The Two Types of Lawn Aerators, and Which is Right for You

If your lawn is failing to thrive despite your best efforts, aeration may be the solution. Lawn aeration is the process of adding holes to the soil in your yard, and this process has many benefits. The main benefit of this process includes allowing your soil to fully absorb the water and fertilizer that you feed it. After aeration has been completed, you’ll start to see results right away.

Many homeowners dismiss the importance of lawn aerators, but the process of aeration can make or break the health of your lawn. There are many types of lawn aerators on the market for homeowners who want to take control of their lawn care, but it is important that you select the right type of tool for your needs. There are two types of lawn aerators: Core and spike.

Core aeration vs spike aeration

There are pros and cons to each type of aeration, and identifying the type that meets the needs of your lawn best is the first step. There are very simple differences between these two types of aerators that make a big difference. Here are some of the common traits of both spiked and cored lawn aerators, and some of the pros and cons of each:

• Core aeration is the preferred aeration process for the needs of most lawns. The equipment used for this process tend to be the of higher cost than non-core aeration devices, but the difference in quality can not be denied. Core lawn aerators remove plugs of soil from your lawn, avoiding impacted soil and allowing for the optimal amount of air and water flow. Many of these aerators are gas powered, limiting the amount of manual labor that is required with their use. If the upfront cost of this tool is a problem, you may want to consider renting the tool when you need it. Aeration does not need to be performed often, which means investing in a core aerator is a large upfront cost for a tool that will not be frequently used.
• Spiked lawn aerators compact the soil in your lawn by pushing down individual plugs using either a metal or a plastic spike. These devices are much more affordable than the core varieties, but over time these impacted plugs can lead to problems of their own. This process can promote better air and water flow in your soil, but these compacted plugs will eventually begin to rise back to the surface. Most lawn care professionals recommend investing in a simple spiked aerator, and using it between core aeration treatments.

Don’t bite off more than you can chew

You may be overwhelmed by the variety of aeration tools that are on the market today, and if used improperly these tools can cause more harm than good. If you are uncertain of your ability to pick the best lawn aerator, you should seek out the advice of a licensed lawn care professional. These lawn care experts will be able to identify the best methods for your yard’s health and have access to top-of-the-line tools. This way you will be getting the best care possible for your lawn without having to spend a large sum of money on equipment.

Many lawn care services offer aeration as well as other types of services. If you are comfortable with other treatments (such a fertilization, pest control and irrigation), you should talk with your provider about ordering lawn aeration services as an à la carte option. This way you can ensure that you aren’t paying for any unnecessary services.