Lawn aeration often gets talked about like it’s some complicated science experiment. But at its core, it’s a simple (and essential) part of keeping your yard healthy. Still, there are a lot of myths floating around about it—ones that could be stopping you from giving your lawn the care it really needs.
If your grass is struggling, thinning out, or just looking tired, lawn aeration might be the solution you’ve been ignoring—possibly because of these common myths. Let’s break them down so you can make the best choice for your lawn.
Myth #1: “My Lawn Looks Fine, So I Don’t Need Aeration”
Here’s the truth: just because your lawn looks okay on the surface doesn’t mean the soil underneath is healthy. Over time, the soil becomes compacted. That makes it hard for air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots of your grass. Even lawns that look decent can be hiding compacted soil that’s limiting growth. If you’ve got kids or pets or spend a lot of time on your lawn, compaction happens faster than you’d think.
Aeration opens up the soil, helps roots grow deeper, and provides your grass with the boost it needs to stay thick and healthy.
Myth #2: “You Only Need to Aerate Once”
It would be nice if one round of aeration lasted forever—but that’s not how it works.
Most lawns benefit from aeration at least once a year, especially if they’re exposed to heavy use, clay soil, or foot traffic. Some lawns even need it twice a year, depending on their condition.
Think of it like going to the dentist. You don’t just go once and assume your teeth will stay clean forever. Aeration is ongoing care, not a one-and-done fix.
Myth #3: “Spring Is the Best Time to Aerate”
This one depends on your grass type and your region. In most of Canada, cool-season grasses are common—these grow best in the early fall and late spring.
Fall is usually the best time to aerate because:
- The grass is actively growing
- Weeds are less aggressive
- Temperatures are cooler
- There’s still time for recovery before winter
We recommend a lawn assessment first to time your aeration perfectly for your yard. Our team knows how to match aeration timing with your local weather and grass type.
Myth #4: “Aeration and Dethatching Are the Same Thing”
They’re not the same—even though they sound like similar tasks.
- Aeration: Removes small plugs of soil to reduce compaction
- Dethatching: Removes a layer of dead grass and roots on the surface
Both are important, but they solve different problems. Some lawns need both, and our lawn care experts can tell you exactly what your yard needs and when.
Myth #5: “It’s Better to Do It Yourself”
Sure, you can rent an aerator from the hardware store. But here’s the catch: it’s heavy, it’s awkward to use, and without experience, it’s easy to do it wrong.
Many DIYers end up:
- Missing large sections of lawn
- Using the wrong aerator type
- Aerating when the soil is too dry or too wet
- Damaging sprinkler heads or hidden cables
Hiring professionals means you get the job done right the first time. We use the proper equipment, know exactly how deep to go and clean up when we’re done—so you don’t have to.
Let Us Handle It—So You Can Enjoy Your Lawn
There’s no need to fall for old myths or guess your way through lawn care. Our team knows what your lawn needs and when it needs it. Whether it’s your first time aerating or you want better results, we’re here to make it simple. Looking for professional lawn care? Contact LawnMart today, and let’s follow the best practices of lawn care treatment.