Do I aerate my lawn, or pay someone to do it for me?

Whether you aerate your lawn yourself or pay someone to do it for you depends on several factors. Here's a comparison to help you make an informed decision:

Do it yourself (DIY):

Pros:

- Cost savings: Aerating your lawn yourself can save you money compared to hiring a professional service. Aerators can be rented for a relatively affordable price, and the cost of aeration equipment can be justified if you plan to aerate your lawn regularly.

- Control: You have complete control over the aeration process, including the timing, depth, and spacing of the aeration holes. This can be beneficial if you have specific preferences or want to ensure the aeration is done correctly.

- Convenience: You can aerate your lawn at your convenience and don't have to schedule around the availability of a lawn care company.

Cons:

- Labor-intensive: Aerating a lawn can be physically demanding, especially for larger lawns or if the soil is hard. It requires pushing a heavy aerator across the entire lawn, which can take a significant amount of time and effort.

- Potential damage: If the aeration is done incorrectly, such as aerating too deeply or at the wrong time of year, it could cause damage to your lawn.

Hiring a professional:

Pros:

- Expertise and experience: Professional lawn care companies have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to properly aerate your lawn. They can assess your lawn's condition and determine the best aeration method and timing to achieve optimal results.

- Efficiency and speed: Professionals can aerate your lawn more quickly and efficiently than you might be able to do it yourself. This can be especially beneficial if you have a large lawn or limited time.

- Guaranteed results: Many lawn care companies offer satisfaction guarantees or warranties on their services, giving you peace of mind and recourse if the aeration doesn't meet your expectations.

Cons:

- Cost: Hiring a professional lawn care company can be more expensive than DIY aeration. The cost of aeration services can vary depending on the size of your lawn, the company you choose, and the additional services included (such as dethatching or fertilizing).

- Limited control: You give up some control over the aeration process when hiring a professional. They may have their own preferred methods and schedules, which may not align perfectly with your preferences.

- Scheduling: You'll need to schedule the aeration service in advance, which may not be as convenient as doing it yourself.

Ultimately, the decision between DIY lawn aeration and hiring a professional depends on your budget, physical capabilities, lawn's condition, and personal preferences. If you're unsure about whether to do it yourself or hire a professional, it's worth getting quotes from several lawn care companies to compare costs and services before making a decision.