Q: My neighbors and I aerated our yards and now wonder what to do about all the plugs. What is the best way to break them up?

A: In the absence of rain, which will dissolve them, drag a 6 ft. by 6 ft. piece of chain link fence or carpet or a single landscape timber across the yard. Aeration allows water to penetrate deeply and the scattered soil plugs help control thatch in your lawns.