Hello,

Aerating your lawn in Michigan, especially with clay soil, is generally recommended once a year. More information at these links:

How often should I aerate a lawn? | Yard and Garden (iastate.edu)

Improving soil conditions for turf with fall aeration - MSU Extension

Since you last aerated in the fall of 2023, you should plan to aerate again in the fall of 2024.

For areas affected by summer patches, it’s advisable to rake out the dead grass before aerating to improve the effectiveness of the process. More information at these links:

Turfgrass Diseases: Summer patch (Causal fungus: Magnaporthiopsis poae) (psu.edu)

How to control thatch in your lawn | UMN Extension

After aerating, you can mow your lawn as soon as needed. Just ensure the lawn has had time to recover slightly, which usually takes a few days. For fertilizing and overseeding, it’s best to do so immediately after aeration when the soil is still open and can easily incorporate the seeds and nutrients. More information at these links:

Lawn Aeration and Overseeding | Good Growing | Illinois Extension | UIUC

Core Aeration of Lawns | Yard and Garden (iastate.edu)

Lawn Management through the Seasons (psu.edu)

This will help the seed make good contact with the soil, which is crucial for germination, and the fertilizer will reach deeper into the soil profile.

Remember to keep the soil moderately moist after overseeding to ensure proper germination and establishment of the new grass. More information at this link:

Lawn Aeration and Overseeding | Good Growing | Illinois Extension | UIUC

It’s also important to avoid fertilizing during hot mid-summer months, as this can damage your lawn. More information at this link:

Michigan Fresh: Summer Lawn Care - MSU Extension

I hope this helps!