Aerate your lawn in 7 easy steps<\/strong>. Choose a tool, mow, water, flag sprinkler heads, aerate, then add soil amendments, and overseed.<\/p> Aerate during peak growing season<\/strong>. You likely have cool-season grass, which needs aeration in late summer to early fall. Warm-season grass needs aeration in the summer.<\/p> Aerate every two years<\/strong>. Fargo\u2019s heavy clay soil means the soil compacts easily. If your lawn receives heavy foot traffic, aerate every year.<\/p> Lawn aeration is the process of relieving a compacted lawn by punching small holes into the soil. It gives grass roots room to grow and allows the life-giving water, sunlight, and nutrients to seep into the soil, nourishing your grass.<\/p> All soil eventually becomes compacted, but some factors hasten the process, including:<\/p> There are two types of lawn aeration: core aeration and spike aeration.<\/p> Core aeration removes small soil plugs from your yard using hollow tines. It\u2019s like a hole punch for your lawn. Plugs are about 2 to 4 inches deep, 0.5 to 0.75 inches in diameter, and 2 to 3 inches away from each other. They should be left where they fall because they become an excellent topdressing and help decompose thatch.<\/p> Core aeration is best for lawns that:<\/p> The pros of core aeration: <\/strong><\/p> \u2713 Long-lasting: The hollow tines remove soil, creating holes that allow roots to grow deeper and grass to grow denser.<\/p> \u2713 Eco-friendly: Reduced compaction means less runoff and decreases the need for water and fertilizer.<\/p> \u2713 Increases the visual appeal of your lawn in the long term<\/p> \u2713 Cores act as compost, so you can simultaneously aerate and top-dress your lawn<\/p> \u2713 Decreases the need to dethatch your lawn<\/p> \u2713 Dense grass growth prevents weeds from invading your lawn<\/p> The cons of core aeration: <\/strong><\/p> \u2717 Aerating too often or in the wrong season stresses your lawn.<\/p> \u2717 Visually unattractive before holes fill in.<\/p> \u2717 Fallen plugs look messy before they decompose.<\/p> \u2717 If pre-emergent herbicide is not applied, weeds can sprout in holes.<\/p> There are three kinds of core aerators.<\/p> A manual core aerator looks similar to a trident. You stab the tool, push it in with your foot, and then pull it out. <\/p> Pros<\/strong>: the cheapest core aeration option, and it’s perfect for spot treatment<\/p> Cons<\/strong>: It takes longer and requires the most manual labor<\/p> Manual Core aerators are best for<\/strong>: Small lawns with mild to moderate soil compaction, or highly compacted areas in need of spot aeration<\/p> Gas-powered core aerators work similarly to lawnmowers, walking behind and pushing it forward. It\u2019s best to go over your lawn twice, the second time perpendicular to the first.<\/p> Pros<\/strong>: Much easier and less time-consuming than manual core aeration<\/p> Cons<\/strong>: Cost more than manual, requires gas and maintenance, and although easier, it still requires labor.<\/p> Gas-powered core aerators are best for<\/strong>: Medium to large lawns with moderate to high soil compaction<\/p> As the name suggests, tow-behind core aerators are towed behind a tractor. If you choose this type of aerator, go with one that has a weight tray, which ensures ensure the tines fully penetrate the ground.<\/p> Pros<\/strong>: Require little labor and time<\/p> Cons<\/strong>: Most expensive, requires some maintenance<\/p> Tow-behind core aerators are best for<\/strong>: Larger lawns with a moderate to severe compaction problem.<\/p> Spike aeration stabs solid times into your lawn to create holes but doesn\u2019t remove any soil. If core aeration is like a hole punch, spike aeration is like stabbing an object with a pencil. The holes are not as deep as with core aeration. Spike aeration is more of a temporary fix because no soil is removed and it becomes compacted again relatively quickly.<\/p> Spike aeration is best for lawns that:<\/p> The pros of spike aeration: <\/strong><\/p> \u2713 Quick fix: Solid spikes provide temporary air holes.<\/p> \u2713 Less expensive than core aeration<\/p> \u2713 Less disruptive to the soil surface than core aeration<\/p> \u2713 Less mess: Doesn\u2019t leave scattered plugs<\/p> \u2713 Can be used frequently in compaction-prone areas without disrupting the lawn\u2019s visual appeal<\/p> \u2713 Good for small lawns with mild compaction and lower foot traffic<\/p> The cons of spike aeration: <\/strong><\/p> \u2717 Increases compaction in the long term<\/p> \u2717 Less effective than core aeration<\/p> \u2717 Does not penetrate as deeply into the ground as core aeration<\/p> There are four types of spike aerators<\/p> Similar to manual core aerators, pitchforks are stabbed into the ground and wiggled to and fro to create holes.<\/p> Pros<\/strong>: Inexpensive, easy to operate<\/p> Cons<\/strong>: Time-consuming and labor-intensive<\/p> Pitchforks are best used for: Tiny, postage-stamp-sized lawns with mild soil compaction or specific areas that need special attention.<\/p> Spike aeration shoes are strap-on, sandal-like \u201cshoes\u201d that you put on over your shoes and walk around your yard. The spikes are smaller than other types of aeration. Although it looks kind of fun, it\u2019s the least effective method and many lawn care professionals recommend against using this type of aeration.<\/p> Pros<\/strong>: Least expensive of any aeration method, less labor than other manual methods<\/p> Cons<\/strong>: Holes are shallow, least effective, time-consuming<\/p> Spiked aeration shoes are best for<\/strong>: Very small areas with mild compaction.<\/p> Rolling push aerators look like spiked old-fashioned lawnmowers. To use, roll them along your lawn, then make another pass in a perpendicular direction. They are not the best option for rocky soil.<\/p> Pros<\/strong>: less expensive than some other methods, easier to operate than spiked shoes and pitchforks<\/p> Cons<\/strong>: Laborious and more time-consuming than some other methods, require maintenance. <\/p> Rolling push aerators are best for<\/strong>: Smaller lawns with mild soil compaction.<\/p> Tow-behind spike aerators attach to a tractor and are towed behind, aerating as it goes. They\u2019re similar to tow-behind core aerators, but instead of the hollow tines, they have 10-12 star-shaped blades. If you choose this method, but one with a weight tray to maximize contact with the soil.<\/p> Pros<\/strong>: Least laborious, time-saving, more effective than some thor methods<\/p> Cons<\/strong>: Expensive, require maintenance. <\/p> Tow-behind spike aerators are best for<\/strong>: Larger lawns with mild to moderate compaction<\/p> Lawn aeration is relatively easy, though it does require some time, patience, and physical work. <\/p> Here\u2019s how to aerate your lawn.<\/p> If you want more guidance, check out How to Aerate a Lawn<\/a>.<\/p> Late summer to early fall (Late August to mid-September) is the best time to aerate in Fargo<\/strong>. For all grass types, aerate during the growing season, and since Fargo, primarily has cool-season grasses, the growing season is late spring and early fall. While you can aerate in spring, weeds are more likely to spring up through the holes.<\/p> Since Fargo temperatures can reach well into the 80s, you may have warm-season grass. If that\u2019s the case, aerate in the summer, around late July. If you\u2019re unsure about which grass type you should have, look into Best Grass Seed for North Dakota<\/a>.<\/p> Fargo has clay soil, lucky us, which increases the risk of compaction, so your lawn should be aerated every 2 years, or every year if it receives high foot traffic. In comparison, average soils should be aerated every 2 to 4 years.<\/p> For more information about how to best take care of your lawn, check out Fall Lawn Care Tips for North Dakota and Spring Lawn Care Tips for North Dakota.<\/p> For an average-sized yard, lawn aeration costs<\/a> between $78 and $238, which averages out to be $144. The cost works out to be around a little over $0.01 per square foot. <\/p> Several factors go into determining the cost, including<\/p> Common signs that your lawn needs aeration are the soil is hard to the touch, the lawn feels spongy and dries out easily, water forms puddles instead of being absorbed by the soil, the grass is thinning, withering, or losing its green color, and the grass is developing diseases.<\/p> Damp to moist soil is the easiest on you and the aerating equipment. Dry soil is challenging to penetrate, and wet soil can rip up your grass and create a muddy mess.<\/p> Mow a few days after aerating to encourage grass health and growth. It\u2019s also an ideal time to overseed and fertilize but not a necessity. For more information, check out A Guide to Fertilizing a Lawn in Fargo<\/a>.<\/p> Lawn aeration is a relatively easy DIY project, but it requires time, patience, equipment rentals, and physical labor. If you\u2019re like many Fargonians, adding yet another outdoor task to your to-do list makes you want to jump in the Red River. North Dakotans state-wide are looking to professionals to take over some of their arduous outdoor tasks.<\/p> But finding an affordable, experienced, and efficient lawn care professional is harder than not saying \u201cope,\u201d ya know? That\u2019s where Lawnstarter can help. We\u2019ve researched and vetted tons of local professionals so we can find you the right lawn care pro<\/a> for you, your home, and your wallet. Soon, you\u2019ll have your horns up and be playing cornhole on your gorgeous green grass.<\/p> Sources<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t National Cooperative Soil Survey: Fargo<\/a><\/p> North Dakota State University<\/a><\/p> City of Fargo<\/a><\/p> <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div> Main Photo Credit: Guipozjim<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 3.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It\u2019s important to aerate your Fargo lawn every summer or fall because the clay soils are densely packed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":103,"featured_media":111650,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1501,1440],"tags":[1503],"class_list":["post-111651","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fargo-nd","category-north-dakota","tag-fargo-nd-lawn-care"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Lawn-aeration.jpg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Nicki DeStasi","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/nicki-destasi\/"},"yoast_head":"\nWhat is Aeration?<\/h2>
Types of Aeration<\/h2>
Core Aeration<\/h3>
![\"Aeration](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/8704115339_3ec4071d8a_o-1-646x485.jpg\")
Types of Core Aerators<\/h4>
Spike Aeration<\/h3>
![\"Picture](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/aerate-garden-646x431.jpg\")
Types of Spike Aerators<\/h4>
How to Aerate Your Lawn<\/h2>
When to Aerate Your Lawn<\/h2>
![\"core](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/core-646x485.jpg\")
How Often Should You Aerate Your Lawn?<\/h2>
Lawn Aeration Cost<\/h2>
Frequently Asked Questions About Lawn Aeration in Fargo<\/h2>
How do I know if my lawn needs aeration?<\/h3>
Should you aerate a wet or dry lawn?<\/h3>
Should I do anything after aerating my lawn?<\/h3>
Should I Hire a Professional to Aerate My Lawn?<\/h2>