It is an important practice in lawn management. This technique consists in piercing the top layer of the soil. Its purpose is to reduce soil compaction as well as thatch build-up, which is a layer of organic matter found between the grass and the soil.  When the thatch layer is too thick, (more than 15 mm), it becomes a fertile breeding ground for the development of insects, disease and weeds.

Even if the soil is not compact, aerating it once a year can improve root growth, water infiltration, and the absorption of nutrients. Soil can be aerated more than once per year, but the ideal time is during the spring or late summer when roots are growing and the soil isn’t too dry.