Water the lawn lightly one to two days before aerating
Mow the grass shorter than usual
Mark sprinkler heads, cables, and shallow utilities
Choose a core aerator for best results
Aerate when the soil is moist but not soggy
Make one full pass over the lawn
Make a second pass in a different direction if needed
Leave the soil plugs on the lawn to break down naturally
Apply fertilizer or overseed after aerating if desired
Water the lawn after aeration
Avoid heavy foot traffic for a few days
Aerate cool-season grass in early fall or spring
Aerate warm-season grass in late spring or early summer
Aerate compacted or high-traffic areas more often
Clean the aerator after use