fall aerating & seeding

[bocat user]

* is it too late to aerate & seed?
* is it necessary to use straw over seed?
* can aeration be done with any hand tools(really small lawn & trying to minimize cost)?

[Smallaxe]

When does your root zone freeze?
Are you on a slope?
Hand tools take longer and do a poorer job. Rent an aerator and do a good job quickly. That is you cheapest option.