<\/p>\n
Aerating the lawn often involves removing narrow plugs of soil to reduce soil compaction, which in turn allows grass roots to spread out, grow stronger, and improve the health of the lawn. Alternate aeration methods include poking holes in the lawn with spikes or applying an aeration liquid over the yard. According to HomeAdvisor, most landscape companies offer aeration services ranging from about $75 to $193 for a 10,000 square foot lawn, with $129 being the national average. The cost is small compared to other yard maintenance costs, such as installing a sprinkler system or having a tree removed, and aerating is one of the best ways to ensure a healthy lawn.<\/p>\n
Factors affecting lawn aeration cost include the size of the lawn\u2014a lawn company may charge a base fee in addition to a square-footage price. At the low end, a small yard may run as little as $45 to aerate, while aerating a large lawn could run $370 or more.<\/p>\n
Additionally, lawn aeration costs will vary from community to community, based on the going price of labor, contractor competition, and the distance a landscaper must travel to reach the home. These unseen costs can add (or reduce) the average price.<\/p>\n
Need a hand?<\/p>\n
Some jobs are better left to the pros. Receive free, no-commitment estimate from licensed lawn service professionals near you.<\/p>\n
+<\/span> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Several variables affect calculating the cost of aerating a lawn, and, in most cases, a rep from the lawn company will want to take a look at the property before quoting a price. You can opt to aerate the lawn yourself by either renting the equipment, buying it, or spraying on a liquid aerator product, but for many, it\u2019s worthwhile to have a professional company come out and do it.<\/p>\n With all the likely costs in hand, you\u2019ll have a good idea of what lawn aeration will run.<\/p>\n The cost of lawn aeration services can vary widely from community to community, depending on yard specifics and the community in which you live. In the hunt for low-cost solutions to lawn- care needs, consider the following factors that will likely affect the final cost.<\/p>\n Leave lawn aeration to the pros<\/p>\n Get free, no-commitment estimates from experts near you.<\/p>\n +<\/span> <\/p>\n In any community, the cost of living and the going price of labor are determining factors in lawn- care services. In general, the cost of lawn-care services in rural communities can be significantly lower than in busy metropolises because the cost of living is lower. In addition, local taxes and business fees can fluctuate, which will affect the price since those costs\u2014considered \u201coverhead\u201d\u2014are passed on to the customer.<\/p>\n The larger the yard, in general, the lower the square-foot cost of aerating. Lawn companies will often calculate their square-foot charges in increments. For example, it may cost $0.02 per square foot to have the first 1,500 square feet of lawn aerated, and after that, the price may drop to $0.01 for the next 10,000 square feet. When it comes to massive yards\u2014measured in acres\u2014the overall cost will usually be quite a bit lower per square foot; expect to pay between $480 to $650 per acre for aeration.<\/p>\n Aeration equipment requires a smooth, clear yard to operate efficiently. If the lawn company has to rake up bushels of dry leaves or clear away fallen limbs and debris, there may be an extra service charge added to the bill.<\/p>\n Within the range of $75 to $193, core aeration sits at the top of the scale, while spike aeration runs approximately $82 because spike aerators are less expensive to buy and maintain. Liquid aeration is near the bottom of the range scale. Liquid aeration can be combined with fertilizer treatments, however, which can raise the price.<\/p>\n The cost of aeration can often be negotiated down by purchasing a package deal. This might include buying a maintenance package that provides for fertilizing every other month, reseeding in the fall, and applying an herbicide in the spring. By packaging the different services together, some lawn care companies might offer a cut of up to 20 percent. However, this figure will vary depending on the company and the promotions and packages they might offer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Even without buying a seasonal service package, you can save money by having the company perform an additional service on the same day they aerate. Lawn companies will often offer a discount price for two services done at the same time because their workers are already at the residence, so it\u2019s more cost-effective for them to stay and perform another lawn treatment service. If the lawn needs any of the following services, having them done simultaneously will often save on individual service costs.<\/p>\n Get a healthy lawn from the start<\/p>\n Get free, no-commitment estimates from lawn aeration experts near you.<\/p>\n +<\/span> <\/p>\n Having the lawn fertilized costs $50 to $80 for a whole lawn, or $170 to $260 if combined with aeration. If you\u2019re planning on having the yard fertilized anyway, you\u2019ll save money by having both services performed at the same time. Applying fertilizer is often done immediately after aeration so the nutrients can seep into the holes in the lawn.<\/p>\n Aeration and seeding also go hand in hand. In many regions, it\u2019s standard practice to overseed a lawn after aeration\u2014depending on climate\u2014so reseeding is often combined with aeration. The average cost for overseeding and aeration for a 10,000 square foot lawn costs $200 to $325.<\/p>\n While aeration will overcome some of the problems of thatch\u2014the layer of dead organic material at soil level\u2014if the thatch is thicker than 1\/2 inch, it might be better to have it completely removed before aerating. Expect to pay an additional $10 to $20 per 1,000 square feet to have the lawn dethatched. Dethatching is typically done prior to lawn aeration.<\/p>\n Having shrubs and small trees trimmed as part of a lawn maintenance package that includes aeration could add as much as $300 to $750 to the bill. Having an entire tree removed could cost an additional $1,300 or more, depending on the size of the tree. While many lawn companies perform general tree and shrub trimming, they may not offer tree removal services, which require specialized lifts.<\/p>\n On average, basic lawn services, such as mowing, can add $153 to $185 to the cost of lawn aeration. This is where having a whole-season lawn maintenance package can really cut down on costs, however. If the same company performs all necessary lawn-care services weekly or bi-weekly, it could save over having the same services contracted individually.<\/p>\n Navigating steep slopes with an aerating machine will take longer, so expect to pay a higher fee to have those spots aerated. Lawn companies who typically charge a set rate may switch to a per-hour rate if a substantial part of the lawn is sloped.<\/p>\n The type of soil can also affect lawn aeration costs because lawn companies may recommend spike aeration for sandy soils, which costs an average of $0.03 per square foot. For other soil types, such as clay-based or loamy, core aeration is still the method of choice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The cost of lawn aeration will vary by the method the lawn company uses. Arguably, the type of aeration that offers the most comprehensive benefits\u2014core aeration\u2014will cost the most because it requires the use of a machine that actually takes plugs out of the existing soil and ejects them on the lawn. This requires a more complex device, which translates into a higher equipment investment. Spike aerators operate on a simpler basis and cost less than core aerators.<\/p>\n Leave lawn aeration to the pros<\/p>\n Get free, no-commitment estimates from experts near you.<\/p>\n +<\/span> <\/p>\n Liquid lawn aeration involves spraying a solution that contains enzymes over the grass. The enzymes go to work decomposing thatch\u2014the layer of thick, dead grass that collects at the base of the grass blades\u2014at ground level. Thatch hampers air circulation and reduces drainage. Liquid aeration can run as little as $21 for a small (1,400 square feet) lawn, or $0.015 per square foot. Liquid aeration is cheaper because it doesn\u2019t require heavy equipment, but it won\u2019t alleviate soil compaction as core aeration will.<\/p>\n Spike aeration is the practice of driving 4- to 5-inch spikes into the existing ground to increase drainage, but no soil is removed as with core aeration. It\u2019s well suited for lawns with sandy soil, which don\u2019t compact as clay-type soils do. It costs more than liquid aeration but less on average than core aeration, ranging from about $65 to $120 for a 10,000 square foot lawn.<\/p>\n The equipment required to dig and remove plugs from the existing lawn is typically more expensive than either spike aeration equipment or lawn-spraying equipment, so the end cost is higher, which is reflected in the average 12 to 20 percent increase over the cost of spike aeration.<\/p>\n A lawn can go from lush one year to splotchy with bare patches the next if thatch builds up, reducing air circulation and the ability of the grass roots to absorb fertilizers and nutrients. For the best-looking lawn, aerating, dethatching, fertilizing, and other maintenance tasks should be performed regularly before lawn problems arise. Any of the following signs may indicate the yard is overdue for aeration.<\/p>\n Leave lawn aeration to the pros<\/p>\n Get free, no-commitment estimates from experts near you.<\/p>\n +<\/span> <\/p>\n Water should soak into the soil within approximately 30 minutes after watering the lawn or after a light rain. If water is standing in puddles after that, it could result from overly compact soil or a heavy layer of thatch.<\/p>\n Just because water isn\u2019t puddling doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s soaking into the ground. Heavy, compact soil with a dense layer of thatch will keep water from soaking in, so it may run off during watering or rain, making you think the ground is saturated, but the soil at root level may be dry. If the soil beneath isn\u2019t getting enough water, the grass will dry out quickly after a rain, but the lawn itself may show signs of thinning.<\/p>\n Clay-based soils are heavy and slick when wet but turn rock-hard when the soil dries out. Aeration is often the first step in rescuing a lawn that has too-hard soil. Core aeration will remove hard soil plugs, and then the lawn can be top-dressed with compost, which will filter into the holes, increasing air and water availability and improving soil structure.<\/p>\n Brown spots in the lawn may be the result of overly thick thatch. Separate the blades of grass and pinch up a small amount of thatch\u2014it\u2019s the brown, spongy layer just above the soil. If it\u2019s thicker than 1\/2 to 3\/4 inch, it\u2019s time to aerate or have the lawn dethatched.<\/p>\n In a healthy lawn, grass grows uniformly and evenly. Areas of dense thatch and compacted soils, however, won\u2019t allow the grass to grow as well in those spots, so the lawn looks uneven and may even appear to be slightly different shades of green.<\/p>\n A lawn is meant to be enjoyed, but if yours is the site of the weekly neighborhood touch-football game, or you often entertain on the lawn, it\u2019s more likely to suffer from compaction problems. Having it aerated will go a long way toward keeping it soft and lush.<\/p>\n For those looking to save money on lawn maintenance costs, a core-type lawn aerator can be rented from an equipment rental store for about $90 per day. A spike aerator will typically rent for less. An equipment deposit of about $150 may also be required, but you\u2019ll get that back when you return the machine.<\/p>\n You don’t have to do it yourself<\/p>\n Get free, no-commitment estimates from lawn aeration experts near you.<\/p>\n +<\/span> <\/p>\n A truck or trailer is necessary for hauling an aerator, and depending on the size, it can weigh over 100 pounds. A few aerators are gasoline-powered, so you\u2019ll need to purchase fuel as well to operate one of those. For those unfamiliar with running aerators, figure on spending 30 minutes to learn how to use it correctly. The aeration process itself can take a few hours, depending on yard size.<\/p>\n While it\u2019s doable, DIY aerating usually isn\u2019t as efficient as aerating done by a professional familiar with the machine and who can load, unload, and transport the equipment with ease. A pro is also more likely to spot additional lawn problems and suggest a plan of action before the issues can develop into something more expensive to remedy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Having a beautiful lawn shouldn\u2019t break the budget\u2014and it won\u2019t if you stay on top of lawn watering and maintenance tasks. Keeping turf grass healthy is easier\u2014and cheaper\u2014than trying to restore it to a healthy state once it\u2019s weak or damaged, so take the time to water, mow, and fertilize on a set schedule. Still, annual lawn aeration is one more expense you have to pay for to maintain a lush lawn. To get the best bang for your buck, try these ideas.<\/p>\n A lot of lawn-care nightmares can be avoided just by asking the right questions before hiring a company to aerate or perform other lawn maintenance tasks. Begin your search by looking online for \u201caeration near me,\u201d then ask a few more questions to help you determine the right company for your needs.<\/p>\n Keeping a lawn healthy and beautiful is an ongoing commitment. You can water and fertilize regularly, but if the soil is hard and compact or the lawn develops a thick layer of thatch, aerating is vital to keep it healthy. For those who are just starting to develop a comprehensive lawn-care plan, a few questions are to be expected.<\/p>\n Lawn aerating offers many more benefits than drawbacks, but some homeowners don\u2019t like the look of the core plugs that most lawn companies leave on the lawn. Just wait a couple of weeks, and they\u2019ll decompose and won\u2019t be visible anymore.<\/p>\n For healthy lawns, once a year is sufficient. Lawns with heavy clay soil will benefit from aeration twice per year.<\/p>\n Aerate lawns just before periods of rapid growth. For warm-season grasses, that\u2019s usually in late spring or early fall. For cool-season grasses, aerate in early spring or the fall. Avoid aerating during times of lawn stress, such as high temps or drought.<\/p>\n Water standing in puddles, uneven grass growth, and thinning grass are all signs it might be time to aerate.<\/p>\n Need a hand?<\/p>\n Some jobs are better left to the pros. Receive free, no-commitment estimate from licensed lawn service professionals near you.<\/p>\n +<\/span> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Photo: istockphoto.com Typical Range: $75 to $193 National Average: $129 Aerating the lawn often involves removing narrow plugs of soil to reduce soil compaction, which in turn allows grass roots to spread out, grow stronger, and improve the health of the lawn. Alternate aeration methods include poking holes in the lawn with spikes or applying […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1412,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[16],"tags":[1369,63,852,659,62],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kechambers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3364"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kechambers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kechambers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kechambers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kechambers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3364"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kechambers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3364\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3365,"href":"https:\/\/kechambers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3364\/revisions\/3365"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kechambers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1412"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kechambers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3364"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kechambers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3364"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kechambers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3364"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}How to Calculate Lawn Aeration Cost<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Factors in Calculating Lawn Aeration Cost<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Location<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Yard Size<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Prep Work<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Aeration Type<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Pricing and Packages<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Additional Costs and Considerations<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Fertilizing<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Overseeding<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Lawn Dethatching<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Tree and Shrub Maintenance<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Lawn Care<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Slope<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Type of Soil<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Lawn Aeration Cost: Methods<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Liquid Aeration<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Spike Aeration<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Core Aeration<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Lawn Aeration Cost: Signs Lawn Aeration Is Necessary<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Puddles Form After Rain<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Grass Dries Out Quickly and Is Thinning<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The Soil Is Too Hard<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The Thatch Is Too Thick<\/strong><\/h3>\n
There Is Uneven Growth<\/strong><\/h3>\n
You Have a High-Traffic Lawn<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Lawn Aeration Cost: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How to Save Money on Lawn Aeration Cost<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Questions to Ask About Lawn Aeration<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Q. What\u2019s the main disadvantage of aerating?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Q. How often should I aerate the lawn?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Q. What is the best time of year to aerate the lawn?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Q. How do I know if my lawn needs to be aerated?<\/strong><\/h3>\n