Aerating the lawn - DIY or pro? and when?

3po3
by 3po3
Hey, I bought my house three and a half years ago, and I haven't had the lawn aerated. I think it's due, but I know I'm early, but I'm just trying to get opinions on the best time to aerate, and whether I can do it right renting a machine from the big orange box or if I should just have a pro do it for me?
  6 answers
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Apr 10, 2012
    It sounds like fall is the best time to do it in Colorado: http://csuturf.colostate.edu/Pages/summer2003lawnCARE.htm
  • Walter Reeves Walter Reeves on Apr 10, 2012
    No matter who does it, the aeration should be thorough. My advice is 10 holes per square foot....which occurs after at least three passes over the lawn.
  • Melissa G Melissa G on Apr 10, 2012
    It's easy to do it yourself, if you'd like to save a bit of money -- though it depends on the size of your lawn. If it's very large, a pro may be the way to go.
  • 3po3 3po3 on Apr 10, 2012
    Thanks folks. Douglas, I wish I had read that in the fall. I'm always talking up cooperative extension, and I live less than a mile from CSU, but I didn't think to read this. Melissa, my lawn is actually pretty small. That's why I was torn on hiring vs. DIY. Does anyone know how large aerators are? Will one fit in the back of a CR-V?
  • Walter Reeves Walter Reeves on Apr 11, 2012
    The ones I rent don't collapse very easily. Much depends on the model of machine and car.
  • 3po3 3po3 on Apr 11, 2012
    Thanks Walter.