Mow the lawn short
Water the yard lightly one to two days before aerating
Choose the right aerator for your lawn size
Mark sprinkler heads, utility lines, and shallow obstacles
Aerate when the soil is moist but not soggy
Make multiple passes over compacted areas
Focus on high-traffic spots and thin grass areas
Leave the soil plugs on the lawn
Overseed if needed after aerating
Apply fertilizer if desired after aerating
Water the lawn after aeration
Avoid heavy foot traffic for a few days
Repeat aeration once or twice a year as needed