Lawn Aeration
Relieve Soil Compaction & Boost Root Growth
Core aeration pulls thousands of soil plugs from your lawn, relieving compaction and allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach grass roots. The result: deeper roots, healthier grass, and a more resilient lawn.
Why Houston Lawns Need Aeration
Houston's heavy clay soil compacts easily under foot traffic, mower weight, and weather. Compacted soil prevents air, water, and nutrients from reaching grass roots, causing weak, shallow-rooted lawns that struggle in heat and drought.
Heavy Clay Soil
Dense soil compacts easily under foot traffic and weather
Poor Water Penetration
Water runs off instead of soaking in
Shallow Root Systems
Roots can't penetrate, staying shallow and weak
Critical Fact: Aeration is the ONLY way to relieve soil compaction. Fertilizer, water, and pesticides can't fix compacted soil.
Core Aeration vs Spike Aeration
Why We Use Core Aeration (Professional Standard)
Core Aeration
Uses hollow tines to pull 2-3 inch soil cores (plugs) from the lawn
- Removes compacted soil (doesn't just poke holes)
- Creates lasting channels for air, water, nutrients
- Stimulates new root growth into aeration holes
- Improves fertilizer absorption by 20-30%
- Results last 6-12 months
Spike Aeration
Uses solid tines to poke holes in soil
- Compacts soil around holes (makes compaction worse)
- Holes close within weeks
- Minimal long-term benefit
- Not recommended by turf professionals
- Creates more problems than it solves
Professional Standard: All professional lawn care companies use core aeration. Spike aeration is a homeowner DIY method that doesn't work.
7 Benefits of Professional Core Aeration
Relieves Soil Compaction
Removes compacted soil and creates channels for air, water, and nutrients to reach roots.
Improves Root Growth
Grass roots grow into aeration holes, creating deeper, denser root systems.
Enhances Fertilizer Absorption
Fertilizer penetrates soil instead of running off. Get 20-30% more value from fertilizer.
Increases Water Penetration
Water soaks into soil instead of pooling or running off.
Reduces Thatch Buildup
Aeration breaks up thatch and speeds decomposition.
Prepares for Overseeding
Aeration holes provide perfect seed-to-soil contact.
Strengthens for Seasonal Stress
Spring aeration prepares for summer heat. Fall prepares for winter.
When Should You Aerate Your Houston Lawn?
Spring (April - May)
Round 3 of 8-Step Program
Late spring when grass is actively growing
Benefits:
- Relieves winter compaction
- Boosts spring green-up
- Prepares grass for summer heat
- Maximizes fertilizer absorption (Round 3 includes fertilizer)
Fall (October - November)
Round 6 of 8-Step Program
Early fall when temperatures cool
Benefits:
- Relieves summer compaction
- Promotes fall root growth
- Prepares lawn for winter
- Maximizes fertilizer absorption (Round 6 includes fertilizer)
For Best Results: Aerate twice per year (April - May and October - November). If only once per year, choose October - November for maximum benefit.
When NOT to Aerate
- Don't aerate during summer heat (grass is stressed)
- Don't aerate during winter dormancy (grass isn't growing)
- Don't aerate during drought (wait for rain first)
How Our Core Aeration Service Works
Lawn Preparation
We check for sprinkler heads, shallow utilities, and obstacles. Mark any sensitive areas.
Core Aeration
We use professional walk-behind or tow-behind core aerators. Machines pull 2-3 inch cores spaced 3-4 inches apart.
Soil Cores Left on Surface
Thousands of soil cores (plugs) are left on the lawn. They look messy for 1-2 weeks but decompose naturally.
Optional Overseeding
If overseeding, we apply seed immediately after aeration. Seeds fall into holes for excellent soil contact.
Watering Instructions
Water lawn within 24 hours. Keep soil moist for 2-3 weeks to maximize root growth.
What to Expect After Aeration
- Soil cores visible for 1-2 weeks (decompose naturally)
- Safe to mow immediately (mowing helps break down cores)
- Improved water absorption visible within days
- Root growth into holes begins within 7-14 days
- Full benefits visible in 4-6 weeks
Add Overseeding for Maximum Results
Aeration and overseeding are the ultimate lawn renovation combo. Aeration holes provide perfect seed-to-soil contact, and new grass fills in thin or bare areas.
- Fills in bare or thin areas
- Introduces improved grass varieties
- Thickens lawn density
- Crowds out weeds naturally
- Perfect seed-to-soil contact (aeration holes)
Add-On Pricing:
Aeration: $75-$150 | Overseeding: $100-$200 | Combo: $150-$300
Aeration Pricing & Scheduling
Availability
Aeration is offered during Round 3 (April - May) and Round 6 (October - November) of the 8-Step Program.
Not an 8-Step customer? You can schedule standalone aeration service during April - May or October - November.
How to Schedule
8-Step Customers:
Add aeration when we arrive for Round 3 (April - May) or Round 6 (October - November)
Standalone Customers:
Call or get a free quote to schedule April - May or October - November service
Important: Aeration is an ADD-ON service and not included in the base 8-Step Program price. It's available for an additional fee during Rounds 3 and 6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about aeration? We've got answers.
8-Step Program Customers
Add aeration during Round 3 (April - May) or Round 6 (October - November)
Call to Add Aeration