Lawn aeration helps keep your lawn healthy, but the cost for this process can vary. Here in the North Shore we have a lot of clay soil so having a core aeration performed once a season is vital to your lawn's health. If you’re considering an aeration method, keep this common lawn aeration cost information in mind.

Why Is Aeration Necessary?

You might need lawn aeration if compacted soil is blocking water and oxygen from penetrating your lawn.  Compacted soil can happen if you drive vehicles over your lawn, including a lawn mower, have kids or pets that frequently run through the yard and more—and it can cause your lawn to not get the nutrients it needs.  Some common signs your lawn needs to be aerated include:

• Bare spots
• Water pooling
• Weeds
• Excessive Thatch

In addition to the above factors, you’re more likely to have compacted soil if you live in an area with clay soil.  If you live in an area with sandy soil, you’re less likely to have soil compaction issues.

Two DIY Aeration Options

If you think your lawn needs to be aerated, you can do it yourself or you can use a lawn care company.  Costs for lawn aeration vary by your method of choice and by company.  If you want to do it yourself, you’ll need to decide if you want to buy or rent a core aerator.  

Buying

If you have a small or average lawn or only a small area that needs treatment, you can buy a manual core aerator.  This aerator has two or three large plugs or a platform that you physically push in the soil by stepping on, so it’s only practical for very small treatment areas.  Manual core aerators can be found at large home improvement stores and usually cost between $25 and $30.

If you need to treat a large area, you can purchase a larger aerator that attaches to the back of a lawn tractor for $200 to $300 depending on the width of the aerator.

Renting

Alternatively, you can rent a core aerator for about $60 for four hours or $90 for an entire day.  Renting will also require a deposit, typically around $150, which will be refunded if you don’t damage the item and return it promptly.  These units are typically much smaller than the large professional models used by landscape companies and can double or triple the amount of time it would take for a company to do it for you.

Keep in mind, renting an aerator means you’ll need the proper vehicle to transport it to your residence.  If you don’t have a truck or trailer available, you may have to rent a vehicle to haul the aerator, which could add to your rental expenses.

Prepping Your Lawn

When you choose to do lawn aeration on your own, you’ll need to prep your lawn for the process.  While the steps to prep your lawn for aeration may not have a cost, they do require some time and work.  You’ll need to:

• Water your lawn so it’s soft and can be easily penetrated (or wait for it to rain)
• Mark off the areas that need treatment
• Pick up any items in the areas that need treatment
• Mark your sprinkler heads to reduce the chance of damage

Overseeding And Fertilizing

Adding overseeding and fertilizer to your lawn aeration process can make your lawn more lush and healthier.  Spring and fall are the best times to overseed and fertilize your grass thanks to cooler temperatures.  Being in the North Shore area you’ll want to get cool season grass seed.

While prices for overseeding and fertilizing vary based on lawn size, you can expect prices to start at around $150 for seed and fertilizer. Most lawn care companies offer free estimates on aeration prices as well as overseeding and fertilizing.

Common Aeration Cost By A Professional Lawn Care Company

Hiring a lawn care professional to aerate your lawn will cost about $15 to $17 per thousand square feet.  For most companies, the starting cost is about $150, however, if you add overseeding and fertilizing the cost could go up to $300-$350.  Larger lawns will, of course, have a greater cost.

Before you select a lawn care company to aerate your lawn or you go the do-it-yourself route, consider:

• How often you’d like to aerate your lawn
• The size of the area that needs treatment
• How much time you want to devote to working on your lawn
• Your budget
• Whether or not your lawn needs fertilizer and overseeding

Get More Info From The Pros!

Looking for more information on aeration or just ready to let the professionals take over your lawn care needs? The Grassmaster Plus team is ready and willing to answer any questions you have and can provide you a free quote on your lawn care services for the season. Contact our local office today!