How much does lawn aeration cost?
How much does lawn aeration cost?
$100 – $300 average cost
Average lawn aeration cost
Lawn aeration costs $100 to $300 on average. The biggest factor in the cost of aeration is the lawn size, with higher prices for larger lawns. Prices also depend on the lawn slope, yard prep needed, your location, and whether you already have a lawn mowing package with the company.
| Lawn size | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 square feet | $100 – $130 |
| 3,000 square feet | $120 – $150 |
| 5,000 square feet | $130 – $175 |
| ¼ acre | $150 – $200 |
| ½ acre | $180 – $250 |
| 1 acre | $200 – $300 |
Lawn aeration prices by type
There are three different types of lawn aeration: core, liquid, and spike aeration. Lawn companies use core aeration because it's the most effective way to relieve soil compaction and create a thicker, healthier lawn.
| Aeration type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Core aeration | $100 – $300 |
| Liquid aeration | $80 – $150 |
| Spike aeration | $70 – $250 |
Core aeration is the most popular and effective method. A core aerator removes small plugs of soil and thatch from the lawn, reducing soil compaction and allowing more water, air, and fertilizer to reach the roots.
Liquid aeration uses a chemical solution to loosen the soil, creating tiny pathways for oxygen, water, and nutrients to reach the roots. Liquid aeration requires multiple applications and takes 45 to 60 days to produce noticeable improvements.
Spike aeration uses a device with thin metal tines to poke holes in the lawn, allowing more air and water to reach the roots. Most lawn services use core aerators instead because spike aeration isn't as effective and may cause more soil compaction.
What affects the cost to aerate a lawn?
Several factors influence the cost of lawn aeration:
Lawn size: Aeration prices are based primarily on lawn size. Some companies offer fixed rates per 1,000 or 5,000 square feet.
Yard slope: Lawns with hills or steep slopes cost more to aerate because it's more difficult to maneuver large aerator equipment on uneven surfaces.
Lawn prep: Most companies charge extra if they need to mow the lawn and clear debris prior to aeration. Some pros also charge extra to flag sprinkler heads, shallow irrigation lines, and buried cables.
Location: Due to higher labor costs, aeration prices are higher in regions with a high cost of living and lower in rural areas.
Lawn aeration and overseeding cost
The average cost to aerate and overseed a lawn is $160 to $425 for 10,000 square feet, depending on the grass type. Seeding immediately after aerating is ideal because aeration opens the soil, creating a healthy environment for new grass seeds to take root.
Additional lawn care services
Lawn companies may offer reduced rates if you combine aeration with other services:
Lawn dethatching costs $100 to $300 on average.
Lawn mowing costs $30 to $85+ per visit.
Fertilizing a lawn costs $65 to $100 per application.
Lawn aeration FAQs
When should you aerate a lawn?
The best time to aerate a lawn depends on your location and grass type. For lawns with cool-season grasses (northern U.S.), aerate in the early spring or early fall. For lawns with warm-season grasses (southern U.S.) aerate in late spring or early summer.
How often should you aerate your lawn?
Lawn experts recommend aerating your lawn once a year if the soil is compacted. Lawns that experience high foot traffic, show signs of damage, or have heavy clay soil may require aeration twice a year. However, for average residential lawns, aerating once per year is sufficient.
What does aerating a lawn do?
Aeration involves creating small holes in the soil by removing plugs of soil and thatch. This process helps relieve soil compaction and allows air, water, and nutrients to reach grass roots more easily, resulting in a healthy green lawn.
How do I know if my lawn needs aerating?
Look for these signs that your lawn needs aerating:
Thin or bare patches, especially in areas where people frequently walk
Spongy feeling when walking on the grass
Yellowing or browning grass despite proper care
Heavy thatch layer (more than 1 inch thick)
Water pooling on the surface after rain or irrigation
Can I mow my lawn after aeration?
Wait 1 to 3 weeks after aerating a lawn or until the grass has grown at least 3 inches before mowing. This allows the plugs to decompose and new grass growth to establish itself enough to resist damage from the lawnmower.
Getting estimates for lawn care services
Follow these tips to ensure you hire the best lawn aeration service near you:
Get at least three written quotes for comparison.
Read reviews and check out each company's previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask lawn care pros if they offer discounts for bundling aeration with other lawn services.
Choose a company that is licensed, insured, and has been in business for 5+ years.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote, as it may indicate lower quality.
Request a detailed written contract and warranty.
Questions to ask lawn care companies
When evaluating lawn care companies, ask these important questions:
How long have you been providing lawn aeration services?
Do you offer a discount for bundling aeration with other services
What additional lawn services do you recommend for my yard?
Are you licensed and insured?
What type of aeration do you offer?
Will you flag my sprinkler heads and buried lines before aerating the lawn?
What is your policy if it rains on the scheduled day?
What does your warranty policy include?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.