Services

Lawn aeration

If water pools on your lawn after rain or the soil feels hard underfoot, compaction is the problem. Aeration opens the soil so water, air and nutrients reach the roots, so the lawn recovers faster and stays healthier through the season. Included in every treatment plan.

Lawn aeration is the process of creating small holes in the soil to relieve compaction, allowing water, air and nutrients to penetrate deeper for stronger root growth and better drainage.

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George aerating a lawn with a hollow-tine aerator

What is lawn aeration?

Aeration is the process of creating small holes in the soil surface to relieve compaction. This allows water, air and nutrients to penetrate deeper, encouraging stronger root growth and better drainage.

Most lawns become compacted over time, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic, clay soil, or poor drainage. Compacted soil forces grass roots to stay shallow, making the lawn more susceptible to drought, moss, and waterlogging.

Aeration is one of the most effective treatments for improving long-term lawn health, and it's often overlooked.

Compacted soil gets worse over time, not better. Roots stay shallow, drainage worsens, and moss and waterlogging take hold. The lawn gradually declines even if you're feeding it regularly.

Solid or hollow tine?

We use:

Solid tine aeration - for lighter, faster compaction relief - best for moderately compacted lawns, spring interventions, and speed
Hollow tine (core) aeration - for heavier soils and recurring wetness - removes small plugs of soil, often paired with topdressing to keep the holes open

Which method we use depends on your soil condition and what the lawn needs. We assess at your survey.

Signs your lawn needs aeration

You might not realise compaction is the problem. Most people assume their lawn needs more feed or weed treatment, when the real issue is that nothing can get through the soil.

Before aeration:

Water sits on the surface. Roots stay shallow. Feeds don't seem to work. Moss takes hold in the wet conditions.

After aeration:

Water drains through. Roots grow deeper. Feeds reach the soil. The lawn starts recovering on its own.

Common signs:

Water pooling after rain
Hard soil underfoot
Moss returning despite treatment
Turf that lifts easily
Heavy clay or high foot traffic areas

We can test your soil compaction on site

Book a free survey.

Book your free lawn survey

Read how a free survey works · Check if we cover your area

What to expect after aeration

Within days: holes from aeration close naturally. Soil begins to decompress
2-4 weeks: drainage improves noticeably. Roots grow deeper into loosened soil
Season-on-season: the lawn holds up better in wet weather and dry spells. Feeds work more effectively because they reach the roots

Why professional aeration matters

Most people either hire a machine and DIY, risking damage from incorrect depth and spacing, or have a gardener stab holes with a garden fork, which barely scratches the surface.

Professional aeration uses calibrated equipment at the right depth, spacing, and timing for your soil type. Combined with overseeding and topdressing, it transforms compacted soil rather than just poking holes in it.

Real transformations

Danbury lawn overrun with broadleaf weeds and bare soil patches before treatment

Same Danbury lawn transformed to thick green grass with clean mowing stripes

BeforeAfter

Weed-infested to clean, thick lawn

Danbury, CM3

Weed controlOverseedingRegular mowingFull Lawn Restoration

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Chelmsford front lawn with thatch and moss damage showing brown patches before treatment

Same Chelmsford lawn restored to deep green with defined stripes after renovation

BeforeAfter

Thatchy and mossy to thick striped lawn

Chelmsford, CM2

ScarificationMoss controlFeedingRegular mowingAutumn Renovation

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Aeration is included in every treatment plan

Aeration is part of our annual Autumn Renovation, which is included as standard in both the Lawn Health and Full Lawn Care plans. We aerate, then overseed and topdress - the combination is far more effective than any single treatment alone.

For lawns that need more intensive work (heavy compaction, waterlogging), we can also include aeration as part of a quoted Full Renovation.

Need a one-off aeration? We can quote for standalone aeration too.Book a free survey and we'll assess what your lawn needs.

Lawn Health plan

from £25/month

Full Lawn Care plan

from £75/month

Aeration questions

When do you aerate lawns in Essex?

We typically aerate in autumn as part of the annual renovation. For lawns with significant compaction issues, we may also aerate in spring. Essex’s clay soils (much of the county sits on London Clay) particularly benefit from regular aeration.

Does aeration make a mess of the lawn?

Solid tine aeration leaves small holes that close naturally within a few days. Hollow tine aeration removes small soil cores, which we either remove or break up and brush in with topdressing. The lawn recovers quickly.

How often should a lawn be aerated?

For most lawns, once a year as part of the autumn renovation is sufficient. Heavily compacted lawns or those with persistent drainage problems may benefit from aeration twice a year.

Is your lawn struggling to drain?

Book a free survey and we'll assess your soil compaction, drainage, and overall lawn health. Aeration is included in every treatment plan, and you'll get a personalised lawn assessment, yours to keep, whether you sign up or not.
Not ready to book? Read how a free survey works · Check if we cover your area · See pricing

Book your free lawn survey

Better drainage, stronger roots, a lawn that breathes. Included in every treatment plan.