When you're aerating your lawn, preparation is key. Make sure to follow important steps like mowing and watering beforehand ...

"Seeding has many benefits," says Lanier. Because the soil is exposed, the seed has a better chance of contacting soil. Also, ...

But over time, lawns can still lose their charm when foot traffic, heavy rains, and even the weight of a lawnmower compress ...

Get expert advice on improvements to your home, including design tips, how much you'd expect to pay for a pro and what to ask when hiring experts.

Get expert advice on improvements to your home, including design tips, how much you'd expect to pay for a pro and what to ask when hiring experts.

Aeration should be done right before the grass reaches peak time for natural growth. How to aerate a lawn Homeowners can use different aeration equipment, including manual and automated machinery.

"If your lawn feels hard, has water pooling after rain (standing water), or looks thin and patchy, it may be time to aerate," says Valerie Smith, Content Strategist of Sod Solutions.

How Often Should You Aerate? Most yards benefit from lawn aeration once a year, but some need it more often depending on type of soil and grass type.

Why should you aerate your lawn in the fall? "Fall aeration is ideal for cool-season grasses because it allows the grass to recover and strengthen before winter," says Koch.

The cons of lawn aeration The greatest con to aeration is that the process is a lot of work for the average homeowner. A machine needs to be rented – and this is the easiest part of the process.

Watering, mowing and fertilizing your lawn is important, but it won’t do anything for you if your soil doesn’t provide the right growing conditions.