There are many types of lawn aerators you can use to aerate you lawn. These aerator options include manual, core, and spike aerators. Professional companies prefer core aerators over the spike style as these seem to get deeper into the lawn and create better aeration holes. Both options can be manual or machine powered, and the choice to use either will be determined by time, the eco-consciousness of a lawn owner, and price.
1) Spike aerators- Use spikes that drive into the soil to create aeration holes. It is a light weight system that is easy to use but the aeration holes close quickly. Dirt is forced into the earth, thus creating a dense bottom in the hole, making water penetration difficult. It is similar to driving a spike into the ground and the results are the same.
2) Manual spike aerators (also called drive spikes) – Use the same philosophy as the spike aerators but require a manual push. This option is more environmentally friendly as it does not use an engine, is inexpensive and light weight. As with the spike aerators, they are less effective, difficult to use and it takes more time to complete the task. Many years ago, a company had designed a spike aeration shoe where the lawn owner only had to walk across the lawn to aerate the area. This shoe was really popular at first, but with the spikes so short, it was determined to be quite ineffective.
3) Coring aerators- Machine operated and manual coring aerators remove plugs of dirt from the ground to create the aeration holes. They are the most recommended type of aerator to use for ease, price point and the quality of the holes. This is a more expensive unit but is faster and more reliable for getting great results. They complete the job quickly and are easy to use. The result is well established holes with soil plugs that are left on the surface of the lawn.
Doing lawn aeration with a lawn aerator on a regular basis is a good way to have a healthy lawn. Not only that, but it will reduce your dependency on watering. This is because when you aerate, it leaves holes in your lawn and when you water, the holes will actually help the water to penetrate into the soil. Not only that, if you come back and look at your lawn a week after you have aerated it, you will see that the roots of the grass have started to go down inside of the holes.
Most lawn experts recommend that you aerate your lawn every three years. By aerating on a regular basis, you also reduce your dependency on chemical fertilizer. When you aerate, it helps to create a thick turf. This makes it easier for organic material to work its way into your soil. When you have more organic material, you won’t need as much fertilizer. It is a good idea to try to fertilize and seed your lawn right after aerating. When you do this on a regular basis, you will see the best results.