How Much Does Aeration Cost? (Full Cost Breakdown)

Transitioning from summer to winter is when most homeowners start to stress about their lawn. Aeration is essential in maintaining a healthy, luscious lawn, punching through thatch buildup from all sorts of weather conditions, and providing grassroots with better access to essential nutrients. The question is, would you rather hire a professional or do it yourself? How much does aeration cost?

Professional aeration prices start at as little as $30 and can reach up to around $420 (depending on the size of your lawn). The national average cost for lawn aeration is around $92. Aeration costs can be calculated per square foot, per project, per acreage, or hourly. 

If you want your lawn aerated but are unsure of its cost, you are in the right place. This article will break down the aeration cost to give you a general idea of how much to budget for.

What Does Aeration Cost?

A few factors determine the cost of aeration, including;

• The size and health of the lawn
• Labor costs
• Contractor competition
• Traveling distance (location)

Aerating your lawn annually helps the grass grow healthy, strong roots as it increases access to nutrients, air, and water. Typical aeration costs range from around $45 to $195. The national average is around +/- $130.

While it is possible to aerate the lawn yourself using rented equipment, having a professional perform the task is the safest and most effective way to go. Aeration experts know what to do and how to do it, saving you the time and money you may have to spend correcting possible mistakes.

Lawn Aeration – Cost Breakdown (Per 1000 Square Feet)

	Lowest Quality	Medium Quality	High Quality
Material Costs	$100 – $110	$150 – $150	$160 – $170
Insulation	$100 – $150	$160 – $160	$170 – $170
Total Cost For Lawn Aeration	$200 – $260	$310 – $310	$330 – $340
Average Cost Per Square Foot	$0.23	$0.31	$0.34

Lawn aeration costs fluctuate from one company to another, as companies have different overheads and operation expenses. The best time to install aeration is in late fall and early winter. This is referred to as a contractor’s down season, and you can expect significant discounts. 

Always add around 7 to 15% to calculated aeration costs if you need to pay for unexpected extras. Aerating a lawn is a strenuous task and can cause a sore back. Hiring a landscaping company to do it for you is worth the cost, and they are also clued up on where to find the best prices for lawn aeration.

The Benefits Of Lawn Aeration 

Improves the look and the health of your lawn 

As the aerator removes thatch buildup and the soil starts loosening up, grassroots can grow deeper and stronger, delivering fresher, healthier, and greener grass.

Enhances seeding efficiency 

Like grassroots, seeds grow more efficiently in thatch-free soil, as it allows them to get closer to the ground. The loose soil will allow the seeds to root and develop properly. 

Take care of thatch buildup 

As direct sunlight, heat, and rain interacts with the ground, the soil starts to compact, suffocating the grass and keeping it from receiving essential nutrients.

How Are Aeration Costs Calculated?

Aeration can be priced in various ways, including; 

• Per square footage – The national average cost is $0.08 to $0.35 per square foot. 
• Per flat rate or project – The national average cost is $127 (1400 square feet) 
• Per acreage (larger projects) – Cost is calculated per 5000 square feet. One acre costs around $480 to $650.
• Per hour – The national average cost is $38 to $66 (per hour) 

Package Deals (Service Combos)

If you are offered a package deal, make sure all necessary tasks are included to avoid the surprise of any hidden costs. Services included in lawn aeration deals are usually overseeding, mowing, fertilization, and sprinkler installation.

Aeration and Overseeding 

The lawn company spread a seed layer over problematic areas. 

• Overseeding can cost around $407 – $1522 (depending on the seed type and lawn size). 
• When bundled with aeration, costs reduce to around $200 to $325 per 10,000 square feet.

Aeration and Mowing 

Mowing your lawn before aeration slightly moistens the soil, helping make aeration more efficient and easier. 

• Mowing can cost around $30 to $80 $175 per acre. 
• Aeration and mowing combo costs around $153 to $185.

Aeration and Fertilization 

Fertilizers are absorbed better after thatch is removed. So, for maximum efficiency, this combo is the way to go. 

• Fertilization can cost around $50 to $80. 
• Aeration and fertilization combo costs around $170 to $260.

Aeration And Sprinkler Installation 

• Sprinkler installation can cost around $1720 to $3423. 
• Aeration and sprinkler installation combo costs +/- $2000.

How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Lawn Aerator (The DIY Way) 

At some time or another, any homeowner has done some form of DIY inside or outside their home. While doing things like plastering and painting your walls or laying down tiles is usually not too strenuous or difficult, aerating a lawn, on the other hand, is a whole other story. 

Not only is it strenuous and rough on one’s body, but renting aeration equipment is very expensive (considering you have to do the hard work). A core aerator can cost around $64 per 4 hours and $90 to $120 per day. 

You also have to pay a deposit of around $150 and rent a trailer to transport the heavy equipment if your vehicle isn’t big and hardy enough. 

Considering all these costs, time, and energy, it might be easier to hire a professional to spare you the hassle. 

The Difference Between Core Aeration And Regular Aeration 

Normally, regular aeration (also called spike aeration) is sufficient for a lawn. However, sometimes you need deeper and stronger aeration. If you are aerating your lawn for the first time, core aeration is required to remove the core of the earth from your soil bed and reset the soil’s condition. 

A company specializing in lawn care usually recommends core aeration as it is much more effective and lasts longer than regular aeration.

The Difference Between Core Aeration And Regular Aeration

	Regular Aeration	Core Aeration
Cost (Per 10,000 Square Feet)	$70 – $150	$120 – $350
Type Of Soil	Grabble, loose materials, and sand.	Soil dampened with moisture and heat
What It Does	Aerates the surface of the lawn and loosens up thatch.	It breaks up thatch and restores the breathability of the soil.

What Is Lawn Dethatching? 

Lawn dethatching is an alternative to aeration. However, dethatching only removes the thatch layer between the soil and the grass, whereas aeration removes the soil from the ground. Lawn dethatching can cost around $175 per hour.

Wrapping Up

Now that you have a better idea of what it will cost to have our lawn aerated, you can decide whether you want to pick up the phone and dial an expert or if you feel brave enough to try and aerate the lawn yourself. 

Before you DIY, make sure you compare quotes from several different lawn care companies to determine whether it is worth the effort and if you should quit while you’re ahead!