Lawn Aeration
Letting your lawn breathe again
If your lawn always feels soggy in winter, struggles in summer, or never quite thickens up no matter how much you feed it, there’s a good chance the roots can’t breathe. That’s where lawn aeration comes in.
It’s one of the most effective treatments I offer—and one of the most overlooked.
What is Lawn Aeration?
Aeration is the process of creating small holes in your lawn to relieve compaction and allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots.
It’s particularly important here in Gloucestershire, where clay soils and heavy foot traffic are common.
There are two main types of aeration:
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Solid tine (spiking): Quick, shallow holes to improve surface drainage
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Hollow tine: Removes small plugs of soil to properly relieve compaction and open up the root zone
What are the benefits?
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Improves drainage – great for waterlogged or puddling lawns
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Encourages deeper root growth – vital for drought resistance
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Helps fertilisers work better – feeds get to the roots, not stuck on the surface
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Reduces moss and thatch over time
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Supports overseeding – helps new seed establish faster
It’s a key part of many lawn recovery programmes, especially when combined with feeding, overseeding, or moss control.
When should you aerate?
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Spring or autumn are ideal—when the soil is moist but not waterlogged, and the grass is growing well
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Best done once a year for most lawns
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Can be repeated in high-traffic areas or heavily compacted soil
Why not DIY?
Hand tools can work on small patches, but for most lawns I use professional equipment to get consistent results—and to go deep enough to make a difference.
I also make sure the timing is right and that any follow-up treatments (like feeding or seeding) are matched to your lawn’s condition.
Not sure if your lawn needs aerating?
A quick test: push a garden fork into the lawn. If it’s tough to get in, or the water sits on the surface after rain, aeration will likely help.
If you’re still unsure, I’m happy to come and take a look.
Learn About Moss & Weed Control →
TESTIMONIALS
“Marcus brought our back lawn back from the brink. It’s thick, green, and a joy to sit out on now. The care and detail made all the difference.”
Book a Free Lawn Assessment
Call Marcus on 07488 390 576
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