Aeration of Lawns
Grass Aeration & Spiking Service
What is Aeration?
Aeration is the process of relieving compaction and improving the soil beneath a lawn without disturbing the turf surface. Any lawn that experiences regular foot or machine traffic will eventually require aeration.
When a turf surface is used frequently, the soil beneath becomes compacted. Compaction squeezes soil particles closer together, reducing the pore spaces that normally hold oxygen. These pores are essential for healthy root growth, efficient water movement, and overall plant vitality.
As pore spaces shrink, a range of problems begin to appear. Water drains more slowly, infiltration rates drop, and the lawn can remain wet, soft, and unusable for long periods—especially after rainfall or throughout winter. In severe cases, the soil becomes so dense that grass roots cannot penetrate it at all.
Common issues caused by compaction include:
• Increased lateral surface rooting, leading to a thicker thatch layer
• Poor summer colour
• Reduced drought tolerance
• Lower wear resistance
• Inefficient use of water and fertilisers
• Greater susceptibility to moss
Why Aerate?
When done correctly, aeration delivers a wide range of benefits:
• Improves oxygen levels in the soil, supporting strong, healthy root development
• Enhances water absorption, reducing flooding and making better use of rainfall or irrigation
• Helps break down thatch, allowing nutrients to reach the soil more effectively
• Enables top-dressing to integrate properly with the soil surface
• Provides an environmentally friendly solution with no negative impact on the turf when carried out appropriately
Overall, aeration rejuvenates the entire lawn ecosystem.
When Should Aeration Be Done?
Aeration can be performed at almost any time of year, provided the soil is not saturated. Aerating wet ground causes the tines to smear the soil as they enter and exit, sealing the surface and blocking air and water movement. This smearing effect cancels out the benefits of aeration, so it’s essential to avoid working on overly wet soil.
Hollow Tine Aeration
Solid Tine Aeration
Soil aeration services
Compacted soil can have serious consequences for your lawn, but this problem can be easily solved by aerating the soil. Our lawn aerator service is available in Surrey.
Mr Lawn uses professional grass aeration machines that move across the surface of the lawn and punch metal spikes (tines) 1-3 inches into the ground. This creates hundreds of holes in the ground and loosens compacted soil. If necessary, hollow tines can be used to pull a soil core out of the ground – this helps to remove troublesome thatch as well as aerating the lawn.
Hollow Tine Aeration - Removal of cores (round plugs of soil and grass). These cores would be racked up or left on the soil to break down or when dry go over them with a lawnmower. The grass should be cut as short as possible before aeration.
Hollow Tine Aeration
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Solid Tine Aeration - Punching holes into the ground without removing the core. The action of the machine kicks back in the soil which relieves the compaction. The great advantage of solid tine aeration is that there are no cores to clean you. This makes it a perfect option to use as your yearly lawn maintenance program.
Lawns should be regularly aerated so grassroots can develop healthily.
When should I have my lawn aerated?
Aeration can take place anytime during the year as long as the soil isn't muddy. With a regular maintenance plan, lawn aeration services should be carried out in the Spring or Autumn with a potassium-rich feed used to assist root development.
No matter what condition your lawn is in, we at Mr Lawn can help to get it growing green and healthy. Our seasonal lawn treatments are available in most parts of Surrey, including Fetcham, Leatherhead, Guildford, Bookham, Cobham, Woking etc...
At Mr Lawn, we pride ourselves on our open and honest transparency. As such, we will be more than happy to provide a free, no-obligation survey of your lawn to help you decide on the best course of action for you.
To find out more about our variety of specialist / seasonal lawn treatments, choose from the options below or complete our Online Treatment Form.