Core aeration works by physically pulling plugs of soil from compacted lawns, creating holes that improve air, water, and nutrient penetration to the roots, leading to stronger, healthier turf. It’s an effective method for relieving soil compaction and can be particularly beneficial for lawns with clay soil or heavy foot traffic, though it leaves unattractive soil plugs on the surface for a short period.
Unlike spike aeration which can be done almost any time of year core areration should only be used during particular times or seasons depending on your grass type. Core aerate cool-season lawns (like Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue) in the early fall to allow the grass time to recover before winter, you can also Core aerate in the early spring before or right as primary grass growth begins. For warm-season grasses (like Bermuda grass or Zoysia), aerate in the late spring or early summer during their peak growing season. The best time to aerate is during a grass type’s active growing season when the plants are least stressed to promote fast recovery and growth.