About half of American lawns suffer from compacted soil. This makes it hard for air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots, causing weak and patchy grass. Aeration helps by making holes in the soil, which helps roots grow better and makes the lawn healthier. But picking the right aerator can be tough because there are so many options. This guide will help you choose the best one for your lawn.
When selecting the ideal lawn aerator for your garden, it’s essential to consider various factors like:
- Lawn Size and Maneuverability: Select lightweight push or spike aerators for small areas under 5,000 square feet. For mid-sized lawns, from 5000 to 10000 square feet, opt for gas-powered core aerators. For large areas over 10,000 square feet, tow-behind aerators are best.
- Core Removal Method: Consider spike aerators for preventative maintenance on mildly compacted soil. For significant soil compaction, choose core aerators. They remove soil plugs, enhancing deep air and water flow but leave plugs on the lawn to decompose.
- Physical Capabilities: Match the aerator with your physical capabilities or those of your crew. Manual aerators suit smaller teams or individuals. Gas-powered models balance power and effort, suitable for pushing. For large areas or professional use, tow-behind aerators attached to riding mowers offer efficiency and ease.
For a more comprehensive understanding of how to choose a lawn aerator, we suggest referring to our “Buying Guide”.
Best Lawn Aerators In 2024 – Comparison
| Lawn Aerators | Type / Power Source | Suitable for Area | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| GreenWorks Lawn Aerator | Corded Electric | Larger Lawns | Check On Amazon |
| Yard Butler Lawn Aerator 6C | Self-propelled | Small Old Lawns | Check On Amazon |
| Sun Joe Lawn Aerator | Corded Electric | Medium to Larger lawns | Check On Amazon |
| Jumbo Varieties Lawn Aerator Shoes | Self-propelled | Small lawns | Check On Amazon |
| Abco Tech Lawn Aerator | Self-propelled | Small lawns | Check On Amazon |
| Agri Fab 45 – 0299 Aerator | Battery Powered | Larger Yard | Check On Amazon |
| Yard Butler Lawn Aerator | Self-propelled | Small Compacted soil | Check On Amazon |
| Mantis Power Tiller Aerator | Battery Powered | Medium compact clay soil | Check On Amazon |
Best Lawn Aerators Reviews
1.GreenWorks 27022 10 Amp 14 Corded Dethatcher / Scarifier Lawn Aerator
- Type – Corded Electric. This GreenWorks corded dethatcher operates on electricity, requiring a connection to a 120-volt, 60 Hz AC power supply. It has a powerful 10-amp motor that runs on a regular electrical outlet and cleans a wide area with its 14-inch width. Since it boasts a zero-carbon footprint, the aerator is eco-friendly and works well on all types of grass.
- Body and Material – Featuring an adjustable handle with an ergonomic padded grip for user comfort during lawn maintenance, this dethatcher offers three positions for tine depth adjustment, allowing greater control for removing matted layers. Its sharp stainless-steel tines ensure reliable performance and come with a full set of 18 replacement tines. It is recommended to use a wire gauge size of at least 14 for extension cords up to 50 feet long to prevent a line voltage drop, overheating, or power loss. Weighing 25.92 lbs., its dimensions are 25.3″ x 18″ x 12.5″.
- Working Mechanism – To use this device on your lawn, you must purchase a heavy-duty power extension cable due to its electric operation. Simply push the button on the device’s side and pull it lightly to aerate and dethatch the lawn area. It’s easy to assemble, quiet during operation, and consistently provides good results.
Pros
- Suitable for medium to large-sized lawns
- Cost-effective and time-saving
- Environmentally friendly, emitting no pollution (air or sound), improving the health and appearance of your lawn
- Easy to use and highly effective, functioning as both an aerator and dethatcher
- Comes with a 4-year long warranty
- Simple assembly process
Cons
- Requires the purchase of a power extension cable
- Some users report that the handle may break after a few uses due to its plastic construction.
- Occasional motor overheating issues and circuit breaker might trip after extended use.
2. Yard Butler Lawn Coring Aerator 6C
- Type – Manual Coring Aerator. The Yard Butler Aerator is a manual lawn plug aerator and dethatcher that pokes little holes in the ground and reduces the soil’s compaction and thatch, allowing the air, water, and fertilizers down to the root zone. It works best for small lawn areas, yet it strengthens drought and heat tolerance in the turf.
- Body & Material – Constructed with heavy-duty powder-coated steel, this handheld lawn corer is built for lifetime usage. It enables you to extract a 2 ½” x 3 ½” area to reduce soil compaction, encourages turf growth, and promotes vigorous root growth. The 37″ tool height and 6 strong steel spikes are designed to reduce back strain, easing you to aerate the whole yard. Its handles are made to fit your hands comfortably. It weighs 3.72 lbs. (lightweight) with dimensions of 1.8″ x 8.8″ x 36.5″.
- Working Mechanism – Simply place your foot on the foot platform of this aerator and apply pressure to drive the aerator deep into the ground. It enables you to experience extra leverage as it takes off some of the pressure from the arms and shoulders (like a workout for you and your lawn), making the roots stronger and the grass healthier.
Pros
- Easy to clean and store this lightweight aerator
- Durable, safe, and convenient product
- Ease of use – no assembly required
- Professional-grade 6 hardened steel coring tines for core aerification
- Cost-effective
- 37-inch height and step plate for user-friendly operation
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- More physical exertion and time-consuming process.
- Tines get clogged, particularly in clay-heavy soils
3. Sun Joe AJ801E 13 in. 12 Amp Electric Scarifier + Lawn Dethatcher
- Type – Corded Electric. The Sun Joe Electric Scarifier + Lawn Dethatcher is an electric tool designed to rejuvenate lawns, powered by a robust 12-amp motor capable of raking a 12.6″ wide path in a single pass. It features a scarifier and scraper, simplifying the reseeding of scraped lawn areas.
- Body & Material – Equipped with a 5-position depth control knob, allowing customization of the raking depth from -0.4″ (10 mm below the soil) to +0.4″ (10 mm above the soil) based on scarifying or dethatching requirements. The aerator utilizes spring steel tines with Airboost technology for maximum thatch pickup. Constructed with durable steel, it weighs 27 lbs. with dimensions of 21″ x 23″ x 41″.
- Working Mechanism – Simple assembly within minutes, accompanied by an 8-gallon detachable thatch collection bag for easy grass disposal. Activated with the push of a button, this electric dethatcher efficiently performs its task without emitting toxic carbon emissions. The scarified function aids in cutting grass roots for denser growth and healthier lawns.
Pros
- Effective at promoting lawn health by aerating and dethatching simultaneously.
- A versatile 5-position depth control knob allows for tailored operation.
- Spring steel tines with Airboost technology ensure thorough thatch pickup.
- Includes a detachable thatch collection bag for convenient grass disposal.
- ETL approval guarantees safety and quality standards compliance.
- Backed by a 2-year warranty for added peace of mind.
- Suitable for larger lawns
- Powerful engine ensures safe operation
- Easy swap between dethatcher and scarifier functions
Cons
- Requires a 10 mm wrench to change between dethatcher and scarifier functions.
- May be heavy for extended use, necessitating occasional breaks.
- Limited to a corded electric power source, restricting mobility and range.
4. Jumbo Varieties Lawn Aerator Shoes
- Type – Spike Aerator Shoes. The Jumbo Varieties spike shoes are designed for aerating small-sized lawns, effectively ensuring water, nutrients, and air reach deep into the soil to promote healthy grass growth.
- Body & Material – Crafted with a sturdy plastic base and equipped with 26 industrial rust-proof stainless-steel spikes measuring 2.2″ each, these aerating sandals facilitate deep-rooted soil penetration. The shoes feature a non-slip durable metal buckle for a secure and comfortable fit to walk around the yard. Weighing only 1.95 lbs, a lighter and effective lawn aerator.
- Working Mechanism – Featuring a hassle-free single-strap design, these grass-aerating shoes ensure a tight fit and save time during use. The sturdy spikes effectively aerate the soil, while the anti-slip metal buckle prevents accidents, allowing users to simply wear the shoes and walk to enhance soil fertility.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- 2″ spikes penetrate deep into soil/roots
- Sturdy plastic base and heavy-duty spikes
- Offers a stainless-steel shovel for your gardening needs.
- Smart one-strap design with non-slip metal buckle for comfortable walking
- Facilitates lawn aeration for improved air, water, and nutrient absorption
Cons
- Strap design (loosen) may not provide optimal stability
- Accumulation of soil and grass on the shoe’s bottom may impede walking
- Time-consuming and labor-intensive operation.
5. Abco Tech Lawn Aerator Shoes
- Type– Aerator Spike Shoes. The Abco Tech lawn aerator spike shoes offer professional-grade aeration suitable for small-sized yards. With a sandal-like appearance, these shoes feature spikes that penetrate the ground, reducing soil compaction and reaching challenging lawn areas.
- Body & Material – Crafted with a sturdy plastic base and excellent heel support, these Abcosport lawn aerator shoes boast 13 heavy-duty metal spikes measuring 48 mm on each sandal. Equipped with three adjustable straps featuring strong, anti-corrosive buckles, these shoes ensure a secure fit and proper functionality. Dimensions measure 11.8″ x 5″, with a weight of 2.5 lbs and nail length of 2″ each.
- Working Mechanism – Simply strap these shoes over your footwear, secure the three straps, and let the sharp spikes effectively aerate the soil as you walk. Acting as an efficient core aerator, these shoes come with a free small wrench for easy installation over any sturdy shoes, saving time and effort during lawn care.
Pros
- Made of superior quality and risk-free materials
- 2″ spike penetration allows air, water, fertilizer, and nutrients to seep into the roots
- Comfortable to wear and easy to assemble
- Best alternative to many other machine aerators
- Cost-effective solution for lawn care maintenance
- A one-time investment that ensures long-term usage.
- Promotes optimal soil aeration, water absorption, and nutrient distribution.
Cons
- Improper adjustment may cause slipping and puncturing thinner sole shoes
- Time-consuming and requires physical exertion
- Small straps may not suit all users
- Limited spike length may pose challenges in very compacted soil.
6. Agri Fab 45 – 0299 48-Inch Tow Plug Aerator
- Type – Tow Plug Aerator. The Agri-Fab 45-0518 40″ Tow Plug Aerator is designed to aerate medium to large-sized lawns (or heavy compacted soil), especially those with heavy foot or transport traffic. It efficiently rejuvenates dry and hard/compacted soil, promoting its fertility.
- Body & Material – Crafted with durability in mind, this plug aerator boasts a heavy-gauge, rust-proof steel deck, and welded drawbar to attach to a ride-on mower or tractor. It features a 40″ wide working width and 24 galvanized and sharpened plug coring knives, ensuring effective aeration. The pneumatic tires measure 10″ x 3″, allowing smooth transport. The single-lever transport handle folds for convenient storage. It weighs 79 pounds with feature dimensions of 50″D x 39″W x 24″H.
- Working Mechanism – Attached to ride-on mowers or tractors, this aerator operates as you drive over the lawn. Its eight spools of aerator knives dig into the ground, providing high-level aeration and dethatching. The simple-to-use cantilever transport handle facilitates easy raising and lowering during operation.
Pros
- Strong, powerful, and best tow plug aerator model
- Heat-treated aeration knives for durability
- Cantilever transport handle for convenience
- Time-saving for large lawns
- Suitable for land with uneven terrain and heavily compacted soil
- 3-year limited consumer warranty available
- Functions as a detacher by removing dead organic material buildup
Cons
- Assembly may take some time compared to manual or spike aerators
- Hard to turn in tight corners
- Requires a tow vehicle (lawn tractor) and a bit expensive model.
7. Yard Butler M – 7C Lawn Spike Aerator
- Type – Manual Aerator. The Yard Butler M-7C Lawn Spike Aerator is designed to manually aerate your lawn, with its sharp spikes that dig into the ground to loosen the soil. It allows oxygen, water, and nutrients to reach the grassroots, promoting healthy regrowth.
- Body & Material – This aerator features four heavy-duty 3″ spikes that penetrate and loosen compacted soil, suitable for various soil conditions including rocky lawns, sticky soil, and highly compacted ground. The tool is constructed with a powder-coated resin finish for rust resistance. It comes with dimensions of 37″ x 10″ x 1″ and weighs around 2.25 lbs.
- Working Mechanism – To use, simply insert your foot into the foot hole and apply the right amount of pressure to dig into the lawn. The spikes effectively loosen the soil, facilitating better air and water penetration. Also, it comes with a comfortable vinyl grip handle that makes it an effortless way to work on small lawns (not recommended for medium-large lawns).
Pros
- Comes with a lifetime warranty against material or manufacturing defects
- Easy to clean and store
- Low maintenance, reliable, and durable option
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to powered aerators
- Promotes deeper root growth for healthier grass
- Suitable for targeted aeration in specific problem areas (rocky or clay-heavy soil)
- Can be used anytime without dependence on weather or power sources
Cons
- Not suitable for aerating large areas of lawn
- Soil should be softened before aerating dense soil to prevent spike breakage
- The time-consuming and labor-intensive process.
8. Mantis 5222 Power Tiller Aerator
- Type – Aerator/Dethatcher attachment. The Mantis Power Tiller Aerator is a versatile lawn care attachment designed to tackle compact or clay soil conditions. It efficiently combines aeration and dethatching capabilities in one convenient package.
- Body & Material – Crafted with durability in mind, the Mantis features four tempered steel blades for aeration and soil penetration and 60 flexible springy steel picks for dethatching a 15″ swath in one pass to pull up weeds and thatch gently. This sturdy construction ensures reliable performance even in challenging soil conditions. With dimensions of 15″ length, 8″ width, and 9″ height, and weighing approximately 17.5 pounds, it offers a robust and long-lasting build.
- Working Mechanism – The Mantis operates as a two-in-one solution for lawn care. The steel blades penetrate the soil, facilitating air, water, and nutrient absorption by the grassroots, while the springy picks effectively remove thatch and weeds. This dual-action approach promotes healthier soil and encourages robust grass growth. By combining aeration and dethatching functionalities, this attachment offers flexibility and efficiency in maintaining a vibrant lawn.
Pros
- Performs both aeration and dethatching in one attachment, providing comprehensive soil maintenance.
- Dethatches a 15-inch swath with a single stroke, maximizing efficiency and saving time.
- Offers a lifetime guarantee on tines and a 2-year warranty on the product.
- Enhances water absorption and nutrient distribution in the soil, promoting overall lawn health and vitality.
- Ideal for maintaining a clean and well-groomed lawn, contributing to a visually appealing outdoor space.
- Convenient and compatible with Mantis tillers
- Effectively removes weeds and thatch, reducing pest infestations and disease risks
- Lightweight design and compact size ensure maneuverability for easy handling and storage
Cons
- Installation may pose challenges for some users, requiring careful attention to detail.
- Proper handling and balance are essential during operation to achieve optimal results.
- Not suitable for use with surface-rooted grasses, as it may potentially damage the root system.
- The powerful dethatching action may result in significant thatch removal, necessitating proper disposal methods.
Lawn Aerators – Buying Guide
Renting a lawn aerator and looking for a core aeration service can cost more than buying your garden tool called a lawn aerator. But there are many options out there, which can make it hard to pick just one.
We’re here to make it easier for you by giving you some things to think about when you’re buying a lawn aerator. Here’s what you need to consider to choose the best one for your lawn.
1. Lawn Size
When purchasing a grass lawn aerator tool for creating holes in your lawn, the crucial factor to consider is the size of your lawn. If you have a large or multiple lawns, opting for a sizable tool is advisable. A tow-style aerator is well-suited for extensive yards that require substantial aeration. Conversely, for smaller lawns, spike shoes or a spike tool are more appropriate, as they are well-suited for the needs of compact or limited spaces.
2. Width of the Blades
To make your grass get air quicker, choose the right size blades for your dirt. Bigger blades can do more at once. So, if a 4-foot-wide tool can do 33% more than a 3-foot one, pick the wider one if you want to save time.
3. Knives
To make aerating your lawn faster, pick the right aerator blades that match your soil type. Just see how much ground they can cover at once. For instance, a 4-foot-wide aerator will aerate 33% more soil than a 3-foot-wide one in a single go.
4. Body Material
Lawn tools that poke holes in the ground come in two types: plastic and metal. Plastic ones are light and won’t rust, but they can break easily and don’t stay in good shape for a long time. Metal ones are tough and last a long time, but they can get rusty over time.
5. Grass Collection Bag
Cutting and cleaning the grass after poking holes in the soil is hard work. That’s why some folks like to use a bag to collect the grass. You can then use the grass to make compost, which helps plants grow better.
6. Ergonomic Handles
When picking a lawn aerator, it’s crucial to think about how comfy it is to hold. No matter if it’s a manual, electric, or petrol aerator, you want handles that feel good. Make sure the handles are in the right place, and the finish is smooth so you don’t hurt your back or get blisters. Also, check that the wheels and handles are strong to make the aerator last longer.
Difference between Aeration and Overseeding
Aeration and overseeding are like giving your lawn a breath of fresh air and planting new seeds to make it healthier and thicker.
Aeration involves poking small holes in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots more easily. Think of it as creating tiny openings in the ground to help your lawn breathe and absorb what it needs to grow well.
Overseeding is like adding new players to a sports team. You spread new grass seeds over your existing lawn to fill in bare spots, make the grass denser, and promote a lush, green appearance. It’s a way to rejuvenate and improve the overall health and look of your lawn. So, together, aeration and overseeding work as a winning combo to keep your lawn in top shape.
When Does Your Lawn Require Aeration?
The soil in your lawn will show some signs which indicate the need for aeration. We have provided some signs below for your reference.
- Does your grass appear brittle, dull, and lacks a lush green color, even if you are watering regularly?
- If your grass feels spongy then you press it down, then it means that there is an extra build-up of thatch. Just dethatching alone can cause stress to the lawns. So, aerating along with it is the best process.
- If your lawn gets a lot of traffic like – kids/pets running around, and cars or boats parked on the lawn, then soil gets compacted.
- Did you purchase a newly constructed home? The topsoil or grass can be stripped off and the soil may have compacted due to regular traffic of construction materials.
- If you want to add sod to your lawn, we recommend to aerate the soil before doing it. Because, sod contains fine soil particles while existing ones can be a bit harder – causing a mismatch in the soil density. Aerating will help to blend the layers which makes it easy for roots to establish.
How Often Should I Re-Aerate My Lawn?
It is recommended to aerate the lawn twice a year, especially for compacted soil or soil with clay content to loosen the soil and make it absorb water and nutrients.
- The best time to aerate the lawn is during the growing seasons (before seeding).
- For warm–season grass aerate the lawn in late spring or early summer.
- For cool–season grass aerate the lawn in early spring or early fall.
Lawn Aerators – FAQs
Ans: We already discussed that for small-sized yards, you can use the aerators that are designed manually (use muscle power to operate) which are less expensive. Also, there are lawn tractors designed for large yards to clean and fertilize the soil.
Ans: The difference between plug and spike aerators is that a Lawn aerator works by removing the plugs or cores of soil and creates an opening in the soil with its spikes to make the land fertilized. There are two types of aerators – plug aerators and help aerators.
Plug/contains hollow metal tines that open up parking holes, remove thatch, and reduce compaction for better absorption of oxygen, water, and other nutrients into the soil. It also removes cores of soil when it moves across the yard.
For best results in the long run, experts suggest us to use plug aerators. Spike aerators contain solid metal or plastic tines that are used to puncture the ground. The wedge-shaped tines are a major drawback of these aerators why because they cause additional ground compaction in the area that surrounds the punctures. Spike aerators vs. plug aerators – Spike aerator is used widely for seeding a brand new lawn whereas for already established turf, plug or core aerators work well.
Ans: Yes, it works best to aerate the lawn before overseeding why because aeration reduces the soil compaction, allows better absorption of moisture, air, and other nutrients for root development, and thereby helps for the healthy growth of the plants or grass.
Ans: Dethatching is used to remove a dead layer of roots and stems where as aerating helps to open up the hole in the land by using spikes or pulling soil cores. Although, they are used differently but serve a similar purpose (they allow oxygen, water, and key nutrients to fertilize the soil).
Ans: The best time to mow the lawn is right before aerating but not after aerating. The reason is that mowing the lawn up to a height of 1.5″ to 2″ before aeration will make the land more fertile and thereby help the grass to recover before going for another mow. Also, avoid raking after aerating the lawn to prevent the loss of soil microorganisms and organic matter.
Ans: It completely depends on the thickness of the thatch layer and the amount of soil compaction. In general, aerating to a depth of 2″ – 3″ is preferred for the thatch less than 1″ thick. If the lawns are heavily compacted or have a thick layer of thatch, then you can go for the depth of 4″– 6″ under the proper guidance of a professional.
Ans: If you don’t aerate the land regularly then the soil becomes compacted and thus layers of debris will build up on the soil surface which in turn affects the movement (or absorption) of water, air, fertilizers, and key nutrients into the roots. Finally, there will be less or poor growth of grass or plants in your lawn. So, remember to aerate your lawn regularly to reduce the thatch layer and thereby loss of soil moisture.
Expert Advice
Even though all these products are good for making your lawn healthier, here’s some expert advice to help you pick the right one for your yard:
- If you have a big lawn, try GreenWorks 27022 10 Amp 14 Corded Dethatcher / Scarifier Lawn Aerator.
- For small areas, go for Yard Butler Lawn Coring Aerator 6C.
- If your lawn is medium-sized, consider using an Agri Fab 45 – 0299 48-Inch Tow Plug Aerator.
Conclusion
Aeration is the best practice to be performed once or twice a year to achieve beautiful lush green lawns. So, choose the one that best suits your lawn as per your requirements.
