Knowledgebase

Too late for aeration #889361

Asked November 05, 2024, 10:43 AM EST

Hello I have not started my lawn in several years. It has high clay soil. Is it too late to do so this Fall?

Ingham County Michigan

Expert Response

Core aeration is best done in April or September.  Core aeration is a shock to the turf but it will recover in the following weeks, especially if the turf was fertilized a bit the week before aeration.  November is too late to core aerate as lawn growth has slowed because the growing season is almost over.  It would be better to wait until late April 2025 to core aerate.  More info in the attached links:
Core Aeration of Lawns-MSU
Core Aeration of lawns-Illinois
Core Aeration & Dethatching of Lawns-MSU
Core Aeration of Lawns-Iowa St
I also recommend doing a soil test if you haven't done one in two years. You will learn more about your soil including soil type, pH, nutrient levels and more. Knowing the type and fertility of your soil is the starting point to establishing & maintaining a strong turf that can resist diseases, moss, weeds, insects/grubs and look great at an optimal cost. More info here: Don't Guess-Soil Test-MSU and MSU Home Soil Test self-mailerYou could do the soil test this month and plan your actions (for spring) based on the soil test results.  Also, plan to do the core aeration in late April.
Dick M. Replied November 05, 2024, 11:02 PM EST

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