Why Aerating Your Lawn Actually Works
Why Aerating Your Lawn Actually Works
Think your lawn's fine without aeration? It might look okay on top, but underneath, compacted soil could be stopping air, water, and nutrients from getting where they're needed.
That's where aeration comes in. It's a quick, low-effort way to boost lawn health. Best bit? You can often do it with tools you already have in your shed. These videos explain why aeration matters and how to perform it properly.
Once you've aerated, those channels you've created become superhighways for nutrients. That's when a quality fertiliser like our Spring Fertiliser can really get to work at root level instead of sitting on the surface.
I Was WRONG About Aeration
In this video, I admit where I went wrong about aeration and why it matters far more than people realise, especially for compacted or tired lawns that aren't responding to other treatments.
Compacted soil kills grass roots, how aeration fixes the problem, and why this should be part of your regular lawn care routine if you want genuinely healthy turf.
DIY Aeration with Common Tools
This older video was filmed during lockdown, when tool access was limited, and equipment hire was not possible. I show you how to aerate your lawn effectively using what you already have in your shed.
You don't need expensive machinery or professional equipment to improve your lawn's health. A garden fork, some effort, and proper technique will get you 80% of the results at 5% of the cost.
This is perfect for smaller lawns or anyone who wants to try aeration before investing in specialist equipment. The principles are the same; you're just using manual tools instead of machines. Whether you're aerating with a fork or a machine, following up with proper nutrition is key. Our Autumn Fertiliser is designed to strengthen roots during the recovery phase.
Still Think Solid Tine Aeration Doesn't Work?
Here's proof from our golf course series: solid tine aeration is all they use during greens renovation at the professional level. If you think it's pointless, this will change your mind completely.
People often dismiss solid tine aeration because it doesn't remove cores like hollow tining does. But watch what happens on these championship greens. The results speak for themselves, and these are surfaces that need to be absolutely perfect.
If solid tine aeration works on golf greens that are played on daily and maintained to the highest standards, it'll definitely work on your domestic lawn.
This ONE Small Thing Will Make a BIG Difference This Winter
This tool is brilliant for pulling cores from your lawn. Using it in winter sets you up for a strong spring recovery whilst causing minimal disruption during the dormant season.
Core aeration (hollow tining) is the most effective type because it actually removes plugs of soil, creating permanent channels for air, water, and nutrients. Winter is an ideal time because the lawn isn't actively growing, so the temporary damage heals quickly once spring arrives.
The tool demonstrated here makes the job manageable even for larger lawns, and the difference it makes to soil structure and grass health is remarkable.
What Happens After Aeration
Understanding the recovery timeline helps you know what to expect and how to support your lawn through the process. Aeration causes temporary disruption, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the short-term mess.
Your lawn will look rougher immediately after aeration. Cores will be visible on the surface if you've hollow-tined. This is completely normal. Rainfall or light watering will help break down the cores naturally.
Grass will begin filling in the aeration holes. Root growth accelerates as oxygen, water, and nutrients reach deeper into the soil profile. This is when you'll see the real benefit of aeration starting to show.
Aeration holes will be completely filled in with new growth. The lawn should look noticeably healthier, with improved colour, density, and resilience. Water and fertiliser will work more effectively because they can actually reach the roots.
Improved soil structure, better drainage, stronger root systems, and more effective nutrient uptake. Regular aeration (annually or bi-annually depending on soil type) maintains these benefits and prevents compaction from building up again.
Common Aeration Questions
How often should I aerate my lawn?
For most domestic lawns, once a year is sufficient. Clay soils or high-traffic areas may benefit from twice-yearly aeration (spring and autumn). Sandy soils typically need less frequent aeration, perhaps every 2-3 years.
The best indicator is how your lawn responds. If water pools on the surface, grass looks thin despite proper feeding, or a screwdriver struggles to penetrate the soil, it's time to aerate regardless of your last session.
Can I fertilise immediately after aerating?
Yes, and it's actually one of the best times to fertilise. The aeration holes allow nutrients to reach deeper into the root zone instead of sitting on the surface. This is especially effective with granular fertilisers.
Wait 24-48 hours if you've hollow-tined and the cores are still intact on the surface. Once they've been broken down by rain or mowing, you can apply fertiliser with confidence that it'll get where it's needed.
What's better: solid tine or hollow tine aeration?
Hollow tine (core aeration) is generally more effective because it actually removes soil, creating permanent channels and reducing compaction more aggressively. Solid tine aeration still improves gas exchange and water penetration, just less dramatically.
For severely compacted lawns, hollow tine is the better choice. For maintenance aeration on reasonably healthy lawns, solid tine works perfectly well and causes less surface disruption. Many golf courses use both methods at different times of year.
Will aeration damage my lawn?
Aeration causes temporary cosmetic damage but doesn't harm the lawn's long-term health. The holes heal quickly, and the benefits to root development far outweigh the short-term appearance issues.
Avoid aerating during drought stress or extreme heat, as the lawn needs energy to recover. Autumn and spring are ideal because growing conditions support rapid healing. Winter aeration works on dormant lawns but recovery takes longer when growth resumes in spring.
Should I water before or after aeration?
Water lightly the day before aeration if the soil is very dry and hard. This makes penetration easier whether you're using manual or mechanical tools. Overly dry soil resists aeration and makes the job much harder than it needs to be.
After aeration, water normally but don't overdo it. The holes need time to stay open and allow air exchange. Heavy watering immediately after can cause the holes to collapse, reducing the effectiveness of the treatment.
🌱 Give Your Lawn What It Needs
Now that you understand aeration, make sure you're feeding your lawn properly. Our fertiliser range is designed for UK lawns and backed by 30+ years of professional greenkeeping experience.
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