Core Aeration and Lawn Care, Rivers Edge Tree and Lawn Services

Professional Core Aeration and Lawn Care Services

Compacted soil suffocates grass roots and creates thin, patchy lawns. Water runs off instead of soaking in, fertilizer sits on the surface instead of reaching roots, and grass struggles to grow no matter what you do. Core aeration fixes this by pulling small plugs of soil from your lawn, creating channels that let air, water, and nutrients reach the root zone. We've aerated hundreds of lawns across Davenport, Bettendorf, Rock Island, Moline, East Moline, and Eldridge over the past 30 years. Last fall, we aerated a lawn in Bettendorf that had been walked on, driven on, and compacted for years. The grass was thin, weeds dominated, and water pooled after every rain. We aerated in a cross-hatch pattern, overseeded with quality grass seed, and applied starter fertilizer. Within three weeks, new grass filled in the bare spots. By spring, the lawn was thick, green, and healthy. Your lawn will be thicker and healthier within weeks of proper aeration.

Our Core Aeration and Lawn Care Service Includes:

Spring and Fall Core Aeration

We provide core aeration services in spring and fall when grass is actively growing and soil conditions are ideal. Spring aeration prepares lawns for summer stress, while fall aeration is best for recovery and overseeding. Our equipment pulls 2–3 inch plugs of soil, creating thousands of holes that allow air, water, and nutrients to reach grass roots.

Aeration with Overseeding

Aeration creates the perfect conditions for new grass seed to establish. We aerate your lawn first, then spread quality grass seed that falls into the aeration holes where it has direct contact with soil. This combination thickens thin lawns, fills bare spots, and improves overall grass density without tearing up your yard.

Lawn Treatment Programs

Beyond aeration, we offer lawn treatment services including fertilization, weed control, and soil amendments. These programs work together with aeration to create healthier, greener lawns. We customize treatment schedules based on your lawn's specific needs, soil conditions, and grass type common to the Quad Cities area.

Our Simple 3-STEP Core Aeration and Lawn Care PROCESS

1

Lawn Assessment and Service Plan

We evaluate your lawn's condition, soil compaction level, grass type, and problem areas. We check for drainage issues, bare spots, and weed problems. We explain which services your lawn needs, when to schedule them for best results, and provide a clear price for the work.

2

Professional Core Aeration

Our commercial-grade aerator pulls plugs of soil 2–3 inches deep across your entire lawn. We make multiple passes in different directions to ensure complete coverage. The plugs left on the surface break down naturally and return nutrients to the soil. The holes allow air, water, and nutrients to reach roots immediately.

3

Optional Overseeding and Follow-Up

If overseeding is part of the service, we spread quality grass seed immediately after aeration while holes are open. We provide watering instructions and care recommendations. Within 2–3 weeks, you'll see new grass growth. Within 4–6 weeks, your lawn will be noticeably thicker and healthier.

Ready to get started?

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Professional Tree Removal Services done by Rivers Edge Tree and Lawn Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!

How much does lawn aeration cost?

Lawn aeration costs $75–$200 for average residential lawns depending on lawn size and condition. Larger properties or lawns requiring multiple passes cost more. Aeration combined with overseeding costs $150–$350 depending on lawn size. We provide free estimates so you know the exact cost before scheduling service.

When is the best time to aerate lawns?

Fall is the best time to aerate lawns in the Quad Cities area because grass is actively growing and soil conditions are ideal. Spring aeration also works well, especially for lawns that missed fall service. Avoid aerating during summer heat stress or winter dormancy. We recommend aerating at least once per year for most lawns.

Will aeration damage my lawn or leave it looking messy?

Aeration temporarily leaves soil plugs on the lawn surface, which break down naturally within 2–3 weeks from rain, irrigation, and mowing. This is normal and beneficial—the plugs return nutrients to the soil. Your lawn may look slightly messy for a few weeks, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the temporary appearance.

How soon will I see results after lawn aeration?

You'll notice improved water absorption and reduced pooling immediately after aeration. Within 2–3 weeks, grass will show visible improvement in color and thickness. By 4–6 weeks, your lawn will be noticeably healthier with deeper roots and better drought resistance. Results continue improving for months after aeration.

Should I aerate and overseed at the same time?

Yes. Aeration with overseeding produces the best results because seed falls directly into aeration holes where it has contact with soil and protection from birds. This combination thickens thin lawns, fills bare spots, and improves grass density faster than either service alone. Fall is the ideal time for this combination.