![]() ![]() We do not recommend using a spike aerator to repair compacted soil. Spike aerators tend to work best with looser soil, especially if the goal is to increase root exposure to fertilizer or create spaces for grass seed to settle without running off the soil’s surface. They might not do the trick for dense soil. They typically work well on less compacted soil and sod. Instead, they puncture the soil with long spikes and allow air and water to reach the roots. Spike aerators don’t remove soil from the yard. The result is a healthy root system below and a lush lawn above. The holes create spaces in the soil that allow roots to expand, water to soak in deeper, and air to circulate. Whether your lawn has all or just one of these indicators, it will benefit from a plug aerator. Frequent foot traffic has hardened the soil.Water pools in the grass or runs off onto sidewalks after a rainfall.Home landscapers can either leave these plugs in place to decompose or collect them with a rake or lawn mower.Ĭandidates for plug aeration include lawns where: Plug AeratorsĪ lawn plug aerator penetrates the lawn with hollow tines that remove plugs of soil. Aeration Methodsĭepending on the method of aeration that’s best for your lawn, you may use one of two types of tools: a spike or a plug (also called a “core”). For them, dealing with the hassle of coordinating a rental pickup and return every year, and paying the fee over and over, makes owning an aerator much more cost-effective. On the other hand, some homeowners have problem areas that need yearly aerating. Most tool rental companies offer both walk-behind and towable lawn aerators for rent by the hour, half day, full day, or week. If you are new to your home and not sure whether aerating will be a one-time task or a recurring chore, your best bet might be to borrow or rent a lawn aerator. In fact, many homeowners grow gorgeous lawns without aerating. It doesn’t always make good financial sense to purchase lawn equipment that you will rarely need. After removing the thatch, aerate the lawn to repair the soil structure. These tools simply scrape and remove the thatch without digging into the surface. ![]() In that case, a lawn dethatcher will help to remove the thatch layer. Thatch is made up of living and dead grass stems and roots that form at the soil surface, usually in response to poor drainage. Your soil may not be breathing because there’s a thick layer of thatch on top. Until the sod can take root and make a connection to the rough soil underneath, it’s just a grass carpet sitting on top of the soil. For lawns built up from sod, a yard aerator can be a necessity.Is your lawn the neighborhood ball field? When a yard sees a lot of use, such as children, parties, pets, and other foot traffic, you should think about lawn aeration.Between the work crew’s trucks and heavy equipment passing over the soil, there’s a good chance you need to aerate your lawn. For newly constructed homes, aeration is almost always a good idea.But if one of the following scenarios applies to your lawn, you should consider it. Photo: Debbie Wolfe Who Should Aerate Their Lawnīefore you run out and poke holes in your lawn, understand that not all lawns require aeration. BEST WALK-BEHIND: Ryan Lawnaire IV Aerator.BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Agri-Fab 48-Inch Plug Aerator.BEST MANUAL: Yard Butler Manual Lawn Coring Aerator.UPGRADE PICK: John Deere 48-Inch Tow-Behind Plug Aerator.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Corona YardBreather Aerator.BEST OVERALL: Brinly-Hardy 40-Inch Tow-Behind Plug Aerator.Read on to learn more about our shopping considerations, how each aerator performed, and why we believe these are some of the best lawn aerators available. After reviewing the specifications, features, and customer reviews for each of the products below, we tested them in our own backyard. We scoured the market to present a list of top picks in a variety of categories. This could be the key that unlocks the gate to greener pastures. A yearly pass with a lawn aerator opens space for air and water to reach your lawn’s roots. Drainage suffers, and a thick thatch layer-a mix of dead stems, leaves, and roots-may develop between the soil and the grass. Soil compaction often occurs in lawns with heavy clay soil that receive a lot of foot or wheeled traffic. Compaction is when the space between soil particles becomes so tight that air, water, and nutrients can no longer circulate around the roots. If bare patches persist despite your best efforts, compacted soil is the likely culprit. Grass requires regular watering, mowing, and weeding to stay verdant and lush. Maintaining a lawn is demanding-there’s no question about it. ![]()
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