What makes a good lawn aerator?
- Use on a large area
- Manual and eco-friendly
- Foot bar
- 37-inch tool height
- Lighter weight
Are lawn aerators any good?
The Yaheetech Heavy Duty Rolling Lawn Aerator is a good choice if your soil is compacted and you need to get some water and nutrients back into the lawn in for a healthier lawn. If you happen to have moss in your lawn, remember to scarifier your lawn first to remove the moss before aerating.
Can You aerate your lawn by yourself?
DIYing your lawn aeration can be difficult. If you are determined to do it yourself, there are aerating tools you can use that poke into the ground and create the aeration holes. You can either purchase the tools or rent them from a home improvement store. If you have a small patch of grass, a manual aeration tool should be sufficient.
Why, when and how to aerate your lawn?
- Mow your grass short before aerating. With shorter grass, the new seeds you lay down will get the proper water and sunlight they need to germinate and grow. ...
- Keep an appropriate watering schedule leading up to aeration. ...
- Use your aerator properly. ...
- Seed and fertilize after aeration. ...
- Water lightly. ...
What type of aerator is best for lawn?
We did a deep dive into the specifications, features, and customer reviews for each of the products below.BEST OVERALL: Brinly PA-40BH Tow Behind Plug Aerator.RUNNER UP: Agri-Fab 45-0544 40-Inch Spike Aerator.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Gardzen Plug Aeration, Hand Hollow Tine Lawn Aerator.More items...•
Which aerator is better spike or plug?
Plug aerators are usually more effective at relieving compaction in lawns with a heavy clay soil since the solid tines used on spike aerators compact the clay soil further when they push into the ground.
Why you shouldn't aerate your lawn?
While aerating does relieve soil compaction – enabling roots to more easily obtain fertilizer, water, and air – it could also cause it to dry out quicker. A stressed lawn is more prone to being invaded by aggressive weeds, such as crabgrass, and damaged by summer drought.
Is it worth it to aerate your lawn?
Almost all lawns will benefit from aeration, and a great lawn demands it. That said, most lawns do not need it. Lawns suffering from heavy foot traffic, excessive thatch (>1 inch thick) or grown on heavy soils will benefit most.
What time of year should you aerate your lawn?
You want to aerate the lawn when your grass is in its peak growing period so it can recover quickly—think early spring or fall for cool-season grasses, and late spring through early summer for warm-season grasses. If you have high-traffic areas or heavy clay soil, you will want to aerate every year.
Should I pick up plugs after aerating?
– The Short Answer. The consensus is that no, you should not pick up plugs or cores after aerating. In a few days, these little pieces of your lawn should break down and become unnoticeable. This process is aided by watering your lawn deeply after aerating or waiting to aerate before it rains.
Should I mow before or after aeration?
In general, aeration creates the most benefit on soil that is a little bit moist. Then, try not to mow right after aerating. Instead, mow beforehand, and consider laying seed and fertilizer over your lawn after aeration and give your lawn time for that new seed to germinate before you mow again.
Should you fertilize before aerating lawn?
Should I fertilize or aerate first? In most cases, aerating is best before laying fertilizer as it allows for more oxygen and deeper growth of grass roots. If you have compact soil or clay soil, it is especially crucial to aerate before so that the fertilizer reaches deeper roots.
How long do aeration holes last?
It can take up to a couple of weeks for the greens to recover, but these procedures are critical for the long-term health of the greens. This is typically done one to three times a year, depending on the course, the type of greens, and in what part of the country they are located.
What should I put on my lawn after aerating?
Apply fertilizer immediately after aerating your lawn to put nutrients into your grass roots. This allows the grass to better prepare for summer heat. Growing a thick, healthy lawn is useful in preventing weeds as well.
Should I aerate or dethatch first?
It is best to dethatch first before aerating your lawn. Both dethatching and aerating your lawn will improve air, nutrient, and water penetration into the root zone of your grass. Thatch is the main problem these two processes address.
Can you aerate too much?
Generally, if you over aerate your lawn, this will kill your grass and create drainage issues in your soil. One of the reasons this happens is that each time you aerate a lawn, you puncture holes into it, leading to problems if done too often.
How often should you plug aerate your lawn?
The best time for aeration is when the soil is moist but not totally wet. If your soil is more a clay type, is compacted, and sees a lot of foot traffic, aerating once a year is important. For other lawns, aeration every two to four years is usually adequate. Once the job is done, just leave the soil plugs in place.
How often should you spike your lawn?
Spike your turf between 2 inches (5 cm) to 6 inches (15 cm) using a rolling lawn aerator, lawn aerating sandals, or a garden fork. You can repeat this process once every couple of months. You should, however, avoid spiking wet soil that smears and when you notice that frost is imminent as your tools can get stuck.
Do push lawn aerators work?
Rolling push aerators They work well for small, mildly compacted areas. If your lawn is on the moderate or larger side or if your soil is rocky or highly compacted, a rolling spike aerator is not the best option: It takes a lot of muscle to use and the aerator may get damaged.
When you aerate your lawn what do you do with the plugs?
Leave the soil plugs on the lawn to decompose and filter back into the holes left by the aeration machine. Your lawn mower will often break them up and help work them back into the soil within two to three weeks. Apply fertilizer immediately after aerating your lawn to put nutrients into your grass roots.
What are some of the most common mistakes people make when aerating their lawns?
Many people don’t realize that they need to apply enough pressure to their aerator to ensure that the spikes or core make it far enough into the so...
What material should I look for or stay away from?
Remember that for most of the year, your aerator will stay in storage. It is best to find a rust-proof material like a coated metal. This material...
If I use a coring aerator, do I need to remove the pods of soil?
No. You do not need to remove them right away, but in order to have a healthy lawn, you have to either mow over them to break up the soil and keep...
What is the best tool for lawn aeration?
More use-specific tools like the Yard Butler Turf Plug Core Aeration Tool may give you slightly better results since they are designed specifically for lawn aeration.
What is aeration in lawn?
What is aeration? Soil aeration is the single most important maintenance practice you can perform on your lawn. Aeration (punching holes or removing cores from compacted lawns) relieves soil compaction and allows air, water, nutrients and grass seed to quickly and more easily enter the root zone.
How much weight can an agrifab tow plug aerator hold?
The Agri-Fab 48-inch Tow Plug Aerator comes with rust-resistant coring tines and built-in trays. These trays allow you to add up to 140 pounds of additional weight for soil penetration up to three inches. Making multiple passes will help pull more cores, especially in heavily-compacted areas. More is better!
How wide is a tow aerator?
Tow-type aerators work best when aerating larger areas or entire lawns. Most are 36 to 40 inches wide. They are easily pulled behind a lawn tractor or riding lawnmower.
How big is a Ryan tow behind aerator?
If you want to punch holes like the professionals do, invest in a 36-inch Ryan Tow-Behind Aerator. And I mean invest! Be ready for sticker shock. But if you’re as serious about tools and power equipment as the pros who maintain lawns for a living, all other options pale in comparison.
Does a step and tilt lawn aerator come with a core collector?
If you’re looking for a little more convenience and style, the Step ‘N Tilt Lawn Aerator may be for you. It comes with a core collector if you’d rather not leave soil cores on the lawn surface. The coring tines can be sharpened or replaced for clean and consistent tine penetration.
Can I use a tow type lawn spreader to spread fertilizer?
One caution: Resist the manufacturer’s claim that you can spread lawn fertilizer with this machine. I wouldn’t do it. It’s impossible to evenly spread fertilizer with a tow-type drop spreader. Your lawn will end up looking like a checkerboard.
What is the best aerator for clay soil?
Additionally, you will want to look at the hole type created by the aerator. A spiked aerator is best for loamy soil while a coring aerator is best for clay soils. Many experts consider coring aerators a better investment since they remove a chunk of soil, creating room for oxygen, nutrients, and water to reach the roots.
How wide is an aerator?
At 48 inches wide, aerator covers lots of ground in one pass. Works well in most moderately watered soils. Responsive customer service.
Why is aeration important for a lawn?
Without regular aeration, the roots of your plants will be deprived oxygen and key nutrients. Lawn aeration improves soil drainage, allows roots to breath and receive all the nutrients they need , and encourages worm movement in the soil. The right lawn aerator can make all the difference, and purchasing the perfect model for your gardening needs can be the difference between a lush, beautiful lawn and the brown, brittle grass we all hate to see.
What is the most important preventative measure you can take to ensure a healthy lawn or garden?
Lawn aeration is the most important preventative measure you can take to ensure a healthy lawn or garden.
Why is clay soil so hard to aerate?
Clay soil: Clay soil can be tricky because it tends to condense quickly and easily once it becomes dry. This soil can be difficult to use a core aerator in if it hasn’t been aerated for a long time. It is a good idea to use a spike aerator first, and then maintain aeration once a year with a core aerator.
What is a core aerator?
A core aerator is also sometimes referred to as a plug aerator. Core aerators actually remove a chunk of the soil. This allows for water and oxygen to reach the roots and accelerate the growing process of the plant.
Why do plants need core aerators?
Core aerators are often preferred by experts because they allow the roots of your plants to breath. The space they leave behind promotes worm movement and allows space for nutrients to reach the roots.
What is the best lawn aerator for small yards?
With a maintenance-free electric motor and a 14-inch width, this aerator from Greenworks is considered a best lawn aerator machine for small or medium-sized yards. We also like the 3-position wheel height, and the folding handles, which make it easier to store in small spaces.
What is the best aerator for a riding lawn mower?
For large yards, a tow-behind attachment for a riding lawnmower is usually the most efficient aerator tool. This model from Agri-Fab can help you make short work of your lawn without forcing you to get up from the comfort of your mower seat.
What is the best core aerator for a lawn mower?
The Agri-Fab 48” Plug Aerator Tow Behind Lawn Groomer Model #45-0299, can handle virtually any yard. If you have a very large lawn, this is probably the best core aerator tool you’ll find. Being an attachment that is powered by a riding mower, the Agri-Fab is also virtually maintenance-free.
How does aerating a lawn help?
They provide that help by relieving compacted soil and allowing oxygen, water, and essential nutrients to the roots of your grass. Healthy grass means fewer weeds.
What does dethatching your lawn do?
Keep in mind, that by dethatching your lawn and removing dead grass, you are also opening up the yard to receive more oxygen, nutrients, water, and sunlight , And, these factors all contribute to growing your lawn quicker, healthier, and greener. A healthy lawn also deters weed growth!
How does liquid aeration work?
Liquid aeration products also work very slowly. The active ingredient which is ammonium lauryl sulfate works to break down dense soil. Over time, the fortified liquid solution loosens up the soil and creates airways for oxygen to improve root growth.
Which is better, a plug aerator or a sand aerator?
Though both have their advantages, plug aerators are better if your soil is severely compacted. Plug aerators also allow more water, oxygen, and nutrients to reach the roots of your lawn.
What are the advantages of mechanical aerators?
Mechanical Aerators – the obvious advantage of using these is that they’re labour saving. They’re quite an investment, as you’re using them twice a year at the most – even if they’re a 2-in-1 combination of aerator and scarifier – and will require more space to store than the other alternatives.
How many stars does a aerator have?
Each aerator has scored a minimum of four out of five stars, so you can buy with confidence.
What tines to use for compacted turf?
Manual hollow tine – look out for solid, strong tines to cope with compacted turf, with a decent tread to prevent your foot from slipping, and a soft-grip handle for comfort.
What is a lush green lawn?
A lush, green lawn is a source of pride and joy for many gardeners but it’s often where all the action takes place in the garden. The focal point for gatherings with friends and family, it can suffer from overuse and too much wear and tear. Terrific turf needs a good lawn care regime to achieve it and while regular mowing and watering will take you so far, there are a couple of additional tasks for your to do list, which will help keep your lawn in tip-top condition.
Is a cordless aerator a scarifier?
Cordless aerators: These also tend to be 2-in-1 combined with a scarifier. While quieter, lighter and more environmentally friendly than petrol and electric versions, they will cost more, especially if you have to invest separately in a battery and a charger. There is also the charge and run time to consider, but there’s no cable to worry about and they do enable you to reach all parts of the garden.
Is an electric aerator safer than a petrol aerator?
Electric aerators: While quieter and lighter than petrol versions, the cord length can be restrictive and potentially hazardous. You will also need a power supply in the garden.
Can you use a manual aerator on a small lawn?
Manual aerators – although these are useful tools, which can do specific jobs (see above), using them requires a lot of effort as it gets tiring, even on a small lawn – but they’re a great idea if you’re after a workout .
What to Consider
The biggest thing to consider when choosing an aerator is the size of your lawn. While manual options that require you to push the tines into the ground yourself are easy to store and are affordable, they’re not very practical for larger yards.
How We Chose
Using our own landscaping experience, as well as extensive online research, we assembled a list that we feel provides a good variety of options for all homeowners.
How much weight can a lawn aerator hold?
A fully enclosed steel weight tray on one of the best lawn aerators holds up to 250 pounds to increase effectiveness and pull deeper cores. The universal hitch adapts to fit a range of lawn tractors, mowers, and ATVs.
What is a plug aerator?
Plug/Core. Plug aerators – also known as core aerators – have hollow metal tines to remove cores of soil as they are moved across the lawn. This opens up holes, removing thatch and reducing compaction while allowing better movement of water, air, and nutrients into the soil.
Why is it important to aerate your lawn?
Aerating your lawn opens up this layer of debris and compacted soil making the ground more penetrable, resulting in a thicker lawn that effectively utilizes irrigation, fertilizers, and pest management treatments.
Where are tow behind aerators made?
The 48” wide tow-behind aerator is made in the United States using heavy gauge steel and comes with a 3-year limited consumer warranty. 32 self-sharpening tines sit underneath a weight tray with the capacity to hold 175-pounds for better soil penetration.
What is the best way to keep your lawn healthy?
Poking holes in your lawn, a process known as aerating, is one of the best maintenance practices you can perform. It helps to reduce soil compaction and improves the movement of air, water, and nutrients into the soil to grow thicker, healthy lawn.
Does a lawn aerator come with a warranty?
As with most lawn and garden equipment, your lawn aerator comes with a manufacturer’s warranty.
Can you aerate too much?
Answer: Yes, you can aerate too much. Once a year is sufficient for most lawns unless you have heavy clay soils or see a serious compaction problem due to traffic.
What is lawn aeration?
If you live in an area with heavy clay soil or your lawn gets a lot of foot traffic, your soil naturally compacts over time. This affects the ability of the grass to absorb oxygen and water it needs for respiration and can result in a patchy or unhealthy-looking lawn.
Why do I need to aerate my lawn?
Lawn aeration reduces soil compaction and controls lawn thatch. Lawn thatch is an organic matter made up of dead grass and roots that collect at the base of the living grass on your lawn, making it difficult for water, oxygen, and other nutrients to get to the roots of your grass. Aeration causes root division, which rarely happens naturally.
How do I aerate my lawn?
Before aerating, make sure you remove any obstacles present on your lawn and water it well. If you use sprinklers, be sure to mark all sprinkler heads as the aerator spikes or plugs can severely damage the sprinkler heads. Also, make sure you choose the aerator that's right for your lawn.
What should I look out for when choosing lawn aerators?
Before anything else, you should choose between a manual or a two-behind model. Manual aerators take longer to get the job done but offer more control. Spaces between tree roots and stomps can more easily be attended to. The tow-behind models usually require less energy to use and help you in areas where thatch often builds up.
What are the benefits of a lawn aerator?
Lawn aerators help strengthen the roots of your grass, allowing thicker growth during hotter seasons. Your lawn grows fuller with little to no dry patches of dirt.
Yard Butler Lawn Aerator
The Yard Butler Lawn Coring Aerator rejuvenates old lawns with its 3.5 inches long grass plugs. This manual lawn plug aerator and dethatcher pierces deep into the compact soil and loosens it up to let air, water, and fertilizer down to the root zone. It also strengthens heat tolerance and drought in your turf.
Agri-Fab Lawn Aerator
The Agri-Fab Push Spike Aerator is a walk-behind spike lawn aerator with five galvanized spike disks that help to penetrate the soil easily and expose your grass to air, nutrients, and water. It has a steel weight tray that holds concrete blocks with a maximum capacity of about 16kg, and creates pressure to increase soil penetration.