When to Aerate Cool-Season Lawns
St. Louis lawns are mostly made up of cool-season grasses like tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass. These turf types thrive during the cooler months, which means timing your aeration correctly is one of the most important steps for long-term lawn health. Many homeowners wonder when to aerate your lawn and how to make sure the job is done right. Here is what you need to know.
What Is Lawn Aeration?
Core aeration is the most common type of lawn aeration. It removes small plugs of soil from the ground to relieve compaction and improve airflow in the root zone. When the soil opens up, more water and nutrients reach the roots, helping your lawn grow thicker and stronger.
When to Aerate Your Lawn in St. Louis
Since most St. Louis lawns are cool-season grasses, fall is the best time for aeration. Cooler temperatures and consistent rainfall create the ideal environment for recovery. Fall aeration is often paired with overseeding to fill in thin areas and build a thick, healthy lawn before winter.
Here is a quick breakdown:
When to Aerate Cool-Season Lawns
- Fall is the top choice because grass grows actively in September and October. The lawn heals quickly and new seed establishes well.
- Early spring is an option if fall was missed, but it is not ideal for overseeding and may be affected by upcoming summer stress.
Best Time to Aerate Warm-Season Lawns
A smaller number of St. Louis homeowners have warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia. These lawns should be aerated in late spring when they are fully growing.
Why Fall Aeration Is Important
St. Louis lawns deal with clay soil, heavy foot traffic, and summer stress, all of which lead to compaction. Compacted soil prevents roots from spreading and weakens the turf. When this happens, you may notice thinning grass, poor color, or increased weeds. Aeration helps loosen the soil so your lawn can breathe and grow more effectively.
You may need aeration if:
- Your lawn feels hard or compacted
- Foot traffic from kids or pets is common
- Your lawn dries out quickly or feels spongy
- Your home is newly built, and the soil was compacted by construction equipment
Tips for Successful Aeration and Overseeding
- Water the lawn before aerating so the soil is moist.
- Make multiple passes over heavily compacted areas.
- Leave the soil plugs on the lawn to break down naturally or break them up with your mower.
- After aeration, follow up with fertilization, watering, and mowing to help the lawn recover.
- For cool-season lawns, pair fall aeration with overseeding for the best results.
- Make sure you know how to water your lawn after seeding. Watering is the most important step for the best growth.
Professional Lawn Aeration and Seeding in St. Louis
Not sure when to aerate your lawn or whether fall aeration and overseeding are right for your yard? Loyalty Lawn Care offers professional lawn services in St. Louis specializing in cool-season turf. We can recommend the perfect timing and treatments for your property. Contact us today to schedule fall aeration and overseeding and give your lawn a stronger start for the seasons ahead.