A bit overkill for your average homeowner, but if you love taking care of your lawn and you believe in “go big or go home,” these are the aerators for you. Tow Spiker/Seeder/Spreader performs both tasks at the same time. We recommend our users to update the browser. Most people opt for mechanical aerators, but there are also chemical solutions that can help break up compacted soil. Simple Lawn Solutions Liquid Aerating Soil Loosener, Best for Shoes: Gardzen Plug Aeration, Hand Hollow Tine Lawn Aerator, Heavy Duty Aerator for Compacted Soils and Lawns, 35" x 11", Black 4.2 out of 5 stars 29 $18.99$18.99 Get it as soon as Tue, Sep 1 You’ll need to visit a local lawn care equipment dealer to buy one of these gems. Spike aerators are simple to use and don’t require much space for … Keep in mind that this aerator is only 13-inches wide, though, so it’s best for small to mid-sized yards. A lawn aerator is a device designed to help break up compacted soil to better allow water and fertilizer to get to the roots. Lawn shoe spikes, like EnvyGreen Lawn Aerator Shoes, don’t relieve much soil compaction or eliminate thatch. Tow-Behind Combination Aerator-Spreader. Core aeration vs spike aeration There are pros and cons to each type of aeration, and identifying the type that meets the needs of your lawn best is the … Plug aerators have hollow … Let’s explore the possibility of buying an aerator so you never need to rent one again! However, if you're looking for lighter dethatching, the Agri-Fab Spike Lawn Aerator … You can tailor its raking depth with a five-position adjustment, and its steel tines are ideal for cutting grass roots and breaking up thatch. If you're looking for a standard male aerator, the label will call it a "15/16-27 M" (male) or "55/64-27 F" (female). Like other lawn care tasks requiring special equipment, you’re more likely to aerate your lawn if it’s easier. One of the best products for this task is the Agri-Fab 48-inch Plug Lawn Aerator, a pull-behind model that will make quick work of even the largest yards. If you think your lawn could benefit from aeration, there are several styles of lawn aerators you can choose from, ranging from pull-behind machines that attach to your lawn tractor to liquid formulas that break down soil. Tow-type coring aerators, like the Agri-Fab 48-Inch Tow Plug Aerator work best to relieve compaction and create a path for water and fertilizer to enter the soil. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. Plantnomics … You’ll cover a lot of ground quickly. ", "This pull-behind option can be attached to a mower or tractor and has a weight tray that can handle up to 150 pounds. His lawn is the envy of the neighborhood and, in his free time, he enjoys kicking back on the Northshore of Lake Superior. Plugs", "longDescription": "This Strongway Drum Plug Aerator is a lawn roller that helps you create a beautiful landscape or level field. They’re extraordinarily simple yet quick and effective. They’re not intended for your entire lawn. Pull-behind aerators make quick work of larger lawns, and this Brinly-Hardy model is a worthwhile investment for homeowners who prioritize lawn care. Agri-Fab 40-in Spike Lawn Aerator, Best Liquid: They may give you that warm and fuzzy feeling that you’re helping your lawn, but I can’t honestly recommend them. Renting an aerator works best for most people, but bringing one home from the rental store can be complicated. Hand aerators or manual aerators are aerators … Enter YEAR, MAKE and MODEL ** This vehicle is not sold in the US or Canada. Junior aerators, sometimes called small aerators, are available as a 13/16-27 M or 3/4-27 F. … Although there are many models to choose from, there are two basic types of aeration equipment. A single-pass has limited effect and is a waste of time and gas. The Brinly Tow-Behind … A plug model is ideal for heavily compacted soils for busy yards or drought-damaged areas. They work great for aerating small, target areas that need special attention like heavily-used footpaths, around patios, near outdoor steps and house corners. In general, fall is the best time to aerate your lawn, but it can also be done in the late spring if the ground is heavily compacted. If you’re a lawn care enthusiast, you love spending time working on your turf. Core aerators physically remove a core of soil from the lawn grass. These are larger implements typically towed behind a lawn tractor or riding lawnmower. This type of lawn aerator is best for homeowners who have large plots of land to aerate. Lawn aerators are essential garden and lawn tools. Products like the Agri-Fab Spike Lawn Aerator simply create holes in the ground using their tines, and they don’t pull out plugs of soil. The 18in. Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our Core Aerators. These work great if you have a large lawn of an acre or more. Electric lawn aerators. If you don’t have a lawn tractor to tow a pull-behind aerator, you can get a stand-alone model like the Sun Joe Spike Lawn Aerator. Extra weight can be added to the weight tray to increase the amount of penetration of an aerator's plugs or blades. Mantis 7321 Power Tiller Aerator. This is a relatively inexpensive way to aerate your lawn. The Three Types of Lawn Aerators: Hand or Manual Aerators, Lawn Aerator Shoes, and Machine Aerators. Though it may take a bit to get used to walking in these shoes, it’s a great workout and surprisingly effective once you get the hang of it. It floats on the surface of your pond and uses a diffuser or fountain to supply oxygen to the water. Below are 5 … For best performance and maximum tine penetration, thoroughly water lawn the day … Here, the best lawn aerators you can buy for a happy, healthy lawn. This spike aerator features star-shaped tines to penetrate your lawn up to 2 inches, and it can simultaneously spread seed, lime, or fertilizer directly into the freshly-poked holes. Others aren’t that effective. The aerator is 48 inches wide with 32 galvanized knives, and it can support up to 140 pounds in its weight tray. She covers home products for The Spruce and has also been published on Food52, Martha Stewart, and USA Today. This tool is simple, but effective. Agri-Fab 48-Inch Tow Plug Aerator, Best Machine: Cost: New $3,000 to $4,000; used $1,000 to $2,500. All other lawn aerators pale in comparison. There are two main types of lawn aerators and each one of them works in a unique way to ensure that your lawn stays aerated. diameter, 36in. Tow-type aerators work best when aerating larger areas or entire lawns. Ohuhu Lawn Aerator Shoes with Hook & Loop Straps, Best Spreader Combo: Other models allow you to aerate and sow seed. If you need to aerate your soil as well as spread seed or fertilizer, an … Lawn aerators that don’t pull plugs from the ground can also be used, but they aren’t as beneficial to your grass as core aerators. Brinly-Hardy 40 in. A little bit goes a long way, making it a worthwhile alternative in both time and money to a mechanical aerator. Let’s explore your options based on cost, from the cheapest to the most expensive. Deluxe hook-and-loop straps hold these light weight Lawn Aerator Shoes to your feet. The floating aerator can be either electric or solar. The T-4 is a small, operator propelled, chain-type trencher designed for jobs requiring up … If you’re serious about aerating your lawn, you’ll appreciate the value of these machines. However, if you're looking for lighter dethatching, the Agri-Fab Spike Lawn Aerator (available on Lowe's) is a good alternative. But be careful. Tow Spiker/Seeder/Spreader, How To Remove Layers of Old Paint On Your Walls, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. Huge gimmick factor here. Brinly-Hardy PA-40BH Tow Behind Plug Aerator, Best Spike: Some are expensive. The unit is fairly light, so to get the most effective aeration, you may need to add some weight onto the weight tray, which can hold up to 100 pounds. ", "If soil clumps are your main issue, you may be able to get by with just this liquid soil loosener, which can treat an entire yard. ", "Don't have a tractor to ride behind? This creates the same effect as a spike … Your yard could end up looking like a zebra. Plus, the unit has an easy-to-use lever to lower the tines, as well as flat-free tires. Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer specializing in decorating and design. For those with small yards, you can save quite a bit of money by purchasing a manual yard aeration tool, and the Yard Butler Lawn Coring Aerator is a top-rated model, thanks to its ability to pull 0.5-inch plugs out of your lawn, helping to reduce soil compaction and thatch. More use-specific tools such as a Yard Butler Lawn Coring Aerator and the AMES 4-Spike Lawn Aerator may give you slightly better results because they’re designed specifically for lawn … But that comes with a set of challenges for making sure you hit deadlines and if the right product is available. Mainly used for aerating the ground, lawn aerators come in various types ranging to the basic hand aerator to the more complex plug aerator. If you're looking for the best overall lawn aerator for heavily compacted lawns, opt for the Agri-Fab 48-inch Plug Lawn Aerator (available on Amazon). Joe Churchill is a Senior Turf Specialist for Reinders, Inc. in Plymouth, MN with a passion to promote realistic and environmentally-sound turfgrass maintenance practices through responsible use of water, fertilizers, pesticides and other inputs. While it does take some work on your part, using this aerator is relatively easy to get the hang of, but you may want to wet down your lawn first for maximum efficiency. For this reason, we wanted to include the Yard Butler as theBest manual aeratoron our list of the best lawn aerators. This lawn aerator is made from heavy-duty steel, and it has a fully-enclosed weight tray that can support up to 150 pounds of extra weight—useful for treating heavily compacted soil or increasing penetration depth. 7. It has a flow-control feature to minimize waste of whatever material you’re spreading, and can help you save time if you want to reseed and aerator your lawn at the same time. Pros: Good for large plots of land … When it’s time to aerate, tool renting is one option. The more holes or slices per square foot, the better. Some offer the option of adding extra weight like concrete blocks. Slightly twisting the fork while it’s in the ground makes for even better results. Rain puddling is one symptom that your lawn needs aeration. So, fellow lawn care buffs, you understand and appreciate the benefits of aerating your lawn. Others aren’t. Finding a friend with a truck, or even renting a trailer before you rent the aerator, makes many homeowners decide it’s not worth the hassle. This tool has a universal hitch that will connect to any brand of lawn tractor, and it’s crafted from heavy-gauge steel for superior durability. Lowe's offers two types of grass aerators, plug or spike, so you can choose the best one for your lawn. They’re intended to cover entire lawns relatively quickly. The Mantis 7321 Power Tiller Aerator allows fantastic use across … Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Key Considerations When Choosing a Lawn Aerator Spike vs. Plug Aerators. A gas- or electric-powered aerator is your best bet for large areas such as backyards. ", "If you're willing to put in a few hours of work, this manual core aerator can be more low-maintenance in the long term. Aerating shoes: … Most experts recommend core aeration for heavily compacted lawns, as this method actually removes plugs of soil from the ground instead of simply poking holes, which can further compact the dirt. metal spikes into hard-packed soil and densely-packed turf. Aerators Aerator category #08 group #812 The most compact unit in the industry is also the most productive. How does a lawn aerator work? Sun Joe 12.6-in Spike Lawn Aerator, Best Manual: A combo machine similar to the Agri-Fab 100 lb. There are three basic types of manual lawn aerator: aerator shoes, handheld aerators, and rolling or push aerators, each with its own pros and cons. Aeration is a lawn care practice that’s designed to alleviate these issues by creating holes in the lawn turf, helping air, water, and fertilizer to better penetrate the ground. Tow-Behind Aerator-Spreader at Lowe's, Best Overall: These manual tools can be effective, but it takes some effort to punch enough holes to make a difference. If you’re looking at purchasing an aerator, you have multiple options based on your yard needs. It can be used on uneven terrain thanks to its independently rotating tine sections, and it’s easy to maintain thanks to its flat-free tires and individually serviceable tines. More use-specific tools such as a Yard Butler Lawn Coring Aerator and the AMES 4-Spike Lawn Aerator may give you slightly better results because they’re designed specifically for lawn aeration. All these units are rugged, durable and built for everyday use. VEHICLE TYPE: Auto/Light Trucks. Aerators are useful pieces of equipment that create holes or slits in the lawn surface. Aerating is one of the best things you can do for your lawn. If you don’t want soil plugs laying on top of your grass, consider a model equipped with knives, like a Brinly 48-Inch Tow Behind Spike Aerator. How to Aerate Your Lawn Aerating equipment comes in three main types, from small manual versions to larger tractor-like or pull-behind machinery: Spike aerators simply poke a hole down into the soil with a solid, spike-like tine. "At 2 feet across with a 140-pound limit weight tray, this core aerator will make quick work of a large, heavily impacted yard. You can aerate and fertilize your lawn all at once with the Brinly-Hardy 40 in. Removing soil cores from the ground with core aerator creates little cylinder-shaped holes in the surface so air, water, nutrients and even grass seed can quickly and easily enter the root zone. There are two main types of lawn aerators most commonly used: Spike aerators or slice aerators poke holes into the ground with a tine or a drum that rolls across the lawn. manual for the correct type and amount of oil.) Spike … If you’re intrigued by them, go ahead and give them a try. Attempting to use a lawn aerator in hard, dry soil will yield disappointing results. You can get your daily workout while aerating your lawn with the help of these Ohuhu Lawn Aerator Shoes. One aerator uses spikes, and the other aerator uses tines. Some homeowners wear spiked aerator “sandals" strapped to their shoes to aerate … ", "For lawns that need less disruption, this spikey pull-behind leads to less cleanup and less vigorous aeration. The unique product attaches to the bottom of any pair of shoes, and you can simply walk around your yard to poke 2-inch holes in the soil. ", Agri-Fab 48-Inch Tow Plug Aerator at Amazon, Yard Butler Lawn Coring Aerator at Amazon, Brinly-Hardy Tow Behind Plug Aerator at Amazon, Agri-Fab 40-in Spike Lawn Aerator at Lowe's, Simple Lawn Solutions Liquid Aerating Soil Loosener at Amazon, Brinly-Hardy 40 in. While they can be expensive, some gardeners swear by them. Spike aerators … At this price point, the Yard Butler makes it … One word of caution: Resist the temptation to use this machine to spread fertilizer. ", "This machine can add grass seed or fertilizer to the holes left behind by the core aerators for more efficient lawn care. One of the pros of using a floating … The investment is minimal and they give you some physical exercise. ENTER VEHICLE VIN NUMBER: Enter VIN * The VIN decoder is provided as a convenience … Keep a lookout for used ones sold locally by lawn care professionals or rental stores updating their rental fleet. Multi Spike Lawn Aerator, Manual Aerator for Compacted Soils and Lawns, 37 in (94 cm) Tall,…. They’re cumbersome and can land you in Urgent Care with a twisted ankle. Yard Butler Lawn Coring Aerator, Best Pull-Behind: Spike aeration is a bit different than plug or core aeration. Types of Lawn Aerators. This compact machine looks similar to a push mower, but it’s equipped with adjustable steel tines that help to scarify or dethatch your lawn. Also be on the look out for bare spots and smooth, sun-baked patches of dirt. This aerator-spreader can be assembled in under a half hour, and it features a durable steel frame and hopper, which can support up to 100 pounds. Look for a tow-type model that allows you to add weight and make as many passes over your lawn as you can. No matter which one you choose, they all work best in moist soils. Aerators Browse our complete collection of lawn aeration machines, including the proven 19" drum aerator and 48"/72" towable aerator. They are easily pulled behind a lawn tractor or riding lawnmower. EnvyGreen Lawn Aerator Shoes – Ready-to-Use, Pre-Assembled – One-Size-Fits-All Gardening…. If your lawn is heavily compacted or has an abundance of thatch (a tough layer made up of stems, roots, and other natural materials that haven’t decomposed yet), it could be hindering the growth and health of your grass. Types of manual lawn aerators. Like the hand aerators, several types of spike aerators are available. Thousands of holes create … Check out the Billy Goat OS552 Series Push Overseeder for starters. The one-size-fits-all design attaches to your feet with velcro straps, making them easy to put on, and there are 13 stainless steel spikes on each shoe. Although these larger tow-type aerators cover a lot of ground quickly, the results you get will depend upon how deeply the tines or knives penetrate the ground and how many passes you make. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. The Simple Lawn Solutions Liquid Aerating Soil Loosener helps to break up soil colloids, loosen clay and dirt, and enhance soil structure, and the 32-ounce bottle can be used to treat up to 32,000 square feet of lawn. This is a great idea and will help push aerator tines deeper into the soil. Whatever the model of the tool, the spikes are a prevalent feature. On one hand, this saves you the hassle of cleaning up plugs from your yard, but it also isn’t as effective on heavily compacted lawns. Something as basic as a pitchfork, like the Radius Garden Stainless Steel Fork, or digging fork, such as the True Temper Spading Digging Fork, can easily do the trick. The pull-behind design attaches to any lawn tractor, and there are 10 spike discs across the 40-inch frame. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Each step presses a dozen 2in. The soil under your lawn can be gradually damaged from heavy recreational use, pets, cars and even lawnmowers. 1) Hand – Manual Lawn Aerators. The electric Sun Joe Spike Lawn Aerator has a 12-amp motor, and it starts up with the push of a button and requires minimal maintenance. Best Aerator Seeder Spreader. It has a cantilever handle for easy raising and lowering, and the flat-free tires ensure minimal maintenance is required. This liquid aerator uses non-toxic ammonium lauryl sulfate as its main ingredient, and it should be applied about a month before planting new grass seed. Most are 36 to 40 inches wide. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Spending a few hours in your yard can be just the therapy your need after a long work week. ", "For a fun workout, attach these spikes to a pair of boots and stomp around your yard to aerate it. A tow-type version of a commercial grade aerators, like the Ryan Lawnaire Tow-Behind Aerator, will cost you less and can be towed behind a lawn tractor or UTV. This type aerator is equipped hollow tines that sink into the soil and remove plugs. Some feature coring tines that remove soil plugs from the ground. If you're looking for the best overall lawn aerator for heavily compacted lawns, opt for the Agri-Fab 48-inch Plug Lawn Aerator (available on Amazon). They’re not cheap and you won’t find them through mainstream online outlets or at local retailers. 6. Joe's client base includes professional turf managers serving the lawn care, sports turf and golf course industries. It even comes with a removable collection bag for easy cleanup, and its results are comparable to much more expensive models. This smaller scale aerator can be pushed along if your lawn needs light dethatching. There are two types of lawn aerators: Core and spike. working width drum is covered with 54 … If you have the time and energy, all these provide the desired results when treating small areas needing special attention. There are several types. Other variations like the Step ‘N Tilt Core Lawn Aerator provide more sophisticated options to a hand tool approach. A manual device pressed into the soil with your foot is helpful for aerating smaller areas like walkways and small yards. It also manages your lawn’s thatch layer that prevents water, nutrients and oxygen from reaching the root zone. Others have slicing knives that simply pierce the ground, cutting small openings into the turf. Tow-Behind Combination Aerator-Spreader, Dethatching Lawns: What, Why, How, and When, Tips for Overseeding Lawns With Cool-Season Grasses, How to Rid Your Outdoor Space of Mushrooms, How to Winterize Your Lawn and Garden in Fall, How to to Get Rid of Brown Patch Fungus on Grass. The tow-behind aerator has a universal hitch that hooks up to lawn tractors or even ATVs, and its 40-inch wide frame boasts 24 steel tines that penetrate the ground and pull up 3-inch soil plugs. Some work well. It features a cushioned handle grip, as well as a foot bar to help you push it down into the ground, and with every push, it pulls out two plugs that are 3-½ inches long. Although not lawn aerators per se, these units will help reduce thatch, facilitate air and water movement into the soil and allow you to overseed your lawn at the same time. Let’s look at each of them and how they … Why We Like It While we stand firmly behind the benefits of using aerator lawn tools, but not everyone can afford to buy a power tool just for lawn aeration. There are combination power rake/seeder options, too. This process helps relieve soil compaction. The Agri-Fab Spike Lawn Aerator is great for regular lawn maintenance and dethatching, as its star-shaped tines can penetrate up to 2-½ inches into the ground. As with any used power equipment, inspect the aerator closely for excessive wear before buying. review process here. For maximum performance, a walk-behind aerator like the Ryan Lawnaire IV or Bluebird Lawn Aerator will make you the envy of the neighborhood. Fill the fuel tank according to engine manufacturer specifications. Commercial-Grade Walk-Behind and Tow-Type Aerators, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), Agri-Fab 100 lb.