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These efficient tools will make certain you do n’t skip a crucial annual lawn aid labor .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
When foot , paws , outdoor furniture , and equipment touch grass over and over , soil speck weigh together tighter and tighter .
Eventually this choke air travel from the soil and restricts water movement , hurting the overall wellness of your lawn .
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Lawn aeratorsmethodicallyloosen compacted soilto improve the movement and uptake of air , body of water , nutrients , and fertiliser through the soil and into the sess ’s root system . In other words , itrestoresthe atmospheric condition for your sens to look its upright .
Experts likeChuck Schuster , fourth-year agentive role emeritus at University of Maryland Extension , College of Agriculture and Natural Resources , suggest using a lawn aeratorat least oncea yearon weaken soil .
“ Soils need to be moist ; dirt in a drouth are much harder to penetrate and results will not be as good , ” Schuster say .
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What We Tested
We tested lawn aerator in a multifariousness of formats ( tow - behind , pealing , handheld , and liquid ) so we could make passport for both expectant yards and small yards and at varying toll points . We honour and recorded theirperformance , simpleness of utilization , durability , andvalue .
For more information on how we test lawn aerator , check outour examination processbelow .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Agri-Fab 48-Inch Tow Plug Aerator
It took us just over an time of day to oxygenize 3 demesne .
This role model is most suited for big plot of land and requires a vehicle to tow it .
With theAgri - Fab 48 " tow - behind lawn plug aerator , it took us just over an time of day to aerate three acres of inadequate - quality stain , and we estimate that it will be more cost - effective than renting over the long term .
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Just check that you have the right fomite to tow this92.5 - pound toolalong with the room to properly store it . Once the lawn aerator was put together and snitch up to our ATV using itsuniversal - fit hitch , it required little effort to operate .
It was intuitive to frown the aerator handle to bring the32 galvanized tinesin striking with the ground . The shrill tine create neat , evenly spaced hole as it pull theroughly 3 - inch plugs .
For the tine to dip in properly , we added heavy objects to theweight tray , which halt up to175 pounds . Even with all that extra weight , we found it surprisingly comfortable to get up the aerator handle after habit so the tine did n’t connect with the footing .
This feature help oneself us feel sure that we would n’t drag or damage the tines as we stored it on a punishing aerofoil . There wereno signboard of wearto this uncompromising lawn aerator during our testing and looks like long-lived for long - term consumption .
This large lawn aeratordoesn’t come assembled . It took us aboutthree hours to builddue to the large number of portion , nuts , and bolts . We also found the instructions knockout to follow , particularly for the axle and tine meeting place .
Product Details : Type : Plug |Method : Tow ( universal - fit stay included ) |Power germ : Vehicle |Spike or Plug Size:3 inches
Best Rolling
K.D Stonedge Manual Push Roller Aerator
It ’s light to maneuver , with travelling bag handles that make push more comfortable .
It requires the role of Baroness Dudevant to right matter down the aerator .
TheK.D. Stone Edge wrap aeratoris a bully option for gardener who desire to aerate a reasonably sized lawn without breaking too much of a fret .
We found it fairly easy to labour this model across firmly , dry soil , which took about25 minutes .
There is no indigence for a lawn mower or ATV to use this option — it ’s manual , so you may fight it yourself .
Cushioned hand gripsmade the lawn aerator more well-off to harbor and maneuver while it pulled3 - inch plugsfrom the primer coat . After using the lawn aerator , it did n’t have any dents , dings , or scratches .
We found that it createdevenly sized holeswithout disturbing existing grass , and after role , it was promiscuous tostore in a garage .
Before we used it on a lawn , wefilled the tyre with sandto help weigh them down to labour deeper into the soil .
Our main ailment with this lawn aerator was the assemblage cognitive process . Theinstructions were vagueand did n’t have many helpful illustrations . Theincluded tools did n’t accommodate the hardware , so we had to employ the helper of a maintenance worker .
Product Details : Type : Plug |Method : Push |Power Source : Manual |Spike or Plug Size:3 inch
Best Liquid
Covington Liquid Aerator
This low - effort and low-priced pick loosens soil with a formula that include billions of microbes .
This fluid rule requires a nebulizer and multiple applications for best outcome , and it should be stored somewhere that ride out above freezing .
We care thatCovington Naturals liquidness aawn aeratoris an soft - to - use convention — no towing , pulling , or stomping require . Best of all , there are no holes in your lawn andno plugs to clean up .
We useda garden hosewith a hosepipe end nebulizer to apply the formula . Theratiosare conveniently locate on the back of the formula bottle for quick reference .
Once we mixed our normal with water and added it into the sprayer , it took us aboutfour minutes to traverse a 1,000 - square - substructure areaat a leisurely pace .
Per the instructions , wewatered the outside area 24 hours after program . The educational activity also recommend reapplying the formula every 45 to 60 day for best outcome .
When we sprayed the rule , we thought itsmelled faintly like molasses , but this could be due to the cane scratch in the liquid . We also appreciate that it ’s safe to expend around kids and positron emission tomography .
We test the quart sizing , so it was fair heavyset and loose to store in a garage . The ware hasa three - year shelf life , but the formula will become less efficacious if the storage location has below - freezing temperatures .
The rule is made with over 100 billion live microbe per gallon in increase to mineral , essential nutrients , humic acid , and seaweed extract . These ingredients work naturally to loosen and better up the grime , promoting water movement and drain while help to increase the uptake of nutrient .
Product detail : Type : Liquid |Method : Sprayer |Power Source : Pump or hosiery |Spike or Plug Size : None
Best for Small Lawns
Yard Butler Lawn Coring Aerator
The design is simple and straightforward with no assembly required , and it ’s budget favorable .
Since it want consistency weight and strong-arm elbow grease , this lawn aerator is well suited for small patches of lawn and gardeners who do n’t mind a minute of forcible labour .
If you have a small patch of lawn to care for , theYard Butler manual lawn coring aeratoris the most aboveboard and budget - well-disposed choice .
There’sno assemblage requiredand you just need to take a unshakable whole step on the base of the tool to operate it .
Becauseyouare the might origin , physical labor is unavoidable , but we found the lawn aerator to belightweight and manageable . During our examination , the heavy - tariff blade prongs penetratedloamy soilwith just one press .
It removestwo soil fireplug at a timeand producesevenly spaced holes . Ergonomic details likecushioned gripsand a lengthy37 - column inch shaftput less strain on our tester ’s hand and back .
It ’s also powder - coated to berust - resistantand comes with alifetime quality warrant .
Product Details : character : Plug |Method : Handheld |Power Source : Manual |Spike or Plug Size:3 in
The Bottom Line
Choosing the adept lawn aerator will count on the size of your yard and the power informant it command . TheAgri - Fab 48 " Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aeratoris our top pick for aerate landed estate of land , and it includes a hinderance with a world-wide fit for vehicles like tractor , ATVs , and more .
Our Testing Process
We test lawn aerators over four weeks , and the process get down as before long as we unboxed the tool . We translate the instruction manual and assembled the lawn aerator if necessary , commemorate how easy or difficult it was to set up .
Before we used the lawn aerator , we prepared our lawns a few days prior by raking up any fall leaves or debris . Then , we mow the grass to about half its common pinnacle and watered it .
We used the lawn aerators according to the manufacturer ’s didactics , and rated its operation , ease of use of goods and services , durability , and time value . after , we leave the soil quid on the lawn ( they ’ll revert nutrients to the solid ground ) .
Finally , we finished up any other well timed lawn upkeep job , admit fertilizing , applying a top grooming of compost , orreseeding unornamented patches . We return to watering and cut down according to our regular agenda .
What to Know About Lawn Aerators Before Shopping
Type
There are two main types of lawn aerator : spike and plug .
Spike lawn aeratorspierce holes in the earth using square tine . Schuster says spike aerators work well in sandlike soil .
secure aeratorsremove uniform pieces of dirt with hollow tine . Schuster says this method acting leave “ for the incorporation of compost and will help decrease concretion of the ground . ” Plug aerators work best on enceinte , clay - based dirt .
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damage is also a consideration . “ The spike type aerator is tinny , and may meet the needs of the ecumenical lawn enthusiast , ” Schuster says .
If your goal is maximal management , then Schuster recommend reckon a plug eccentric .
You do n’t want to oxygenate your yard too often — the average homeowner only require to do so about once a year , if that .
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view aerating in thefall or springwhen your lawn is under less strain from the heating .
If your yard is relatively healthy , however , itmay not be worth investing in a lawn aerator . alternatively , call up a pro to handle it every couplet of years or so as needed .
Yard Size
“ railway yard sizing might tempt the actual size of it of the social unit , ” Schuster say . If you have a gravid lawn or Acre of land , you ’ll likely desire a bigger unit of measurement to write metre and energy ..
TheAgri - Fab 48 " tow - behind lawn plug aeratoris 60 in wide and is design to be tow across the earth by a fomite , like a tractor . This pull in it the skilful choice to apply for large 1000 .
For temperate - sized yards , you might need to downsize to a button pecker like theK.D. Stone Edge pealing aerator .
If you have a small yard or patch of lawn , you could oxygenize with a measure - and - repeat motion using theYard Butler Manual Lawn Coring Aeratoror spray theCovington Naturals Liquid Lawn Aeratorand let the formula do the work for you .
Soil Type
The type of soil in your cubic yard will regulate the type of soil aerator that will work well for your space .
“ Clay and clay - loam soil answer best to a nub [ plug]-type aerator , ” Schuster says .
Schuster says to keep in judgement thatclay soil must be moistor the aeration summons will be physically challenging .
Because there ’s more air blank in sandy dirt to begin with , they do n’t take the compaction reduction of a plug - eccentric aerator and can benefit from a spike - manner dick .
Your Questions, Answered
Are lawn aerators and dethatchers the same thing?
Lawn aerator and dethatchers are two dissimilar tools with different jobs .
Lawn aerators , like all the picks on our list , are instrument used to undo up compacted dirt . They pierce the filth with tines so it can “ breathe , ” increasing airflow , improving drainage , and creating better status for nutritive consumption — all things needed for a healthy lawn .
After aeration , your lawn will look uniformly punctured ( quick foryard fertilizerorgrass come ) and may be distinguish with clumps of removed soil .
For a tidy smell , you’re able to skim them up , or you’re able to leave them in place to naturally decompose and repay nutrients to the earth .
Alawn dethatcherremoves a bed of debris on lawn called thatch , which builds up faster than it can break up . To break up the thatch so that sess rootage can the right amounts of air , water , or nutrient they demand to develop , a lawn dethatcher purposefully tears up sward with tines .
While this does a lot to do good the grass , dethatching leaves your lawn looking pretty tangle ( at least for a yoke of weeks ) , and give you a substantial amount of material to graze up and remove .
What is the lifespan of a lawn aerator?
The quality of the lawn aerator you choose , the frequency of use , and how well it ’s maintained all determine the life-time of a lawn aerator .
For a long - hold up lawn aerator , wait for one made of high - performance material . TheAgri - Fab 48 " Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aeratordeck is made of heavy - gauge sword and has tine that are galvanize and self - sharpening .
Regardless what fabric it ’s made with , Schuster says to wipe it down after each use ( which is very achievable at once a year ) .
However , the more complex a tool is , the more parts there are to be cleaned and audit . With its wide-eyed , straightforward intent , theYard Butler Manual Lawn Coring Aeratorwill be soft to monitor .
Pay close attention to tine — if they get bent or are worn down , they should be replaced .
Who We Are
Kate Puhalais a writer forBetter Homes & Gardenswho is free-base in Portland , Oregon . To write this piece , she studied our examination sixth sense , researched lawn aerator in - depth , and look back answers from Chuck Schuster , senior agent emeritus at University of Maryland Extension , College of Agriculture and Natural Resources .
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list , you may have discover ourBHG Recommends cachet of approval . Cartesian product that garner the sealskin have been put through strict testing to make certain they ’re worth a spot in your home base . We corrupt most of the products we test ourselves , but once in a while we are provided sampling by companies if buying is n’t an option . In these cases , we utilize the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products .
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Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
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Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
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