Aeration is the process of making your lawn more accessible to air, water and nutrients. Aerated lawns are more vigorous and healthy than non-aerated ones, and they show it.
	The process: Aeration is accomplished by operating a machine (aerator) over the surface of the lawn. Aerators come in a variety of configurations. The most common is a core type that removes plugs from the turf. Core aerators have a minimum penetration of 2 ½ inches and remove plugs anywhere from ½ to ¾ inches in diameter. The Result: Aeration opens up the soil to air, water and nutrients. The openings allow air penetration, better water movement and give plant roots a place to stretch out and grow to become more vigorous and dense. Aerated lawns are less susceptible to disease and thatch buildup. And in some cases, the process can even resolve small thatch problems. In addition, aeration reduces soil compaction and water runoff and increases turf tolerance to heat and drought conditions. Timing: Aeration can be done at any time during the growing season. How many times your lawn needs to be aerated depends on its soil compaction. The two most popular times to aerate are in the spring and fall. Spring aeration gives grass plants a little extra boost and provides faster greening; fall aeration helps strengthen the underground root systems while providing an excellent bed for overseeding.
	General observations: Aeration is a natural process that has no ill side effects. Even the soil plugs left behind by the aerator are beneficial. In the process of breaking down, they deposit a light coating of top dressing that help decompose the thatch accumulated at the base of the grass plants.