Lawn Aerating: How to Choose the Right Type
For lawn aerating, there are three main types of aerators to consider: coring, spike and liquid.
You should think about the following things when choosing which one is right for your lawn.
First, check to see how compacted the lawn is by pushing a screwdriver or soil probe into the
ground. If it is hard to push it into ground or you can’t get it in very deep, the dirt is compressed
together very tightly.
In those conditions, a spike aerator may not do much good because the shallower holes will
close up quickly and will not greatly loosen up the dirt. You probably won’t see much of an
effect from a liquid aerator either, since it will not be able to penetrate through the soil as deeply.
A core aerator will do the best job of decreasing compaction. Core aeration will mechanically remove core and create a longer lasting effect on root development and long term growth. Since it can be difficult to push a
manual core aerator into tightly compacted dirt, using a mechanical one will probably not only
be easier but do a better job too.
Also, consider if what type of aeration job you are planning on. Most yards should be aerated
annually, but many will benefit from additional attention throughout the year. Sometimes
certain spots are more problematic than others or heavy-use means certain areas become more
compacted quickly.
A mechanical coring aerator will be the fastest to use on a whole lawn, but because of its weight
and bulkiness (plus cost to rent or hire a professional), it is usually not the best choice for smaller
jobs. A manual core or spiked aerator is great for small areas. Spiked garden shoes aerate as you
walk in the yard. While they don’t do as much, having small holes punched in frequently can
help maintain the lawn in-between other care. A liquid aerator periodically applied to the lawn is
great for keeping it healthy and in good condition.
Finally, consider the time of year and weather conditions. Doing lawn aerating with a mechanical
core aerator is too stressful to the grass to be done in summer or when it is hot. If you want
to aerate then, choose a different method and be sure the grass gets plenty of water. Save
mechanical aerating for the spring or fall when temperatures are milder and it frequently rains.
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