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With a reliable aerator, you can help oxygen, water, sunlight and nutrients reach the grass roots for a healthy, lush lawn.

by: Angela Watson, BestReviews Staff

With a reliable aerator, you can help oxygen, water, sunlight and nutrients reach the grass roots for a healthy, lush lawn.

by: Angela Watson, BestReviews Staff

Aeration is important for any lawn because it loosens up tightly compacted soil so water, air and nutrients can get down to the roots. This lets the grass grow lush and healthy. There are several types of lawn aerators, ranging from manual to electric, each with its advantages. Regardless of which type you get, it’s a good idea to aerate your yard at least once a year.

Over time, yards collect organic matter such as dead grass, leaves, stems, shoots and other debris. This is called thatch and can be harmful for three reasons:

If you have no more than half an inch of thatch, you shouldn’t need to dethatch the lawn before aerating it. Otherwise, use a dethatcher tool to remove the top layers of organic matter to make the process easier.

The main types of aerators that exist are:

Aerators are either manual or electric.

The best time to aerate a yard is right before the grass starts growing. For warm-season grasses that grow in the south, aerate from late spring to the beginning of summer. For cool-season grasses or if you live in a northern region, do the process at the start of spring or fall. Avoid aerating in the middle of summer or winter, or when the grass is dormant.

Most lawns, especially those with a lot of foot traffic or clay soil, benefit from yearly aeration. If you have loose or sandy soil, you can aerate the lawn once every two to three years. Also, if you notice a buildup of thatch or water puddles in the yard, it might be time to aerate.

Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Plug Aerator

This tow core aerator has 32 galvanized knives that can dig 3 inches deep, making it ideal for larger yards with heavily compacted soil. It easily attaches to the back of a lawn mower or tractor and has a weight tray capable of holding up to 140 pounds to make aeration even easier.

Sold by Amazon and Home Depot

Brinly SAT2-40BH-P Tow-Behind Spike Aerator

This tow-behind aerator has 11 tine stars, each with 12 spike tips that can pierce up to 2 inches deep. The tines consist of galvanized steel, which helps prevent rust, corrosion and bending, regardless of how compact the soil is. It also comes with a weight tray that can hold up to 150 pounds for extra penetration.

Yard Butler ID-6C Manual Lawn Coring Aerator

Perfect for smaller yards, this manual core aerator can reach into the soil and pull up 3.5-inch cores. It’s made with durable steel and is resistant to rust and bending. It also has a cushioned grip to make the process more comfortable for the user. It comes with a lifetime guarantee.

This one-piece spike aerator consists of steel and can handle even the toughest of yards. It’s small, easy to use and is designed to limit strain on your back while using it. It can create holes up to 4 inches deep.

These lawn aerator shoes come with 13 spikes, each of which is 2 inches long and can easily attach to your regular boots. They come in adjustable sizes and work well on hard, compacted soil and small rocks.

Plantnomics Lawn Aerator Shoes with Hook-and-Loop Straps

With adjustable straps and a total of 26 spikes, these lawn aerator shoes can attach to your footwear with ease. They use hook-and-loop fasteners to create a firm fit that doesn’t slip while aerating the yard. They can also handle up to 220 pounds.

With 13 metal spikes on each one, these shoes can pierce up to 2 inches of compact soil with ease. They have adjustable nylon straps that can fit around most shoe sizes. They’re also adjustable and durable.

Corona Max Yardbreather Aerator with Auto-Eject 3.5-Inch Soil Plugs

This manual aerator auto-ejects 3.5-inch plugs of soil with ease. It comes with a slip-resistant footplate and comfortable grip handles for extra stability and support. Both the spikes and footplate are heat-treated, making them long-lasting.

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Angela Watson writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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