Core Lawn Aeration in Cincinnati & Dayton

Why Southwest Ohio Lawns Need Aeration

Most lawns around Cincinnati sit on heavy, silty clay over shale and limestone. It holds nutrients well and packs down hard. Every mow, every summer of kids and dogs and every heavy rain presses it tighter. Roots run out of room, water runs off, and fertilizer cannot reach the root zone.

Core aeration is how you open that soil back up. Our machines pull plugs of soil 2 to 3 inches deep, which:

• Relieves compaction
• Improves drainage
• Strengthens the root system
• Reduces the thatch layer
• Helps the lawn take up the nutrients from its feedings

Signs Your Lawn Needs Aeration

• Your thatch layer is thicker than half an inch
• Your lawn has had disease problems in past seasons
• Water puddles or runs off instead of soaking in
• Grass stays thin in high traffic areas no matter what you put down

If any of these sound familiar, we highly recommend aeration this year.

How We Aerate

1. Moist soil comes first. Aeration works best in moist soil. If it has been dry, water deeply a few days ahead.
2. We pull cores across the whole lawn. Compacted Cincinnati clay benefits from heavy coring. Turf researchers recommend opening at least 20% of the surface each year.
3. We leave the cores on the lawn. Rain and regular mowing break them back down into the turf. There is nothing to rake up.

When We Aerate

Fall is the main aeration season in Southwest Ohio, and we aerate from late August through October. If we are seeding at the same time, we like the soil near 60 degrees, and seeding with aeration runs until mid-October.

Want spring aeration? Ask when you call. Spring aeration should happen before crabgrass pre-emergent goes down, because aerating afterward punches holes in that barrier.

Want thicker grass, not just healthier soil? Our Aeration & Overseeding service aerates and seeds in the same visit.

How Often Should You Aerate?

Once a year is best, and every other year at minimum. Lawns on a PureLawn treatment program get the most from it.

Before and After Your Aeration

Before:

• Mark your sprinkler heads and lines, invisible fence and any buried wires. Our machines go 2 to 3 inches deep, and PureLawn is not responsible for any damage that happens during core aeration.
• If it has been dry, give the lawn a deep soaking a few days before your service, not the morning of.

After:

• Leave the cores where they fall.
• Give the lawn 5 to 10 days before you mow, and raise your mower a notch while it recovers.

Why Homeowners Choose PureLawn

• Local and family-owned. Matt Maurer runs our Dayton location and Chad Craft runs Cincinnati.
• Customers stay. Our annual retention rate is over 90%, and referrals are our number one source of new customers.
• Free service calls. If something is not right between visits, we come back at no charge.
• Built on research. Our programs are based on Ohio State turfgrass research, and our technicians are licensed.
• Recognized locally. Angie’s List Super Service Award winners and members of the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation, the Ohio Lawn Care Association and the BBB.

Areas We Serve

Cincinnati area: Montgomery, Blue Ash, Kenwood, Wyoming, Indian Hill, Madeira, Dry Run, Mason, West Chester, Loveland, Hyde Park, Anderson Township and Hamilton.

Dayton area: Dayton, Beavercreek, Centerville, Springboro, Troy, Tipp City and surrounding cities.

Not sure if you are on a route? Call (937) 703-1221 and we will tell you straight.

Core Aeration FAQs

How often should I aerate my lawn in Ohio?

Once a year if possible, and at least every other year. Lawns with heavy thatch or a history of disease benefit most from yearly aeration.

When is the best time to aerate in Cincinnati and Dayton?

Fall. We aerate from late August through October. Fall aeration also sets up the best conditions for seeding. Read more in When to Aerate Your Lawn in Ohio.

Do I need to rake up the plugs?

No. Leave them on the lawn. Rain and mowing break them down and return that soil to the turf.

When can I mow after aeration?

Wait 5 to 10 days, and raise your mowing height while the lawn recovers.

Should I seed after aerating?

If your lawn is thin or has bare spots, yes. Seed that lands in fresh aeration holes gets the soil contact it needs to sprout. That is our Aeration & Overseeding service.

What do I need to do before my aeration?

Mark your sprinkler lines, invisible fence and any buried wires. If the weather has been dry, water deeply a few days ahead.

How much does core aeration cost?

Price is based on the size of your lawn. Request a free quote and we will give you an exact number.