Question
I have a newly seeded lawn that is now one year old.  I have an irrigation system and I am on a religious fertilization /weed control program.  My lawn looks great.  I have a lawn care company that is trying to sell me on the fact that I need my lawn aerated this fall.  Is that necessary on a new lawn that is just 1-year old?  Please advise.  Thank you!

Answer
Linda:

I would guess that your soil is fine.  I must have been tilled or plowed to sew the lawn, which creates air and water passages deep into the root zone. The roots are still developing after only one year.

After several years, a clay will fill in and harden.  A sandy soil will develop a layer of humus which can exclude water.  At these points, aeration is useful and creates a healthy, sustainable root zone.

Hope this helps.  Best wishes.