Core aeration pulls small plugs of soil so air, water and fertilizer reach the roots. In Quebec, late summer or early fall is the best time, often followed by top-dressing and overseeding. Spring also works once the soil has drained. Heavily used lawns and clay soils benefit every year.
Signs of compacted soil
- Water pools or runs off after rain
- A screwdriver is hard to push into moist soil
- Bare or yellow traffic areas
- Moss and annual bluegrass moving in
- Thick thatch at the base of the grass
Right after aeration
- Let the soil plugs break down in place
- Spread a thin layer of top-dressing or compost
- Overseed to use the holes
- Water regularly during germination
Place aeration in your year with our lawn calendar. Redoing a big area? Compare sod vs seed.
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Service: lawn care quotes · Version française
General advice for Montreal-area lawns. Ideal timing varies with each year’s weather.