Core aeration is a crucial lawn care service that involves pulling up plugs of soil to loosen compaction and make it easier for nutrients and other resources to reach the roots of your grass. This service is best done in the spring or fall here in Oklahoma, but there are a few steps you should take to prepare your lawn for it. First, you should mow your grass shorter than usual to make it easier for the aerator to penetrate deep into the soil. You'll also want to water your lawn 1-2 days before to ensure the soil is moist, but not too much, as it could be overwatered. Additionally, you should mark anything that could be damaged during the aeration process, such as sprinkler heads and underground obstacles. Finally, you'll want to remove any debris or obstructions from your lawn to ensure the aerator can pass over it without any issues.

1. Mow Your Lawn Shorter Than Usual Before Aeration

Freshly mowed lawn on a property in Tulsa, OK.

The first step to prepare your lawn for core aeration is to mow it shorter than usual. Cutting the grass lower helps the aerator penetrate the soil more effectively, allowing the tines to reach deeper without getting tangled in long blades. This ensures better soil exposure and a more thorough aeration.

Mowing your lawn shorter than normal before aeration will allow the aerator to reach deeper into the soil.

2. Water Your Lawn 1-2 Days Before Core Aeration

The second step you should take to prepare your lawn for core aeration is to water it 1-2 days before the aeration process. This is because the soil needs to be moist for the aerator to pull up plugs of soil. If the soil is too dry, the aerator won't be able to penetrate the soil very well, and the aeration process won't be effective. However, you should be careful not to overwater your lawn, as this can cause the soil to become too soft, and the aerator won't be able to pull up plugs of soil either. So, make sure to give your lawn the right amount of water to ensure the soil is moist but not too soft.

3. Mark Anything That Could Be Damaged During the Core Aeration Process

The third step you should take to prepare your lawn for core aeration is to mark anything that could be damaged during the process. This includes sprinkler heads, underground obstacles, and any other objects that could be damaged by the aerator. By marking these objects, you'll ensure that the aerator doesn't come into contact with them, reducing the risk of any damage occurring.

4. Remove Debris/Obstructions From Your Lawn Before Aerating

The fourth and final step you should take to prepare your lawn for core aeration is to remove any debris or obstructions from your lawn. This includes sticks, rocks, toys, and any other objects that could get in the way of the aerator. By removing these objects, you'll ensure that the aerator can pass over your lawn without any issues, and the aeration process will be as effective as possible.

Give us a call today to schedule our core aeration service.

At LBR, we offer a core aeration service that involves pulling up plugs of soil to loosen compaction and make it easier for nutrients and other resources to reach the roots of your grass. We perform this service in the fall to help your lawn recover from the summer heat and prepare for the winter. This service can also be performed in the spring, around January and February. We offer our core aeration service to residential and commercial property owners, as well as HOAs, in Tulsa, Owasso, Broken Arrow, OK, and throughout the surrounding areas. Give us a call at (918) 252-5296 to schedule our core aeration service today!