The Quick Answer
Single-pass aeration is one complete pass across your lawn. It's sufficient for annual maintenance on lawns in decent condition.
Double-pass aeration is two complete passes in different directions (cross-hatching). It extracts nearly twice as many cores and is better for compacted, neglected, or problem lawns.
| Single-Pass | Double-Pass | |
|---|---|---|
| Cores extracted | Standard density | Nearly 2x density |
| Best for | Annual maintenance | Heavy compaction, restoration |
| Cost | $10-15 per 1,000 sq ft | $18-22 per 1,000 sq ft |
| When to choose | Lawn aerated regularly | First aeration in 2+ years |
What Single-Pass Aeration Does
A single pass means the aerator makes one complete trip across your lawn, pulling cores in a consistent pattern.
You get:
- Cores every 4-6 inches in rows
- Adequate relief for moderately compacted soil
- Good results when done annually
Choose single-pass if:
- You aerate every year
- Your lawn is in generally good condition
- Soil compaction is moderate
- You're on a maintenance schedule, not fixing a problem
For lawns that receive regular care, single-pass aeration maintains soil health and prevents compaction from building up. It's the "oil change" approach - routine maintenance that keeps things running smoothly.
What Double-Pass Aeration Does
Double-pass means two complete passes in different directions, typically at 90-degree angles (cross-hatching).
You get:
- Nearly twice the core density
- Cores in a grid pattern instead of rows
- Dramatically more soil disruption
- Better results for problem lawns
Choose double-pass if:
- Your lawn hasn't been aerated in 2+ years
- Soil is heavily compacted (clay-heavy Michigan soil)
- You're overseeding and want maximum seed-to-soil contact
- High-traffic areas have become hard-packed
- You're taking over a neglected lawn
- Water pools or runs off instead of soaking in
- You want the best possible results
The second pass doesn't just add 50% more holes - it creates intersecting channels that dramatically improve air, water, and nutrient movement through the soil.
The Visual Difference
After single-pass: Cores appear in parallel rows across your lawn. You can see the pattern of the aerator's path.
After double-pass: Cores appear in a grid pattern. The lawn looks more uniformly disrupted. There's noticeably more soil on the surface.
Both patterns disappear within 2-3 weeks as cores break down.
When Double-Pass Is Worth the Extra Cost
The price difference between single and double-pass is typically 50-80% more. Is it worth it?
Yes, if:
- You're combining with overseeding (more holes = better seed contact = better germination)
- Soil is severely compacted (one pass won't cut it)
- You skipped aeration for multiple years
- Your lawn has drainage problems
- You're investing in a full lawn renovation
Probably not, if:
- You aerate annually and lawn is healthy
- Budget is tight and you'd rather aerate every year with single-pass than skip years
- Soil is sandy or naturally loose
The Overseeding Factor
If you're overseeding at the same time as aerating, double-pass becomes more valuable.
Why: Seeds that fall into aeration holes have direct soil contact, protection from birds, and better moisture retention. More holes = more seeds in optimal position = higher germination rate.
The extra cost of double-pass aeration often pays for itself in better overseeding results. You're not just aerating more - you're creating a better seedbed.
Our Recommendation
For most homeowners on an annual aeration schedule: Single-pass is sufficient. Consistent annual aeration prevents compaction from ever becoming severe.
For homeowners who've skipped years or have problem areas: Double-pass for the first year or two, then transition to single-pass for maintenance.
For anyone overseeding: Strongly consider double-pass. The improved seed germination makes it worth the investment.
The Bottom Line
Single-pass aeration is maintenance. Double-pass aeration is restoration.
If your lawn is in good shape and you aerate regularly, single-pass keeps it that way. If your lawn needs help - compacted soil, thin turf, skipped years of care - double-pass gives you more dramatic improvement.
Not sure which you need? We can assess your lawn and recommend the right approach. Sometimes the answer is obvious from the soil condition; other times it depends on your goals and budget.
At Orchard Lawn Solutions, we offer both single-pass and double-pass aeration using commercial Stinger equipment. We'll tell you honestly which option makes sense for your lawn - we'd rather recommend single-pass and have you aerate annually than push double-pass when you don't need it.