After a long Aussie winter, your lawn might be looking a little worse for wear. Compacted soil, patchy growth, and thinning grass can leave your yard looking tired and lifeless just as the warm weather arrives. The problem? Your lawn could be suffocating. Without proper airflow, water and nutrients struggle to reach the roots, leaving the grass weak and vulnerable to weeds and pests.
Aeration is one of the most effective steps in a spring lawn renovation, helping your lawn recover from winter stress and preparing it to thrive through the warmer months. If you’ve ever wondered what aeration is, how it works, and why it’s a must for your spring reno checklist, this guide has you covered.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
What Is Aeration?
Why Aeration Matters in Spring
Signs Your Lawn Needs Aeration
Types of Aeration Methods
Step-by-Step: How to Aerate Your Lawn
Aeration and Other Spring Renovation Steps
Tools & Supplies for a Healthy Lawn
Aeration is the process of creating small holes in your lawn’s soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate down to the grass roots. By reducing soil compaction, aeration helps roots grow deeper, creating a stronger and healthier lawn.
Think of it as giving your lawn a breath of fresh air. Just like we need oxygen, your lawn’s root system needs space to breathe and absorb nutrients effectively.
Spring is the perfect time to aerate because your grass is coming out of dormancy and entering a period of active growth. Aeration gives your lawn the boost it needs to bounce back quickly, filling in bare patches and thickening up before the harsh summer heat.
You may need aeration if you notice:
Hard, compacted soil underfoot
Water pooling or running off instead of soaking in
Thinning grass despite regular fertilising
Excess thatch (a spongy layer of dead grass)
Heavy use from pets, kids, or backyard entertaining
There are two main methods of aeration:
Core Aeration – Removes plugs of soil from your lawn, allowing maximum airflow and nutrient penetration.
Spike Aeration – Uses solid spikes to create holes. This is easier but less effective for heavily compacted soil.
Mow your lawn to a shorter height than usual.
Water your lawn a day before aeration to soften the soil.
Use a core aerator or garden fork to create holes across your lawn.
Leave soil plugs on the surface as they’ll break down naturally.
Follow up with fertiliser and water to maximise the benefits.
Aeration works best when combined with other spring lawn care practices, such as:
Fertilising – Ensures nutrients get down into the soil where they’re needed most.
Top Dressing – Levels your lawn and improves soil structure.
Watering – Deep watering after aeration helps roots establish.
By including aeration in your spring renovation plan, you’ll set the foundation for a lush, green lawn that can withstand the summer ahead.
At Garden Nursery Products, you’ll find everything you need to give your lawn the best care this spring. Our premium range of products is designed to make your spring renovation simple and effective.
Ready to bring your lawn back to life this season? Visit our store on the Gold Coast or shop online!
