Thin, tired grass
New seed needs soil contact to sprout. The holes and the broken-up cores give it that.
For a thicker lawn
Aeration
& overseeding.
Thin spots and tired soil?
Open it up and fill it in.
Core aeration for Central New York lawns pulls small plugs of soil so water, oxygen and nutrients reach the roots. Overseeding fills in bare spots and thickens your turf.
Core aeration and overseeding
Thin, bare or packed?
Aeration and overseeding fix all three.
Compacted soil keeps water and food from the roots, and thin turf leaves room for weeds. Aeration and overseeding go after both.
Bare and brown spots
Overseeding fills in bare spots and thickens your turf.
Hard, packed soil
If a screwdriver won't go in easily, it's time to aerate.
From our guides: Thin, Patchy or Brown Lawn? What Is Causing It in Central New York
Open it up.
Fill it in.
Water, oxygen and nutrients reach the roots more easily, and new seed fills the thin spots. It's a non-pesticide service, and one of the best things you can do for your lawn.
Core aeration
The aerator pulls small plugs of soil from the lawn. Core aeration only: spike aeration often does more harm than good.
Overseeding
Seed goes down right after. It needs seed-to-soil contact to germinate: some falls into the holes, and the cores breaking up on the surface cover more of it.
Starter fertilizer
The top option adds starter fertilizer to help the new seed take.
Water and wait
Keep the new seed moist. The cores break down on their own in a couple of weeks.
Good. Better. Best.
Aerate. Seed. Feed.
Your estimate prices all three for your lawn. You choose when you approve it.
Aeration only
Good: Core aeration
Core aerationPulls small plugs of soil so water, oxygen and nutrients reach the roots.
Better: Aeration and overseeding
Core aerationOverseedingEverything in Good, plus seed into the holes to fill in bare spots and thicken your turf.
Best: Aeration, overseeding and starter fertilizer
Core aerationOverseedingStarter fertilizerEverything in Better, plus starter fertilizer to help the new seed take.
Priced on its own, apart from the lawn program.
Good covers core aeration.
Want the whole season covered? See the lawn program
The Enjoy Your Yard promise
If you're not happy,
we're not happy,
and we'll make it right.
When to aerate
Spring
or fall.
Aerate while your lawn is actively growing, in spring or fall. Seed does best in late summer and fall, and September is the best month to seed in Central New York: cooler air and soil, less weed competition and steadier moisture.
If you're seeding in spring, tell us first: crabgrass preventer and grass seed don't mix.
Real work
A little care. A happier lawn.
One client property, before aeration and overseeding and just 18 days after. Drag the divider to see the change.
Aeration questions
A little clarity before we start.
Helpful answers about aeration, overseeding and your estimate.
Is aeration part of the lawn program?
No. Aeration and overseeding are priced on their own, as an add-on to any lawn estimate or by themselves.
Core or spike aeration?
Core. The aerator pulls plugs of soil. Spike aeration often does more harm than good, so we don't offer it.
How often should I aerate?
Every 1 to 2 years, depending on your soil and how much traffic your lawn gets.
When is the best time to aerate?
Spring or fall, while your lawn is actively growing. Seed does best in late summer and fall, and September is the best month.
Can I seed in the spring?
Spring seeding can be done, but we generally recommend fall for better results. Cooler soil in the spring can slow germination and establishment, leaving young grass exposed to summer heat before it's fully developed. Crabgrass preventer can also keep new grass seed from establishing, so you'd typically have to choose between seeding and crabgrass prevention. For those reasons, spring seeding often gives less reliable results than fall seeding.
How do I water new seed?
Keep it moist: a little water a few times a day, just enough to keep the seed from drying out.
Do I need to mark anything?
Yes. Before your aeration, mark sprinkler heads, shallow water lines, invisible dog fences, downspout drains, low or poorly buried utility lines and any other hidden obstacles, so the aerator stays clear of them.
Do you pick up the cores?
No. The cores break down on their own over a couple of weeks, and you'll hardly know they were there.
How much does aeration cost?
Your price is based mainly on the size of your lawn. Start with your address and we'll price all three.
More for your lawn
Pairs well
with aeration.
Add any of these to your estimate. Lawn Pest Defense comes with the lawn program's Better and Best; the rest are each priced on their own, so you only pay for what your lawn needs.
- Seasonal program
Lawn fertilization & weed control
The full-season program: feeding, crabgrass prevention and weed control.
Explore lawn care Fall Calcium and Lime Soil Treatment
Helps improve soil conditions by balancing acidic soil pH, making essential nutrients more available to your lawn. Applied in the fall.
What lime does- Included in lawn Better and Best
Lawn Pest Defense
Treats the lawn's surface for ants, chinch bugs, fleas and ticks.
Explore Lawn Pest Defense
One clear estimate.
Your aeration options, any extras you pick and the price for your lawn.
Areas we serve
At home in CNY.
Family-owned and based in Kirkville, Happy Habitat cares for homes across Central New York.
- Baldwinsville
- Brewerton
- Camillus
- Cazenovia
- Central Square
- Chittenango
- Cicero
- Clay
- DeWitt
- East Syracuse
- Fayetteville
- Jamesville
- Kirkville
- LaFayette
- Liverpool
- Manlius
- Marcellus
- Marietta
- Minoa
- North Syracuse
- Otisco
- Skaneateles
- Syracuse
Service boundaries can vary within a town. Check your address to confirm availability.
Check service availability
Does Happy Habitat serve your address?
Coverage can vary street by street, so we confirm by exact address. If you are in our area, you can continue to your free estimate request without entering it again.
Your next steps
Tell us what you need
Pick what's bugging you most. You can add anything else at the end.
Check your address
We confirm your property is in our service area.
Get your estimate
Priced for your lawn, with each aeration option laid out.
Approve it online
Pick what you want and approve. We send a reminder the day before every visit.