Hi Conor,

Thanks for reaching out to Extension!

You’re right, this winter has been warmer and drier than average, and that can cause lawns to start greening up a bit earlier than normal.

When it comes to aeration, it’s technically not too early based on timing. Cool‑season grasses can be aerated anytime the soil is soft enough to pull cores and when the turf is not frozen.

However, aeration is most effective when the soil has adequate moisture, and when the lawn can actively recover from the disruption.

Because we’ve had very little precipitation and many municipalities are discouraging early irrigation, I’d recommend waiting until we receive more moisture or until you’re able to thoroughly water beforehand. Aerating dry soil won’t pull good plugs and can even stress the turf.

Here are a few resources that might be helpful

- Lawn Aeration - CSU Plant Talk

- Proper Lawn Aeration - CSU Plant Talk

- Basic Turf Management - CSU Fact Sheet

Hope this helps!
-Tyler Bortz, Jefferson County CSU Extension