Lawn aeration costs $100–$300 for a typical residential lawn (5,000–10,000 sq ft) in the US — about $0.02–$0.06 per square foot. Combining aeration with overseeding adds $100–$300. Aeration loosens compacted soil so roots get water, oxygen, and nutrients. Best done in early fall for cool-season grasses (Kentucky bluegrass, fescue) and late spring for warm-season (Bermuda, zoysia). In Poland a typical aeration runs PLN 250–800; in the Netherlands €60–€200.
Aeration cost by lawn size
| Lawn size | Aeration only | Aeration + overseeding |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5,000 sq ft | $75–$150 | $175–$300 |
| 5,000–10,000 sq ft | $100–$250 | $250–$450 |
| 10,000–20,000 sq ft | $200–$450 | $400–$800 |
| Over 20,000 sq ft | $0.02–$0.05/sq ft | $0.04–$0.08/sq ft |
Cost in Poland
Typical service: PLN 250–800 for residential lawns. Most landscapers (firma ogrodnicza) offer aeration as part of spring or autumn lawn programs. Combine with mineralisation and dethatching for the best price.
What affects the cost?
- Lawn size — most pros have a minimum charge of $75–$100
- Terrain — slopes, tight spaces, and obstacles slow the job
- Aerator type — core aeration (preferred) vs spike (less effective, sometimes cheaper)
- Time of year — fall is peak demand; spring slots can be cheaper
- Add-ons — overseeding, fertilization, and topdressing bundle well
How to save
- Schedule in early fall — best result and often best price
- Bundle with overseeding — most of the cost is the trip, not the work
- Get neighbors involved — many pros offer 10–15% off for adjacent jobs
- Rent a core aerator if you have time and a flat lawn — saves $50–$150
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