- What is aeration?\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- What is core aeration, and how does it work?<\/a><\/li>
- What is spike aeration, and how does it work?<\/a><\/li>
- Does my lawn need to be aerated?\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ about core vs. spike aeration<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
What is aeration? <\/span><\/h2>
![\"illustration](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_aeration.png\")
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure> Aeration, also known as aerification, is the process of perforating (poking small holes in) your lawn to alleviate soil compaction, prevent excessive thatch buildup, and increase the flow of oxygen, water, and nutrients to the root zone. <\/p>
Kids at play, construction projects, and severe weather can compact your soil, leaving roots without a place to grow. Aeration is an easy way to loosen the soil and give your grass space to spread out again.<\/p>
Core aeration and spike aeration are the two major methods of lawn aeration<\/a> for homeowners and lawn care professionals. Your lawn type, level of soil compaction, and budget will determine which aeration option is best for you. <\/p>
When lawn experts talk about aeration, they\u2019re usually referring to core aeration (also known as plug aeration). Core aeration is the preferred method for long-lasting lawn health.<\/p>
However, spike aeration may be the way to go if your lawn is mildly compacted and you\u2019d like an inexpensive DIY fix to spur grass growth.<\/p>
What is core aeration, and how does it work?<\/span><\/h2>
![\"picture](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aerated-lawn.jpg\")
Aerated Lawn
ArtBoyMB<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>A core aerator is basically a big hole punch for your yard. When you aerate, though, you aren\u2019t preparing homework assignments. You\u2019re giving roots space to breathe and access to essential water, oxygen, and nutrients.<\/p>
Core aeration pokes hollow tines into the ground and extracts small plugs of soil that fall onto the lawn. These plugs act as a natural top dressing and help decompose thatch. Core aeration is the method of choice for lawn pros because it effectively loosens the soil, giving root systems access to nutrients and keeping soil more nutrient-rich in the long term. <\/p>
Core aeration will leave your yard freckled with little holes, but they\u2019ll fill in with denser, healthier grass. According to the Virginia Tech Extension<\/a>, \u201cCore aeration is very disruptive to surface smoothness, but it is the best way to relieve the physical limitations of soil compaction and improve soil oxygen levels.\u201d <\/p>
3 types of core aerators<\/span><\/h3>
1. Manual core aerators<\/span><\/h4>
If you have a small yard and a free afternoon, a manual core aerator<\/a> is an inexpensive option. It\u2019s also a great choice for spot aeration if you have a few compacted problem areas. <\/p>
- You\u2019ll push the manual core aerator into the ground, using your foot as an additional weight, and cores will come out of the top of the tines. <\/li> <\/ul>
Manual core aerators are best for:<\/strong> Small lawns with mild to moderate soil compaction, or highly compacted areas in need of spot aeration<\/p>
Price:<\/strong> $25 to $90, depending on the quality and number of tines <\/p>
Rental cost:<\/strong> Most manual aerators are only available to buy. You may be able to rent one if your city has a tool library<\/a>.<\/p>
2. Gas-powered core aerators<\/span><\/h4>
Most homeowners opt for a gas-powered, push-behind core aerator, which looks similar to a lawn mower. You\u2019ll want to go over your lawn at least twice with the aerator, \u201cmowing\u201d once in one direction, then the second time perpendicularly. <\/p>
- For every square foot, create about 20-40 holes (2 to 3 inches apart).<\/li>
- When you\u2019re done, your lawn will look like a checkerboard. <\/li> <\/ul>
Gas-powered, push-behind core aerators are best for:<\/strong> Medium to large lawns with moderate to high soil compaction<\/p>
Price:<\/strong> $1,430 to $6,640<\/p>
Rental cost:<\/strong> Approximately $70 for four hours or $105 for a full day<\/p>
3. Tow-behind core aerators<\/span><\/h4>
If you have a lawn tractor and want an easy solution to core aeration, you can invest in a tow-behind (also known as pull-behind) plug aerator. They\u2019re pricey, but they\u2019ll save you time and energy. <\/p>
- Choose one with a weight tray to ensure the tines fully perforate the ground. <\/li> <\/ul>
Tow-behind plug aerators are best for:<\/strong> Larger lawns with a moderate to severe compaction problem.<\/p>
Price:<\/strong> Prices range from $50 to $380 (though you could pay thousands for an industrial-grade model). For a high-quality tow-behind option, expect to pay more than $200.<\/p>
Rental cost:<\/strong> Approximately $35 for four hours or $55 for a full day<\/p>
What type of lawn should be core aerated? <\/span><\/h3>
Core aeration is ideal for lawns that:<\/p>
- Are heavily compacted<\/li>
- Experience heavy foot traffic<\/li>
- Haven\u2019t been aerated in years<\/li>
- Recently underwent construction<\/li>
- Have heavy clay soil<\/li>
- Are medium or large<\/li>
- Have a severe thatch problem<\/li> <\/ul>
Pros and cons of core aeration<\/span><\/h3>
Pros of core aeration: <\/strong><\/p>
\u2713 Long-term fix: Hollow tines loosen and remove soil so air holes open up, roots can grow deeper, and grass grows more densely
\u2713 Eco-friendly: Reduced compaction leads to less runoff and pollution and decreases the need for water and fertilizer
\u2713 Increases the visual appeal of your lawn in the long term
\u2713 Cores act as compost, so you can simultaneously aerate and top dress your lawn
\u2713 Decreases the need to dethatch your lawn
<\/a>\u2713 Dense grass growth prevents weeds<\/a> from invading your lawn
\u2713 Good for medium to large lawns with heavy compaction and heavy foot traffic<\/p>Cons of core aeration: <\/strong><\/p>
\u2717 Can stress your lawn if you aerate in the wrong season or too often
\u2717 Before holes fill in, they can be visually unattractive
\u2717 Plugs left on your lawn can look messy and unappealing (before they decompose)
\u2717 Weeds can sprout in holes if pre-emergent herbicide is not applied<\/p>What is spike aeration, and how does it work?<\/span><\/h2>
![\"lawn](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/lawn-aerator.jpg\")
macniak<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Spike aeration is basically core aeration minus the hollow tines. If core aeration is like using a hole puncher on paper, then spike aeration is like poking through the paper with the tips of scissors.<\/p>
When you spike aerate, no soil is removed. Instead, soil is squeezed to all sides of the solid tine. The spike marks in your lawn will not be as deep than the perforations created by core aeration. <\/p>
Spike aeration loosens soil and alleviates compaction in the short term, but it increases compaction in the long run. <\/p>
4 types of spike aerators<\/span><\/h3>
1. Pitchforks<\/span><\/h4>
Pitchforks aren\u2019t an efficient option for a larger lawn, but they\u2019re excellent for smaller areas (less than 1,000 square feet) or for spots that get heavy foot traffic and need extra care. <\/p>
- It\u2019s easy to aerate with a pitchfork: Insert tines into the ground 3-4 inches deep and tilt forward and backward to loosen the soil. <\/li> <\/ul>
Pitchforks are best for:<\/strong> Tiny, postage-stamp-sized lawns with mild soil compaction or specific areas that need special attention.<\/p>
Price:<\/strong> $30 to $130 (but you probably already have one in your garage). <\/p>
Rental cost:<\/strong> Pitchforks are only available for purchase. You may be able to rent one if your city has a tool library.<\/p>
2. Spiked aeration shoes<\/span><\/h4>
Spiked lawn aeration shoes are the least expensive spike aeration option. You can use them in small areas, but for larger areas, aerating with spiked shoes is a time-consuming, tiring task. Using spiked shoes is not a highly effective form of aerating, and many lawn pros warn against it.<\/p>
- Walk over each area of your lawn thoroughly, piercing the soil with each step.<\/li> <\/ul>
Spiked aerator shoes are best for:<\/strong> Very small areas with mild compaction.<\/p>
Price:<\/strong> $10 to $50 <\/p>
Rental cost:<\/strong> Spiked shoes are only available for purchase. You may be able to rent one if your city has a tool library.<\/p>
3. Rolling push aerators<\/span><\/h4>
Rolling push aerators look like large spiny paint rollers. They work well for small, mildly compacted areas. If your lawn is on the moderate or larger side or if your soil is rocky or highly compacted, a rolling spike aerator is not the best option. It takes a lot of muscle to use, and the aerator may get damaged.<\/p>
- A rolling push spike aerator works like a manual mower. You\u2019ll want to go over your lawn at least twice, once in one direction, and the next time perpendicular to that direction. <\/li>
- To maximize the tine penetration, choose a model with a steel tray for additional weight. <\/li> <\/ul>
Rolling push aerators are best for:<\/strong> Smaller lawns with mild soil compaction<\/p>
Price:<\/strong> $50 to $135<\/p>
Rental cost:<\/strong> Approximately $25 per day<\/p>
4. Tow-behind spike aerators<\/span><\/h4>
Tow-behind spike aerators are on the expensive side, but they save time and labor and are excellent for larger lawns and fields. Make sure to purchase one with a weight tray to maximize contact with the soil. <\/p>
- Tow-behind spike aerators are similar to tow-behind core aerators, but instead of corers, they feature 10-12 star-shaped blades that pierce the soil. <\/li> <\/ul>
Tow-behind spike aerators are best for<\/strong>: Larger lawns with mild to moderate compaction<\/p>
Price of a tow-behind spike aerator:<\/strong> $85-$1,150. Prices vary, but expect to pay $135 or more for a high-quality model<\/p>
Rental cost:<\/strong> Most tow-behind spike aerators are only available to buy<\/p>
What type of lawn should be spike aerated? <\/span><\/h3>
![\"woman](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/spike-aeration-shoes-1-1024x682.jpg\")
NinaMalyna<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Spike aeration works well for lawns that: <\/p>
- Have mild to moderate compaction<\/li>
- Are small to medium in size <\/li>
- Don\u2019t have many rocks, stones, or debris in the soil that could interfere with spikes<\/li>
- Have a mild thatch problem (a thatch layer of just over half an inch)<\/li>
- Don\u2019t have a high clay content<\/li> <\/ul>
Pros and cons of spike aeration<\/span><\/h3>
Pros of spike aeration: <\/strong><\/p>
\u2713 Quick fix: Solid spikes shift the soil and provide temporary air holes, but soil compacts at spike entry points
\u2713 Generally less expensive than core aeration
\u2713 Less disruptive to the soil surface than core aeration
\u2713 Creates less mess: Does not leave plugs of soil scattered around the lawn
\u2713 Can be used frequently in compaction-prone areas without disrupting the lawn\u2019s visual appeal
\u2713 Good for small lawns with mild compaction and lower foot traffic<\/p>Cons of spike aeration: <\/strong><\/p>
\u2717 Spikes increase compaction in the long term
\u2717 Time-consuming and labor-intensive: Shoes and rolling spike tools are not ideal for larger areas
\u2717 Less effective than core aeration
\u2717 Does not penetrate as deeply into the ground as core aeration
\u2717 Compaction leads to more lawn problems in the future: Grass will be weaker and more prone to diseases
\u2717 Compaction harms surrounding ecosystems through increased fertilizer use, erosion, and runoff <\/p>To learn more about the benefits of aeration, from increasing your grass\u2019s drought tolerance to protecting your lawn from diseases, check out Lawn Love\u2019s \u201cBenefits of Aerating Your Lawn<\/a>.\u201d <\/p>
Does my lawn need to be aerated? <\/span><\/h2>
As a general rule, lawns need annual aeration to prevent compaction and keep grass growing densely. <\/p>
- Lawns with high clay content or foot traffic may require aeration twice per year. <\/li>
- If your soil is sandy or if you have no drainage issues, you may only need to aerate every two to three years or simply spot aerate as needed.<\/li> <\/ul>
Spikes do not aerate as deeply or as thoroughly as cores, so if you choose spike aeration, you\u2019ll need to aerate more frequently. Spike aerate two to three times per year during the growing season, targeting places prone to compaction.<\/p>
Lawns with sandy soils could thrive for as long as five years after a single aeration, whereas with clay soils, your grass might start losing its color just eight months after being aerated. To make sure you\u2019re aerating on the healthiest basis for lawns in your region, contact your local extension service<\/a>.<\/p>
How to test your lawn for compaction<\/span><\/h3>
What\u2019s a quick test to check if your grass needs to be aerated? Cut out a square foot section of lawn at least 6 inches deep. If the grass roots are growing only 1 to 2 inches deep, your soil may be compacted and need aeration.<\/p>
Alternatively, give your lawn the old \u201cscrewdriver test.\u201d If you can easily push a screwdriver 3 inches into moist soil (without undue force like jabbing), then lawn aeration<\/a> is likely not necessary. <\/p>
Signs your lawn needs aeration<\/span><\/h3>
If compacted soil is causing a problem, your grass won\u2019t be shy to let you know. These lawn symptoms are good indicators that your lawn needs aerating: <\/p>
- Your lawn feels spongy and dries out easily.<\/li>
- Your soil is hard to the touch.<\/li>
- Your lawn isn\u2019t draining properly during rainstorms, and puddles are forming where they did not before. <\/li>
- Your grass is thinning and becoming discolored.<\/li>
- Your grass is developing diseases like brown patch<\/a>. <\/li>
- Your lawn gets heavy foot traffic. <\/li>
- Your house was newly built or you have recently had construction done.<\/li>
- Your lawn was laid from sod. If sod is not mixed with the soil underneath, the grass roots may struggle to grow into the lower layer of soil. Aeration breaks up the soil layering to spur root growth.<\/li> <\/ul>
Even if your lawn isn\u2019t in desperate need, aeration is a natural way to stimulate beneficial microbial growth, promote thatch decomposition, and increase oxygen flow to roots, which will get your grass growing faster and looking healthier. <\/p>
When should you aerate?<\/span><\/h3>
Aerate during your grass\u2019s active growing season so that grass recovers quickly and fills the holes in your lawn. To know when the growing season is, you need to know what grass type<\/a> you have.<\/p>
- For cool-season grass lawns<\/a> with types like tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass, fall is the ideal time to aerate. While cool-season lawns can be aerated in either early spring or early fall, fall is preferred because weeds are less likely to sprout in the holes.<\/li> <\/ul>
- For warm-season lawns<\/a> with grasses like Bermudagrass and Zoysia, aerate in late spring or early summer when the grass is growing most vigorously. This will ensure speedy lawn recovery. <\/li> <\/ul>
Aerate in the right season for your region to prevent lawn stress. Avoid aerating during the peak heat of summer or in the cold of winter when grass is dormant. Aerate the day after rain or irrigation so your lawn is slightly moist but not wet. The soil shouldn\u2019t be so muddy that it sticks to the tines.<\/p>
FAQ about core vs. spike aeration<\/span><\/h2>
What lawn improvements can I expect from aeration? <\/span><\/h3>
Aeration will decrease your lawn\u2019s susceptibility to pests and diseases, eliminate yellow and brown spots, and increase the number of beneficial organisms in your yard (like earthworms, which keep your soil loose and nutrient-rich for lasting grass health).
Aeration stimulates renewed growth, so you can expect your grass to grow greener and more rapidly than before, with deeper roots and stronger shoots. Your lawn will be lush, and holes will be healed in three to four weeks after aerating.<\/p>How long does it take to aerate my lawn?<\/span><\/h3>
With a tow-behind or walk-behind aerator, you can aerate a medium-sized, 10,000-square-foot lawn in an hour to an hour and a half. If you want to call in the pros, they can do the job in as little as 30 minutes.
The less sunny news? If you\u2019re using a manual core aerator or spiked shoes, it\u2019ll likely take a full morning or longer, and you may have to take breaks depending on your lawn size. <\/p>Will aerating my lawn damage my irrigation system? <\/span><\/h3>
Not if you take precautions. Make sure you mark your sprinkler heads clearly with flags, stakes, or spray paint before you aerate. That way, you won\u2019t have an aeration tine ramming right into your watering system.<\/p>
What should I do after aerating my lawn? <\/span><\/h3>
Water your lawn thoroughly after aerating. This is also a great time to overseed, apply compost and fertilizer, and amend your soil<\/a> (i.e. if your soil is too acidic, now is the time to apply lime). <\/p>
Want to make sure your grass grows evenly? Wait a month after lawn aeration<\/a> before overseeding so that holes are healed before you plant.
If you\u2019re not planning to overseed after aerating, you can apply a pre-emergent herbicide<\/a> to prevent weeds from popping up in empty holes.<\/p>Can I combine core aeration with spike aeration to give my lawn some extra care? <\/span><\/h3>
You can, but use caution to ensure you\u2019re not aerating too much.
Core aerate yearly to give your lawn thorough aeration. Then, if your lawn needs an extra boost during the growing season, you can spike aerate. The thin tines from spike aeration won\u2019t disrupt the visual appeal of your lawn like the larger holes and plugs from core aeration.
If reducing compaction is your long-term goal, you\u2019ll want to stick to core aeration.<\/p>Choosing spikes or cores<\/span><\/h2>
If you\u2019re ready to give your grass a refreshing breath of air and a natural dose of nutrients, aeration is the way to go. Spike aeration is a quick fix for a mildly compacted lawn. But for a long-term lawn health solution, core aeration will give your grass what it needs for sustained, dense growth.
Want your grass to grow greener but don\u2019t have the time to aerate? Call a local lawn care professional<\/a> to aerate away the day, so you can breathe easier without sweating it out in your yard.<\/p>
- For warm-season lawns<\/a> with grasses like Bermudagrass and Zoysia, aerate in late spring or early summer when the grass is growing most vigorously. This will ensure speedy lawn recovery. <\/li> <\/ul>
- Tow-behind spike aerators are similar to tow-behind core aerators, but instead of corers, they feature 10-12 star-shaped blades that pierce the soil. <\/li> <\/ul>
- Walk over each area of your lawn thoroughly, piercing the soil with each step.<\/li> <\/ul>
- It\u2019s easy to aerate with a pitchfork: Insert tines into the ground 3-4 inches deep and tilt forward and backward to loosen the soil. <\/li> <\/ul>
- Choose one with a weight tray to ensure the tines fully perforate the ground. <\/li> <\/ul>
- What is core aeration, and how does it work?<\/a><\/li>