I've got about 8,000 sq ft of Kentucky bluegrass that's been looking pretty compacted lately. A neighbor suggested aerating this October, but I've also read that spring might be better. What's actually the right timing, and does it matter if I live in the midwest where winters get pretty harsh?
For Kentucky bluegrass in the Midwest, fall is actually your better window - you're at the right time now in October. Cool-season grasses like yours recover fastest when temps are mild and moisture is reliable, which fall gives you before winter dormancy kicks in. Spring aeration works too, but you'd be stressing the grass right when it's trying to green up and fight spring weeds. Given your compaction issues, don't overthink it; get it done this month while soil isn't frozen, and your lawn will have the whole winter to settle and fill in those holes.
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