After a Missoula summer of kids, dogs, mowers, and dry heat, most lawns end up packed down hard. When soil gets compacted, water runs off instead of soaking in, and roots can't spread. Fall aeration fixes that, and it's one of the best things you can do for how your lawn looks next spring.

What aeration actually does

Core aeration pulls small plugs of soil out of the lawn, usually a couple of inches deep. Those holes let air, water, and fertilizer get down to the roots instead of sitting on top. The plugs you see left on the grass break down on their own within a week or two, so there's no need to rake them up.

Why fall beats spring

Cool-season grasses, which is what most Missoula lawns are, do most of their root growth in the fall. The air is cooling off, but the soil is still warm, so grass puts its energy underground instead of into top growth. Aerating now gives those roots room to grow before winter. It also means fewer weeds competing, since most weeds are winding down for the year.

Signs your lawn needs it

The ground feels hard when you walk on it, or a screwdriver is tough to push in.
Water puddles or runs off after you water.
Grass is thin in high-traffic spots, like along paths or where the dog runs.
You haven't aerated in a year or more.

If any of those sound familiar, your lawn will likely benefit.

What to do after aerating

Aeration works best as the first step, not the only step.

Overseed. Spreading seed right after aeration gives it great soil contact, which means better germination and a thicker lawn.

Feed it. Right after aeration is the best time to feed, because the fertilizer drops straight into the holes. A fall-specific lawn food works best, spread evenly with a broadcast spreader. Get it down before the ground freezes.

Keep watering. If fall stays dry, keep giving the lawn a drink until the ground starts to freeze, especially if you overseeded.

Keep mowing. Mow at your normal height until growth stops. There's no need to scalp it.

Timing in Missoula

The window is from late summer until the ground starts to freeze. Earlier in that window gives new seed more time to establish before winter, so it's better not to wait until the last week.

Let us handle it

Aeration takes a heavy machine, and most homeowners don't want to rent one, haul it, and wrestle it around the yard. Lawns By Levi can aerate, overseed, and feed in one visit anywhere around Missoula.

Call or text (406) 802-0211 to get on the fall schedule.

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Fall Aeration in Missoula: Why Now Is the Time

Why fall is the best time to aerate a Missoula lawn, and what to do right after.

Fall aeration tips for Missoula lawns

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