Neighborhood Lawn Aeration Program

<>

You do the work, we'll provide the aerator! Lawn aeration is good for your lawn and local creeks and inlets. Lawn aeration removes plugs of soil, which allows air and water to move more easily into the soil. This not only helps rainwater soak in, it also helps improve the health of the lawn. Spring is an excellent time for aerating, adding compost, and replanting or overseeding lawns.
Tackle an easy Spring lawn project.   In this pilot program, the City of Olympia will pay for the rental of a lawn aerator when three or more neighbors sign up for the program. For more information on lawn care and aeration, go to Thurston County's, "Common Sense Gardening Guide to Natural Yard Care."
Details about the Lawn Aeration Program:  Participants must be a City of Olympia utility customer. Participants need to complete our printer-friendly (PDF) application/waiver form. Residents from at least three neighborhood households (with permission from property owner, if rental property) agree to aerate the lawns of all participants and to provide photographs of each lawn before, during, and after aeration. The City of Olympia will provide payment for a one-day/24-hour rental of an aerator. The City will make arrangements for the aerator and payment.  Contact Patricia Pyle at 360.570.5841 to discuss arrangements. One participant will be  responsible for signing the rental agreement/contract with the rental store, picking up  and dropping off the aerator, and returning the aerator on time and in a good condition as specified in the rental contract. After all participants have signed the application form, please mail the form to Patricia Pyle or drop it off at Olympia City Hall.  City Hall is located at 601 4th Avenue, E., and the mailing address is P.O. Box 1967, Olympia WA  98507-1967. Participants are limited to one free equipment rental per year. Aerator rentals are limited to stock on hand at local rental stores. The City is not responsible for any damage to the equipment or to your lawn. After aerating, optional tasks include raking in the plugs and/or raking in a thin (1/4") layer of compost over the lawn. Compost helps to reduce stormwater runoff, improves soil fertility, and helps filter contaminants. Free soil test kits are available from the City of Olympia. Stop by the Olympia City Hall to pick one up. Learn more!

Would you like more information?

Contact staff member Patricia Pyle at 360.570.5841, or via email.