Over time, the soil in your lawn may become compacted, preventing grass from growing to its full potential. Aerating with a plug or spike aerator opens up the lawn and allows water and nutrients to enrich the soil.

Aerating breaks the soil surface by poking holes into the earth. A plug aerator removes clumps of soil (about the size of your finger) from the ground. Punch aerators push holes into the soil.

Whichever method you use, the benefits are numerous:

• Oxygen and water can now enter the soil.
  
  
• Rainwater will not run off.
  
  
• Earthworms and other beneficial organisms have room to live.
  
  
• Fertilizer can reach the grass roots.
  
  
• Healthier grass means fewer weeds.

Self-propelled units, lawn tractor attachments, and hand or foot-powered plugging tools are available for aeration.

Whichever tool you use, aerate your lawn in the same pattern as you would when mowing. Afterwards, rake to remove plugs or wait for them to dissolve naturally. If you want, top-dress with compost or peat moss to further enrich the soil. You can also apply seed and fertilizer after aerating. Aerate cool season grasses in fall, warm season grasses in late spring.