What you need to know about aerating your lawn

A lush, green lawn doesn’t happen on its own – it takes time and effort to have an effortless-looking lawn. Aside from the usual watering and mowing, one of the best ways to achieve a stunning green lawn is with aeration. Aerating your lawn helps your grass stay healthy by improving its air circulation, water absorption, and nutrient intake.

Over time and seasons, your garden soil can become compacted, making it harder for grassroots to poke through and grow, which is what gives you a patchy lawn. If your grass is looking a little tired, is struggling to absorb water, or is feeling hard underfoot, it might be time to aerate! Here’s what you need to know to get the job done.

What is aeration and why should you do it?

Aeration is the process of creating small holes in the surface of the soil to break up compaction and improve the flow of air, water, and nutrients to the grassroots. This can be done using a lawn aerator.

When soil is compacted, your grass struggles to access the essential nutrients it needs to thrive. Aerating your soil relieves that pressure, allowing moisture and nutrients to reach deeper into the ground, promoting stronger root growth and helping prevent issues like poor drainage, patchy grass, and moss build-up.

Aerating is particularly useful before the summer months, as your lawn needs to retain all the moisture it can get. During hot weather, grass loses water quickly through evaporation. If your soil is too compacted, it won’t be able to absorb and store the moisture it needs to stay green, which is when you start to get those unsightly yellow, dry patches. Aerating your lawn before summer kicks in helps ensure water from either the rain or your garden hose soaks into your soil effectively, keeping your lawn healthy and hydrated!

When to aerate your lawn in the UK

Timing is important when it comes to aeration. The best time to do it is in either spring or autumn because the soil is naturally moist from rainfall, which allows the grass to recover quickly and take full advantage of the improved soil conditions. Ideally, it’s best to aerate one to two days after light rain, so the ground is soft enough for aeration but not so wet that it becomes waterlogged.

Since we’re already in February, now is the perfect time to start planning your garden maintenance. With spring just a few short weeks away, getting ahead with your plan for your lawn prep now will ensure your grass is in top condition when BBQ season rolls back around!

How to tell if your lawn needs aerating

If you’re trying to work out whether your lawn needs aerating, there are a few tell-tale signs to look out for. If the ground feels really hard underfoot and you struggle to push a garden fork into the soil, it’s a strong indication that compaction is an issue. Another clear sign is water collecting on the surface instead of soaking into the ground after rain or watering.

You may also notice that your grass looks dull, struggles to grow, or starts turning brown, even if you regularly water it. This could be due to a build-up of thatch – a layer of dead grass and organic material that sits on top of the soil. While a small amount of thatch is normal, too much can block water, air, and nutrients from reaching the roots.

How to aerate your lawn in five easy steps

If your lawn or grass needs aeration, the good news is that it’s actually a simple process – especially with our tool hire services at Smiths Hire! Our Petrol Lawn Aerator is designed to help your lawn look its best by encouraging deeper root growth and improved oxygen access.

This self-propelled, walk-behind aerator is perfect for large grassy areas. Its compact design ensures easy manoeuvrability, even in tight spaces, so you can work for as long as needed without getting tired, making it the perfect partner for your lawn maintenance jobs. Now, let’s break down the aeration process step by step!

1. Pick the right time. Choose a day in spring (or autumn) when the soil is moist but not waterlogged, like the day after a light rain shower.
2. Prep your lawn. Mow the grass before aerating for better access. If your lawn has a thick layer of thatch, it’s best to scarify beforehand so the aerator can penetrate the ground more easily.
3. Use the right equipment. Our lawn aerator hire service is ideal if you don’t want to go out and buy your own equipment. It’s perfect for larger areas, while manual aerators or even the standard garden forks work well for smaller gardens.
4. Aerate your lawn evenly. It’s important to cover the entire lawn evenly to get the best results, spacing holes around 5 inches apart. If you’re using core aeration, leave the extracted soil plugs on the surface to break down naturally.
5. Water and feed. Once you’ve aerated your lawn, it will be better equipped to absorb nutrients and water. Be sure to water it well and apply fertiliser to encourage it to grow back strong and healthy!

That’s all there is to it! With spring just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get your ducks in a row and start getting your garden ready for the warmer months. A well-aerated lawn will set the foundation for healthier, greener grass, making all the difference when it comes to spending days out in the garden.

Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a trade professional, Smiths Hire has all the equipment you need to get the job done quickly and efficiently! We’ve been providing top-quality tool hire services across the North West and Yorkshire for over 50 years, and now, with 18 depots in key locations like Manchester –Trafford & Openshaw, Liverpool, and Leeds – you’re never far from all the tools you need to get the job done. Got questions? Our friendly team is always happy to help! Give us a call at 0333 323 2100 and let us help you get your lawn ready for spring.