Lawn Aerating in Exeter
Professional lawn aerating services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-110
Typical Duration
1-2 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Professional lawn aerating to relieve compaction and improve grass health. Hollow tine or solid spike aeration that gets air, water, and nutrients flowing to the roots again.
Why Aerating Matters
Compacted soil is one of the biggest problems for lawns. Water pools on the surface, roots stay shallow, moss moves in. Aerating creates channels for air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeply, transforming struggling lawns into healthy ones.
What We Do
- Soil assessment - check compaction level and lawn condition
- Aeration method - hollow tine or solid spike as appropriate
- Full coverage - systematic passes across entire lawn
- Core management - collected or left to break down
- Aftercare advice - timing for feeding and watering
💡 Pro tip: Aerate before feeding or seeding your lawn. The holes allow fertilizer and seed to get deep into the soil where they're most effective, rather than sitting on the surface.
Done Right vs Done Wrong
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Hollow tine for genuine compaction relief | Solid spikes that worsen compaction |
| Adequate hole spacing and depth | Sporadic coverage, shallow holes |
| Aerated when soil is workable | Done when waterlogged or bone dry |
| Advice on post-aeration care | Just poke holes and leave |
Why Choose Us for Lawn Aerating in Exeter?
Relieves soil compaction
Improves drainage
Stronger root growth
Healthier grass
What to Expect
Step 1: Assessment We check your lawn condition, soil type, and compaction level. Confirm which aeration method suits your situation.
Step 2: Aeration Systematic passes across the lawn with appropriate equipment. Ensure even coverage and proper depth throughout.
Step 3: Finishing Manage cores as discussed (collect or leave). Provide advice on immediate aftercare and optimal timing for feeding/seeding.
🔧 DIY Tips
🔧 Tools Needed
- Garden fork (for small areas)
- Hollow tine aerator (hire for larger lawns)
- Wheelbarrow (if collecting cores)
- Rake
📐 Steps
- Check soil is workable - not waterlogged or rock hard
- Mow lawn first for easier access
- Work systematically across lawn
- Aim for holes 75-100mm deep
- Space holes about 100mm apart
- Collect cores if desired or leave to break down
- Apply feed or seed within next few days
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Aerating when soil is too wet - creates more damage
- Using solid spikes on compacted soil - makes it worse
- Inconsistent coverage - leaves problem areas
- Not following up with feed or seed - wasted opportunity
💡 Pro Trick
Water the lawn the day before aerating if soil is dry - makes penetration easier and more effective. But don't aerate if it's actually waterlogged - you want workable, not soggy.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Combines Well With:
- Lawn Treatment - feed after aerating
- Overseeding for thick grass coverage
- Scarifying to remove thatch and moss
Related Services:
- Lawn Mowing - regular maintenance
- Lawn Treatment - feeding and care
Best Time:
- Spring: March-April when grass is growing
- Autumn: September-October for recovery before winter
- Avoid: Summer (too stressful), winter (too wet)
Frequency: Most lawns benefit from aerating once a year. Heavy-use lawns or clay soils might need twice annually. Light-use lawns on sandy soil might go every 2-3 years.
Immediate Effects: Lawn might look a bit messy initially (especially with cores). Give it a week or two - you'll notice improved drainage and vigour as roots respond.
Long-term Benefits: Regular aeration reduces moss, improves drought resistance, creates deeper roots, and generally makes lawns more resilient and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my lawn need aerating?
Soil gets compacted over time, especially with foot traffic or heavy use. Compaction prevents air, water, and nutrients reaching grass roots. Aerating creates holes that let everything through, dramatically improving lawn health.
What's the difference between hollow tine and solid spike?
Hollow tine removes soil cores, genuinely relieving compaction. Solid spikes just make holes which can increase compaction around them. For serious compaction, hollow tine is far more effective. We'll advise which suits your lawn.
When should I aerate my lawn?
Best in spring or autumn when grass is actively growing. Avoid summer (too stressful) and winter (too wet, causes more compaction). If your lawn gets heavy use or feels spongy, it probably needs aerating.
What about those soil cores all over the lawn?
We can collect them or leave them to break down naturally. Breaking down adds organic matter back to the lawn. If you want them gone for aesthetics, we'll rake and remove them - your choice.
Lawn Aerating Also Available In:
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