5 Different Types of Lawn Aerators Explained

Lawn aerators provide a healthy solution for common lawn problems. This tool is designed to creates holes in the lawn surface which encourages free movement of soil. This helps to improve the circulation of air in the soil which is vital for a healthy lawn. When well aerated, the distribution of water and nutrients in the soil is also enhanced. This helps you attain a healthier lawn. You can perform lawn aeration by hand. However, tools are available to enable you do so faster and more efficiently. Below are 5 different types of aerators you may consider for your lawn.

1. Hand Aerator

If you have a small lawn, a hand aerator can be quite effective. Basic models resemble a rake. They loosen up the surface soil which enhances access to water and air by the roots. Hand aerators can be quite strenuous to use. This is due to the fact that a lot of effort is required of the hands to disturb the soil with the aerator. If you need to work on a large lawn, these aerators are likely to cause fatigue and strain. Several models of hand aerators are available on the market.

2. Aerator Shoes

These shoes have spikes at the bottom with spikes a couple of inches long. The shoes are worn over your normal shoes when you need to mow or fertilize your lawn. Universal straps help to secure the shoes in place. The spikes create holes in the lawn surface which allows air, water and nutrients to flow through better. For best efficacy, you need to use aeration shoes often. It is one of the more inexpensive ways to aerate the lawn. The shoes retail for $20 to $30.

3. Spike Aerators

These tools have long spikes at the end which you push into the soil. The spikes cause small holes when worked into the soil surface. Like the hand aerators, several types of spike aerators are available. Whatever the model of the tool, the spikes are a prevalent feature. Spike aerators are simple to use and don’t require much space for storage. The price range is also wide which gives consumers more flexibility in choice. Prices range from $10 to around $600.

4. Rolling Aerators

These make some of the most efficient aeration tools on the market. The tool resembles a wheel with spikes which you roll over the lawn surface. As the wheel rotates, the spikes dig into the soil. This creates holes quickly and effectively which improves distribution of water, air and nutrients to the root system. Rolling aerators are less strenuous to use than some of the other models. Several models are also available on the market, ranging from $30 to $50.

5. Plug Aerators

These aerators use hollow tines to plunge into the ground and pull out plugs from the soil. This creates a direct and more effective link between surface air and the subsurface soil. More water is also able to penetrate into the soil beneath which enhances soil health. Plug aerators are considered one of the most effective aeration tools. This is because they break down the heavily compacted soil unlike some aerators which compact the soil. However, plug aerators cannot be used if the ground is too hard as the plugs will be unable to penetrate the soil. It becomes necessary to wet the earth a day or so before you need to aerate. They usually cost $200 to $400 to purchase.