Process

1) Inspect the lawn

• Walk the yard to check grass condition, problem areas (compaction, bare spots, thatch), and obstacles.
• Note locations of sprinkler heads, shallow irrigation lines, or buried cables.

2) Mark hazards

• Mark sprinkler heads, shallow utilities, and delicate landscape features with flags or cones to avoid damage.

3) Set aerator settings

• Adjust tine depth to remove plugs 2–4 inches long (deeper if compaction is severe).
• Overlap passes slightly (about 2–3 inches) to ensure even coverage.
• For heavy compaction, make a second pass perpendicular to the first.

4) Aerate systematically

• Start at one end and work in straight, overlapping rows for full coverage.
• Slow, steady passes produce the best results — don’t rush the machine.

5) Leave plugs on the surface

• Allow soil cores to break down naturally; they return nutrients and organic matter to the turf.
• If appearance is a concern, you can break up plugs with a rake or run a lawn mower over them after they dry.

6) Post-aeration care

• Avoid heavy traffic on the lawn for at least a week.
• Resume normal mowing when grass reaches mowing height; don’t remove more than 1/3 of the blade at once.
• Expect improved drainage and root growth over the next few weeks.

7) Schedule repeat aeration

• Most lawns benefit from aeration once a year; heavily used or compacted lawns may need it twice a year.