DIY Lawn Aeration vs. Professional: What You Need to Know
Aeration services are essential for maintaining lush, green lawns. However, homeowners are divided between renting an aerator and hiring a professional. It can also be challenging to determine when, where, and how to begin lawn aerating, as well as the best time for it, since everything depends on your specific situation.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
This discussion will help you decide if DIY aeration is right for you or if hiring a professional to aerate the lawn would be best.
Choosing Between DIY and Professional Lawn Aeration
Both DIY efforts and professional services can be effective in aerating a lawn, but before renting an aerator, know what you're signing up for and why.
A grass aerator removes plugs of soil from the lawn for better airflow around the grass roots. Lawn aeration provides optimal access of nutrients and water to the grass roots to encourage a thick and healthy turf. Aeration is a necessary process because the soil is continually compressed through foot traffic, mowing, and weather; it’s a seasonal task that allows your lawn to thrive.
This post will cover the pros and cons of DIY and professional lawn aeration, allowing you to make an informed decision
What DIY Lawn Aeration Involves
Lawn aeration involves preparation, aeration, and composting. Water the lawn well, a couple of days before you start, if it hasn’t rained. The soil should not be too wet, or mud will fill the holes.
Renting an aerator typically costs $60 - $120 per day. After getting the hang of how to operate the aerator, move it across the lawn like a lawn mower. Plugs of grass will be on top of your turf and should be left there. The plugs will work back into the soil with beneficial microbes to break down excessive thatch on the topsoil. It will take a bit of time and “sweat equity” to complete the job. DIY mistakes include poor coverage, using the wrong equipment, and misunderstanding aeration timing, which depends on your grass type and situation. Aerating outside the optimal season can limit results. The prime time for aeration falls during the busy seasons of late spring/early summer, as well as fall, and for the average family, this timing often conflicts with vacations, graduations, and back-to-school schedules. After factoring in rental expenses, potential effectiveness, and time spent, you could easily view professional aeration services as an attractive alternative.
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What Professional Lawn Aeration Offers
The experts will determine the optimal time for lawn aeration based on your grass type, soil condition, and growth cycle, which also includes knowing precisely when to aerate Bermuda grass for optimal results. The professional grass aerator equipment is superior to most rental machines available, and the pros execute precise operation of it like it's second nature. You could spend the weekend aerating the grass, but an experienced crew would complete the project correctly and quickly.
Pros and Cons of Each Method
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
Bottom line:
DIY aeration could save some money, but it also requires your time, effort, and attention to detail. Professional aeration will do the hard work and deliver consistent results.
Is Lawn Aeration Really Worth It?
Why bother about aerating lawn areas? Because a beautiful lawn is a great canvas for your landscaping. A grass aerator will remove small plugs of compacted soil that have been smothering grass growth. Aeration creates space for roots to grow deeper and stronger, improving the health and strength of your lawn. Over time, aeration improves nutrient absorption, turf density, and drought tolerance.
Are you wondering if it’s time to aerate lawn areas? Here’s what to look for:
- Pools of water or runoff instead of soaking in
- Thinning grass or bare patches
- Hard, compacted soil
- Heavy foot traffic from kids or pets
- Struggling with growth, even with consistent watering and fertilizing
Knowing the best time for lawn aeration is determined by your climate and grass type. When aerating is done at the wrong time, it will stress your lawn instead of strengthening it.
Common Grass Types & Aeration Schedules
Grass Type Recommended Aeration Timing
Bermuda Grass Late spring to early summer (active growth)
St. Augustine Late spring to early summer
Fescue Early fall (or early spring if needed)
Kentucky Bluegrass Early fall
Which Aeration Method is Best for Your Lawn?
Get a clear picture of what you’re getting into if you decide to take the DIY approach. It will require your time and money for rental equipment. Understand what to do before aerating lawn areas, such as: should you water before aerating for the best results?
By choosing a professional company such as Galvan’s Lawn & Landscape,, you’ll receive an expert evaluation, commercial-grade grass aerator equipment, and efficient service. The upfront cost may be higher, but the long-term benefits are worth it, including:
- Stronger roots
- Better nutrient absorption
- Fewer repair issues later on
Partnering with a professional can give you peace of mind when you’re uncertain about your grass type, looking for dependable results, or when time is short.
Ready to give your lawn an aeration boost?
Contact Galvan’s Lawn & Landscape today to learn more about professional aeration services in Lee’s Summit, Grandview, and throughout the KC area. Let’s build a thicker, healthier lawn you can enjoy all season long.
