Lawns growing in clay soil, or those that get heavy use, need a bit of breathing space sometimes. Aerating a lawn means punching a lot of small holes in it – to allow air, water and nutrients to get in. It improves drainage and makes the soil less compact so the grass can stretch its roots. To help you out, we have put together this handy how-to guide to take you through the aeration process step-by-step with either a garden fork or lawn aerator machine, so you can learn how to aerate a lawn.
Before you begin, it’s important to keep yourself and others safe. Always make sure you follow the instructions on your materials and tools, and wear the appropriate safety gear.
Let’s start with what you’ll need.
Materials:
Tools
When to start
Spring and autumn is when growth is slower but the grass will still heal. The soil needs to be soft enough to penetrate, so the day after it has rained or you have watered your lawn should do nicely.