders the circulation of air and water, which are fundamental for healthy root growth. But with the total package of aeration, overseeding, and starter fertilizer, your lawn can become a healthier version of itself. Improved Water Infiltration and Drainage Poor water infiltration and drainage throughout the soil and the lawn can lead to waterlogged areas, promoting moss growth, rotting, and weakening grassroots. These drowned-out areas directly cause the soil to not properly absorb the liquid due to the soil being too tightly packed. Aeration creates small channels in the soil, encouraging water to penetrate deeper and preventing surface runoff. This will also eliminate waterlogging and promote even water distribution, leading to a more evenly watered and healthy lawn. Enhanced Soil Aeration and Nutrient Absorption Compacted soil will suffocate your lawn's roots, preventing it from getting the essential nutrients and oxygen. The process of aeration breaks up compacted soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the root zone and promote healthy growth. This improved nutrient absorption leads to stronger, healthier grass better equipped to withstand stress like extreme heat and foot traffic. Thatch Reduction Thatch, a layer of dead grass, roots, and other organic matter that collects atop the soil's surface, may restrict water, nutrients, and air from reaching the roots. Thatch can be a double killer for compacted, unhealthy lawns on top of the tightly packed soil. Aeration helps break down the thatch and reduces it — naturally removing and disposing of the buildup, then applying fertilizer. This reduction in thatch buildup results in improved overall lawn health. For professional services, the professionals may use the dethatcher tool for clean removal. Fall: The Ideal Time for Aeration Timing is everything in lawn care, and aeration is especially no exception. While aeration and overseeding can be beneficial throughout the growing season, these factors can differ depending on your location and the regular climate. For example, the stress from the summer heat and increased activities can leave your grass needing a refresh. Aeration during the early fall helps prepare your lawn for the winter months. While aeration can be performed in both fall in other seasons, the specifics of when it is best to get this service is mainly based on your grass type and local climate.

• Late Spring Aeration — Warm-Season Grasses: If your lawn has warm-season grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, or St. Augustine, spring aeration is recommended. While spring is not the encouraged season, this may work for specific grass styles. Conducting aeration in late spring, after the grass has completely defrosted and is free but before the heat of summer sets in, allows your lawn to recover quickly and establish itself in preparation for summer.
• Early Fall Aeration — Cool-Season Grasses: For lawns with cool-season grasses such as Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue, or Ryegrass, early fall aeration is often recommended. Aerate in early to mid-fall, when the soil is still warm, and there's more time for the grass to recover before winter. The cooler temperatures and reduced stress from summer heat make the fall season perfect for aeration, overseeding, and starter fertilizers.