Lawn aeration alleviates soil compaction caused by dense and tightly packed soil, which limits the movement of air, water, and nutrients. A lawn aerator creates small holes to loosen the soil, allowing better penetration of air, water, and nutrients to reach the grassroots. This promotes stronger and deeper grass roots, resulting in a healthier, denser lawn that is more resistant to stresses like drought and disease.
The best time to aerate a lawn depends on factors such as grass type and soil condition, but it is generally recommended to aerate during the growing season when the grass is actively growing and can recover more quickly from the aeration process. Late spring and early summer are ideal times in Wisconsin.