What Is Aeration?
Core aeration removes small plugs of soil from your lawn, reducing compaction and allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach grass roots. It's essential for lawns with heavy clay soil or high foot traffic.
What Is Dethatching?
Dethatching removes the layer of dead grass, roots, and debris (thatch) that accumulates between the soil surface and green grass blades. A thin thatch layer (under 1/2 inch) is healthy, but thick thatch blocks water and nutrients.
When to Aerate
- Soil feels hard or compacted
- Water pools on the surface after rain
- Lawn gets heavy use (kids, pets, sports)
- Best timing: early fall (September) or spring (April–May)
When to Dethatch
- Thatch layer exceeds 1/2 inch
- Lawn feels spongy underfoot
- Water runs off instead of soaking in
- Best timing: early fall or early spring
