If your lawn is looking tired, patchy, or thin despite regular watering and mowing, the problem may be under the surface. Over time, soil becomes compacted, making it harder for air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots of your grass. The solution? Lawn aeration—a simple but powerful process that can completely transform the health and appearance of your turf.
At KeckCo Turf & Ornamental Services, we’ve been aerating lawns in South Carolina for over 20 years, and we know exactly when, how, and why to do it for maximum results.
What Is Lawn Aeration?
Lawn aeration is the process of perforating the soil with small holes to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deep into the root zone. We use a core aerator, which removes small plugs of soil and thatch from the lawn. This relieves compaction, encourages deeper root growth, and improves the overall resilience of your turf.
Think of it as giving your lawn a much-needed breath of fresh air.
Why Aeration Matters
When soil is compacted—whether from foot traffic, heavy equipment, or simply time—it creates a hard layer that roots can’t easily push through. This leads to:
- Shallow root systems
- Poor water absorption
- Increased runoff during rain
- Weakened grass that’s more vulnerable to heat, drought, and disease
By breaking up the compaction, aeration allows your turf to recover faster from stress, stay greener longer, and require less frequent watering.
The Best Time to Aerate in South Carolina
Timing is everything when it comes to aeration. For our warm-season grasses—like Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, and St. Augustine—the ideal time is late spring through early summer when the grass is actively growing. Aerating during this period helps the lawn heal quickly and fill in the aeration holes with healthy new growth.
Avoid aerating during winter dormancy, as your turf won’t be able to recover as quickly.
How We Do It at KeckCo
Our aeration process is tailored to the specific needs of your lawn:
- Inspection & Preparation – We evaluate your turf type, soil condition, and thatch layer to determine the right aeration depth and pattern.
- Core Aeration – Using professional equipment, we remove evenly spaced plugs of soil across your lawn.
- Clean Up or Leave Plugs – In most cases, we leave the plugs to naturally break down and return nutrients to the soil.
- Post-Aeration Care – We can pair aeration with overseeding and fertilization for even better results.
Pairing Aeration with Overseeding
Aeration and overseeding are a winning combination. The holes created by aeration give grass seed direct contact with the soil, improving germination rates. This is especially useful for filling bare spots, thickening thin turf, and increasing your lawn’s resistance to weeds.
The Key to a Healthier, Greener Lawn
Lawn aeration might not be as flashy as planting new flowers or installing fresh sod, but it’s one of the most effective ways to improve the long-term health of your grass. Done at the right time, it sets your lawn up for stronger roots, better water retention, and a richer green color.
Give Your Lawn Room to Breathe with KeckCo
If your lawn feels hard underfoot or isn’t looking its best, KeckCo Turf & Ornamental Services can help. Call us today at 843-273-0735 or visit keckcoturf.com to schedule your aeration service. We’ll make sure your lawn gets the fresh start it needs to thrive.
