The frequency of lawn aeration depends primarily on soil type, lawn usage, and grass health, but general guidelines are as follows:
- For lawns with heavy clay or compacted soil: Aerate at least once a year, or even twice a year if the soil is very compacted or the lawn experiences heavy foot traffic. Clay soils compact more easily and benefit from more frequent aeration to improve air, water, and nutrient flow to roots
- For sandy or loam soils: Aeration is needed less often, typically once every 2 to 3 years, since these soils are naturally more porous and allow better oxygen flow
- Newer lawns: May require more frequent aeration to help develop a strong root system
- Lawns with heavy foot traffic: Should be aerated more frequently, potentially annually or more, to relieve compaction caused by use
- Typical recommendation: Most lawns benefit from aeration every 1 to 3 years, with some needing it as infrequently as every 5 years if conditions are ideal (sandy soil, low traffic, healthy grass)
- Season for aeration: The best time to aerate is during the growing season when grass can recover quickly-usually spring for warm-season grasses and fall for cool-season grasses
- More frequent light aeration: Some sources suggest light spiking or aeration every couple of months during active growth periods, especially for lawns with clay soil, but avoid aerating wet or frozen soil
In summary, aerate your lawn at least once a year if you have clay soil or heavy use, every 2-3 years for other soil types, and adjust frequency based on lawn condition and soil compaction. Aerating during the growing season helps grass recover and thrive
