Before your service
Get ready for aeration day
A one-page Nashville aeration checklist covering soil moisture, mowing, marked obstacles, gates, pets, private lines, and weed-preventer timing.
1-page guide · Free PDF · No signup required
Open PDFPart 01
Aim for moist soil, not mud
Dry Nashville clay can resist aerator tines, while saturated ground can smear or rut. Water deeply one or two days before the visit when rain has not already done the job, then pause if the lawn is soggy.
Use the screwdriver test the day before service. If a long screwdriver slides about three inches into several parts of the lawn, the soil is usually workable. If it stops around one inch, water more; if water rises around it, let the lawn drain.
Part 02
Clear access and mark what the machine cannot see
Move toys, hoses, furniture, decorations, fallen branches, and pet waste. Unlock gates, keep pets inside, and let us know about narrow gates, tight side yards, steep slopes, soft spots, or recent repairs.
Place visible flags directly over sprinkler heads, valve boxes, shallow pipes, drains, landscape lighting, septic lids and lines, and invisible-fence wire. Tennessee 811 marks public utilities, not private systems in the lawn.
Part 03
Check mowing and weed-preventer timing
Mowing a little shorter before service is optional. When practical, mow to about two and a half inches and bag the clippings so seed can reach soil, but never scalp the lawn.
If seeding is planned, tell us about any recent pre-emergent or weed-and-feed application. Many weed preventers also stop grass seed from establishing, and some remain active for twelve to sixteen weeks.
Keep the one-page checklist.
Save it to your phone or print it for a simple reference before or after service.
Common questions
A few answers before you download.
How far ahead should I water before aeration?
Water deeply one to two days before service when rain has not already supplied enough moisture. The goal is soil that is moist several inches down, not muddy.
Does Tennessee 811 mark sprinkler lines and invisible fences?
No. Tennessee 811 marks public utility lines. Homeowners must identify private irrigation, lighting, fence wire, septic components, and similar shallow systems.
Do I need to mow before the appointment?
A slightly shorter lawn can help, especially when seed will be applied, but it is optional. Never scalp the turf; about two and a half inches is a practical target when mowing is needed.