Calculate the cost by multiplying the size of your lawn by the price per square foot for the type of aeration you chose. For example, if your lawn is 5,000 square feet and the price per foot is $0.05 for core aeration, the cost will be $250 (5,000 x $0.05).

Ultimately, whether you choose DIY or professional aeration, the investment is worth it. A well-aerated lawn is healthier, more resilient, and better equipped to handle environmental stresses. It's an essential part of lawn care that shouldn't be skipped.

But if your grass is healthy and thriving and hasn't been impacted by a lot of equipment or foot traffic, it likely doesn't need aeration. Once annually is usually enough in most cases, and for healthy lawns that receive regular maintenance and are performing well, every two to three years may be sufficient.

Buy a aeration spike or tool that can be mechanical or manual your choice it's your budget. The tool must pierce and remove a soil plug to actually work. The plug should be around 6” deep and around 1 1/8” diameter. If it doesn't actually remove a plug it won't work really you can just use a fork and pierce it.