However, do not allow alternating layers of organic matter and soil to build up because this can create a poorly drained, soggy mulch that is harmful to most plants. On soils with restricted drainage or surplus water, simply remulching will not restore plant vigor. Start again from scratch, provide a well-drained soil and mulch regularly. Maintain the level of organic matter in turf areas by broadcasting composted materials after you aerate. Be careful when you aerate because turf aeration under trees may harm the trees' shallow feeder roots.
Spike aeration seems to work best.
However, the spikes wear rapidly in compacted sandy soil. This problem starts with the common practice of covering soil with paving material, which essentially prevents water infiltration into the soil. Fine feeder roots crowd the soil surface wherever possible, keep the open soil surface as large as possible and mulch or protect it in some manner. After water enters the soil, there are barriers that prevent its ready movement through the soil profile to the plant roots. The barriers may be the soil itself, debris and structures within the soil.