Should a Lawn Be Aerated in February?

Annual aeration is best for a healthy lawn.

Spring and Fall Are Best

The best time to aerate is when turfgrasses are actively growing. The Virginia Cooperative Extension Service recommends aerating cool-season grasses like fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass in late August or September. Warm-season grasses such as bermudagrass or zoysiagrass should be aerated in June or July.

Herbicide Applications

According to University of Nebraska turfgrass professor Dr. Robert Shearman, "aerating after a herbicide application can reduce the chemical barrier formed by the herbicide." Because pre-emergent herbicides are often applied in early spring, you may want to consider aerating in February if you plan to put down a pre-emergent.

Bottom Line

Warm-season lawns should be aerated in early summer, while cool-season lawns are best aerated in fall. "Aeration before or at the time of late season fertilization enhances root growth responses and improves spring greenup and growth," says Dr. Shearman.

References

• Virginia Cooperative Extension: Aerating Your Lawn
• Textron Turf Care And Specialty Products: Lawn Aeration