Aerating Bermudagrass: Timing, Equipment, and Common Questions

Core aeration relieves compaction in bermudagrass lawns, just as in fescue. Best time: early summer (late April–June) when grass is growing rapidly. On very compacted soils, twice yearly is fine. Fertilize and water after aerating.

Equipment & Technique

• Rent a motorized hollow-tine (core) aerator. Solid-tine spike aerators are useless.
• Criss-cross pattern; aim for ≥12 holes/sq ft.
• Let plugs dry 3–4 days; drag carpet to pulverize or leave to dissolve.

Why Core > Spike

UGA research: core aeration increases deep rooting and water extraction by 25%. Spike aerators compact soil around holes and glaze walls, impeding air/water movement.

Benefits

• Plugs decompose thatch without power-dethatcher damage.
• Holes create seed beds for overseeding (fescue).
• Fertilizer penetrates deeper.

Common Questions

Q: Collect plugs?

A: No. Let dissolve or drag carpet after drying.

Q: Pull-behind spike aerator as good as rented core?

A: No. Spikes compact soil; core aeration is the only effective method.

Q: Aerate after crabgrass preventer—does it break the barrier?

A: Michigan State research: no effect. Core aeration disturbs too little surface area.

Q: Landscaper says mid-June–July; lawn company says window passed. Who's right?

A: Both, context-dependent. Aeration helps when soil is soft enough for 2-inch penetration. Lawn companies schedule early June for moist soil. If ground is hard now and you can water to soften it, you can aerate until July 30. If you can't water, wait until next year.