What Does Lawn Aeration Do—and When Do You Actually Need It?

Jun 19

If your lawn isn’t looking as green or thick as it should—even after watering and fertilizing—the problem might be hiding just below the surface. Compacted soil and thatch buildup can choke your grass roots, preventing water and nutrients from getting where they need to go. That’s where lawn aeration comes in.

In this article, we explain what aeration is, how it works, and the best time for homeowners in Chicago’s southwest suburbs to schedule it for maximum results.

1. What Is Lawn Aeration, Really?

Lawn aeration is the process of creating small holes in the soil to allow better airflow, water absorption, and nutrient penetration to your lawn’s root system. The most common method is core aeration, which uses a machine to remove small plugs of soil and thatch from the lawn.

2. Signs Your Lawn Needs Aeration

Not sure if you need it? Here are some common signs:

Water pools on the surface instead of soaking in
Your soil feels hard or compacted
Grass looks thin, weak, or discolored
You notice lots of weeds or bare spots
Your lawn sees heavy foot traffic or has clay-based soil (very common in suburban Illinois)

3. The Benefits of Lawn Aeration

Aeration offers several benefits, especially for lawns in the Chicago area:

🌱 Promotes deeper, stronger root growth
💧 Improves water and fertilizer absorption
🍃 Reduces thatch buildup and risk of disease
🌿 Enhances soil drainage and oxygen flow
🌞 Prepares lawn for better spring/summer growth

With proper aeration, your lawn becomes thicker, greener, and more resilient.

4. When to Aerate in Chicago Suburbs

For cool-season grasses like those found in Plainfield, Naperville, and nearby areas, the best time to aerate is:

Fall (September–October): Ideal for recovery and root development
Spring (April–May): Good for relieving compaction after winter

We recommend aerating at least once a year, depending on your lawn’s condition and soil type.

5. Can You Aerate Your Lawn Yourself?

Yes, but it’s not easy. Renting an aerator can be costly, heavy, and time-consuming—not to mention you may miss key areas or overdo it. Our professional team handles the job quickly, evenly, and with care, saving you effort and getting great results.

Rudy Salgado