Best Overall

Brinly-Hardy 40" Tow-Behind Plug Aerator

Best Bang for the Buck

Corona YardBreather Aerator With ComfortGel Grip

Upgrade Pick

John Deere 48" Tow-Behind Plug Aerator

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Soil compaction can slowly ruin a lawn , but a lawn aerator can help . Compaction is when the space between soil particles becomes so tight that air travel , H2O , and nutrients no longer circulate around the antecedent . It pass off in the dog ’s rail along the fence , the patch of grass where machinery temporarily operates , and kids ’ play areas . Lawn aerating canrejuvenate your lawnby loosening the compacted soil and shake new root growth to fill the void . We examine 10 unlike puppet for aerating lawns to receive the most effective and low-priced options .

grease compaction often occurs in lawns with backbreaking clay soil that receives a lot of ft or wheeled traffic . drain suffers , and a fatheaded Edward Thatch level — a intermixture of dead stems , leave , and roots — may develop between the soil and the grass . A yearly pass with a rolled lawn aerator open space for air and water supply to reach the lawn ’s roots . But not all aerator tool are equally efficacious . It take on a sharp , heavy - obligation puppet to repeatedly penetrate roots and hard - pack dirt to a minimum depth of 2 inches .

The Best Lawn Aerator Option Brinly-Hardy 40 Tow-Behind Plug Aerator

We spoke to Taylor Olberding , atomic number 27 - founding father ofHeroes Lawn Care , a nationwide lawn maintenance company , who shared his technical advice . We also purge the market to source and test lawn aeration equipment from a form of categories . After look back the spec , characteristic , and customer critique for each of the products below , we test them in our own backyard . Our top pick is theBrinly - stalwart 40″ Tow - Behind Plug Aeratorthanks to its durable all - blade design and universal hitch compatibility . Read on to learn more about our shopping thoughtfulness , how each aerator performed , and why we conceive these are some of the best lawn aerators available .

Who Should Aerate Their Lawn

Before you hunt out and prod holes in your lawn , infer that not all lawns want aeration . But if one of the following scenarios give to your lawn , you might require to consider it . Otherwise , rent the gullible be .

Olberding aver that “ annual aeration is recommended in cool - season lawn , specifically in the declivity . Aerate more frequently if there is pitiful piddle concentration or a lot of compaction in the lawn . ”

Your filth may not be breathing because there ’s athick bed of thatchon top . Thatch is made up of living and dead grass stem and roots that mold at the dirt surface , unremarkably in response to pitiful drain . In that case , alawn dethatcherwill aid to remove the Blackbeard layer . These tools simply scrape and take out the thatch without dig into the airfoil . After remove the thatched roof , oxygenate the lawn to reanimate the soil structure .

Corona YardBreather Aerator on a white background

Product Comparison

Our Top Picks

Whether you ’re depend for a hand-held aerator to work a few solid feet beneath the kids ’ playset or a big tow - behind model to oxygenise several landed estate , we ’ve fix you report . Read on to find out more about these tools , how they performed in our test , and which one may be the best lawn aerator to wish for your property .

Our military rating : Ease of Use4.4/5 ; Effectiveness4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4.3/5

DIYers who take lawn maintenance seriously will want to consider Brinly - Hardy ’s 40 - inch tow - behind wad aerator . It features 24 item-by-item 3 - inch heat - treated cud , all - steel construction , and a system of weights tray that can deal up to 150 Lebanese pound . All of these factors add up to a durable tool that provides optimal aeration .

John Deere 48-Inch Tow-Behind Plug Aerator on a white background

This model come equip with a universal drop - pin tow rub that can impound to ATVs , UTVs , and lawn tractor . The transport lever tumbler allows landscapers to disengage the fire hydrant to take out the aerator across sidewalk and driveways . “ No - matt ” tires enhance the unit ’s overall strength .

In our trial run , the Brinly - Hardy lawn aerator proved to be a top contender for everyday maintenance applications , but might not be honorable for severely compacted soil . It was also the lowest - priced tow - behind plug aerator we test . In intermediate conditions with 120 pounds of free weight added , it penetrated to an average of 2.75 inches mystifying . The steel coring spikes are stiff but not sharpened , and they are rolled to a “ C ” figure instead of a complete circular plug shape , which helps with sportsmanlike out but might embarrass penetration moderately . Because this aerator punch only 2.5 stopple per square animal foot , we had to make two or three passes with it for the best results .

Get the Brinly - stalwart lawn aerator atThe Home DepotorWalmart .

The Best Lawn Aerator Options

Photo: Debbie Wolfe

Our rating : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Effectiveness4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4.3/5

Those with only a small patch of yard to oxygenise might need to consider an inexpensive , easy - to - store hand-held aerator like the Corona YardBreather . The YardBreather measures 40 inches high-pitched , with plug spike space 8 inches asunder , and it weighs a lilliputian more than 3.5 pounds .

This tough cock get rid of two 3.5 - inch dirt plugs at a time with a simple stepping motion . The tool ejects soil wad from the top of the empty spikes with each gradation . The footplate and punch spikes are made of heat - regale sword for a recollective working biography . Thick padded grip and a wide nonslip footplate eliminate stress point and thin out drug user fatigue .

The Best Lawn Aerator Options

Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila

With a little practice , we were capable to hit an average of 100 plugs per minute with the YardBreather . It worked more effectively in intemperately compact and ironic soils than any of the towage - behind aerator we tested because the user ’s entire weight bears down on just two spikes or else of six or eight spike at a time . In average territory conditions , the spikes consistently penetrated to the full depth of 3.5 inches . Although it is not an idealistic result for even the smallest whole - yard treatment , this putz would make an excellent leverage for those who on a regular basis deal with pet paths around the belongings border or a worn pathway from the family to the toolshed .

Get the Corona lawn aerator atLowe’sorTractor Supply Co.

Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.6/5 ; Effectiveness5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4/5

The Best Lawn Aerator Options

Photo: Debbie Wolfe

John Deere ’s 48 - column inch aerator makes quick work of aerating the lawn . It boast 12 four - way plug assembly on the reel for a sum of 48 spikes pulling 4.24 plugs per square foot . The heavy - duty body weighs in at 101 pounds and hold up to 250 British pound sterling of extra weight for a sum of about 350 pound of downward pressure . The heating system - treated plugging spoons fathom up to 3 column inch . The ecumenical drop cloth - pin tumbler tow hitch is compatible with most lawn tractors and ride mowers . Unlike the other towable aerators in our lineup , this one rolls gently on pneumatic tires while in transport mode .

The John Deere towage - behind spark plug aerator may be priced a bit higher than the other models we try out , but as they say , you get what you pay for . This one is a major upgrade . In a side - by - side comparison with the similarly sized Agri - Fab 48 - inch tow - behind plug aerator , John Deere stood out like a shot in terminus of both real quality and overall design . The John Deere press 9 pound more than the Agri - Fab manikin ( 101 vs. 92 Syrian pound ) , and it can harbour 250 Egyptian pound of tote up free weight compared to 140 pounds for Agri - Fab . Not only that , but with 4.24 plugs per straight foot , the John Deere act upon about 50 per centum more efficiently .

With 120 pounds of added weight unit , this aerator interpenetrate the soil an average of 2.5 column inch . It continued to penetrate well even while making 180 - degree end turns . We especially liked that this model rides on inflated tires that distribute the weightiness intimately on soft ground instead of get estrus as hard wheels do . If we could have operated the transport lever tumbler from the number one wood ’s hindquarters , this would have been a nearly perfect implement . This aerator ’s size of it and hard - responsibility build make it an ideal choice for larger properties with lots of assailable lawn space .

The Best Lawn Aerator Options

Photo: Debbie Wolfe

Get the John Deere lawn aerator atThe Home DepotorGreen Part Store .

Best Manual

Yard Butler Manual Lawn Coring Aerator

Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.3/5 ; Effectiveness4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4/5

DIY lawn care expert know the value of a quality manual aerator . Whether it ’s for a small yard or soused grass pathway , the Yard Butler manual lawn coring aerator is up to the task . With a long-wearing all - sword one - patch grammatical construction , it ’s strong enough to sink the 3.5 - in tines into toughened , compacted grime while the wide footplate provides plenty of leverage .

The Yard Butler measures 37 inches high , so users can keep a comfortable posture while they exploit . At just over 3.5 pounds , it ’s also easy to snarf with the padded T - regulate handles .

The Best Lawn Aerator Option Brinly-Hardy 40 Tow-Behind Plug Aerator

Photo: The Home Depot

While both are equal to tools with nearly very designs that easy remove two 3.5 - inch grunge plug at a clip , Yard Butler surpass the Corona YardBreather in a match of central examination metrics . Their weights are closely identical , at just over 3.5 pounds , but the Yard Butler is more stocky : It is 0.25 inch thinner , 3.5 inch shorter , and the spike are space 0.5 inch nigher together .

The shorter height made the Yard Butler easier to take out out of the soil when we were run with it , while the narrow-minded spike space increased overall chew density for more thorough aeration . Interestingly , even with the 0.5 - inch decrease in spike spatial arrangement , Yard Butler ’s footplate is just 0.25 inch narrower than the competition ( 4.75 inches vs. 5 column inch ) , so those of us with big feet could still utilise it . Although the rivalry offered a more comfortable handle and nonslip footplate , we prefer the sleek dimensions of the Yard Butler for both working comfort and storage .

Get the Yard Butler lawn aerator atAmazonorWalmart .

Corona YardBreather Aerator on a white background

Photo: Lowe’s

Best Heavy-Duty

Agri-Fab 48" Tow-Behind Plug Aerator

Our Ratings : Ease of Use4/5 ; Effectiveness4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4/5

For expectant K or those with extremely compacted soil , a backbreaking - duty aerator like this model from Agri - Fab might be the upright bet . The 48 - inch - all-embracing path on this towage - behind hoopla aerator makes immediate oeuvre of talkative lawns . Heavy - bore galvanise brand knives with 32 spikes get the chore done .

A 175 - Irish pound free weight tray pulls enough weight for some of the most stubborn soil . A pair of 9.75 - inch savourless - free tires supports locomotion over rough terrain , and a transportation lever cabbage the knives clear of pavement and driveways . The universal hobble fit ATVs , UTVs , and lawn tractor as well .

John Deere 48-Inch Tow-Behind Plug Aerator on a white background

Photo: The Home Depot

In our test , the Agri - Fab 48 - in tow - behind plug aerator delivered solid , more effective incursion than the minor Brinly - sturdy model , thanks to its gruelling bod and comparatively low density of sharpened plugging spikes . Fewer spike have in mind that each one bore more downward pressure , and the heavier skeleton produced more pressure than the lighter model . The spike penetrate to an average profoundness of about 2.5 column inch .

However , punching only 2.67 plugs per square foot , we had to make two passes for thorough termination . Like the other tow - behind aerator we tested , the rolled brand spikes were “ hundred ” shaped , not completely pear-shaped , which meant that most soil male plug were not fully extracted from the ground . But cleanup was easygoing since very few cud stuck inside the coring spikes . The Agri - Fab lawn aerator get to an low-priced choice for keep up large property .

Get the Agri - Fab lawn aerator atAmazonorWalmart .

Yard Butler Manual Lawn Coring Aerator on a white background

Photo: Amazon

Best Liquid

Covington Naturals Liquid Lawn Aerator

Our Ratings : Ease of Use4/5 ; EffectivenessN / A ; DurabilityN / A ; Value3.3/5

Before we plunk into this one , it is significant to note that we could get hold no scientific data on the efficacy of swimming lawn aerators . Internet hunt volume bespeak increase consumer interest in these products , so we decided to prove the Covington Naturals liquid aerator because of its strong customer reviews and our own curiosity .

The concentrated ware contains low levels of manganese , sulfur , iron , and amino acid coordination compound to support plant growth along with micro-organism ( 20 percentage ) , molasses ( 10 percent ) , humate ( 10 pct ) , and kelp ( 5 percent ) . user are apprise to apply 2 , 4 , or 8 ounces of the merchandise , count on the severity of soil compaction , for every 1,000 square foot of lawn every 45 to 60 days . The company urge deep tearing every 3 to 4 sidereal day following practical software . Presumably , the microorganisms ( the “ active ingredient ” ) admit soil - building bacteria , but the recording label bring home the bacon no further details .

Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Plug Aerator on a white background

Photo: Amazon

We applied Covington liquid aerator on a 500 - square - foot pack together pathway area as directed for temperate compaction . We also leave alone an adjacent area untreated and watered both area harmonize to the prescribed follow - up docket . After a 30 - day testing period , our resultant role were inconclusive . The area looked great , but then it did n’t see horrible before . It was difficult to parse the essence of the plant solid food versus any actual improvement in soil compaction , which would in all likelihood require importantly more clock time to prepare anyway .

We found no detectable dispute in the strong-arm coming into court of either area beyond the lush immature grass , which we would have expect from the add together water . The effective news is that it did n’t harm the lawn , and we did see improvement to grass wellness .

Get the Covington Naturals lawn aerator atAmazonorCovington Naturals .

Bottle of Covington Liquid Aerator on a white background

Photo: Amazon

Best Drum

Yard Tuff 36" Tow-Behind Drum Plug Aerator

Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Effectiveness5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4.3/5

Drum - style aerators are less top - heavy than weight - tray aerator , and they weigh more when they are full of urine . fill to its nearly 40 - gal capacity , the Yard Tuff tow - behind drum aerator tops out at 490 pounds , ensuring deep penetration in compacted grunge . The fill plug is threaded for a safe conniption without leaks . The 18 - inch diam brake drum with 54 six - column inch cud has a working width of 36 inch and a dip pin encumbrance that is compatible with most lawn tractors and ATVs .

Before we could use the aerator , we had to tack together it . Each of the plugs ask one thunderbolt and lock nut . Total assembly time was about 1.25 hours . In the future tense , if a single tine breaks or wears out , it should only take a arcminute or two to remove and supersede it . We also take down that the tow arm ends that bond to the axles have soil try-on to extend length of service and minimize noise . Not all of the towable aerators were likewise equipped . After assembly and greasing the accommodation , we take up it for a test run .

The Best Lawn Aerator Option Yard Tuff 36 Tow-Behind Drum Plug Aerator

Photo: Tractor Supply Co

The fill hoopla threaded smoothly out and back into the filling trap . It did n’t leak when the metal drum was full of water and parked overnight with the filling trap at the bottom . It took a noticeable movement to tow the heavy tympan on insipid ground . Slopes were even more thought-provoking . We made sure to travel direct up and down the incline to range even downward pressure on all of the core plugs . In dampish grime , the plugs penetrated 3 column inch deeply on ordinary , which was deeper than the other core aerators , but it also require more towing feat , more passes for full coverage , and a minuscule more space to turn .

Get the Yard Tuff lawn aerator atTractor Supply Co.

ALSO TESTED

Some of the aerators we test did not rise to the carrying into action standards of our top picks .

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Lawn Aerators

Our lawn aerator tests comprise of 2 daytime of product assembly , program , measurement , and observation . We marked out 5,000 square feet of lawn for each of the tow - behind and take the air - behind manikin . For the shoe and handheld model , we marked out 100 - straight - human foot trial run plot . The liquid lawn aerator required an A / B vitamin test of two identical 500 - straightforward - foot plot to compare the treat area with a nontreated area , with a monthlong concern and observation period .

After assembly , we calculated the number of spike per square foot for every manakin by dividing the region covered with one full number of the reel assembly ( width times circuit in inches , divided by 144 ) by the total number of aerating spikes . Aerators with few spikes per hearty understructure penetrated more deeply with less weight but required more passes for equal effect . Conversely , models with a higher number of spike heel per straight metrical unit need more weight for equal insight , but aerated thoroughly in a individual laissez passer .

We prepared the lawn for the aerator tryout by mow a nick low than the normal maintenance peak , then water deeply to promote inscrutable spike penetration . After 24 hours , we test each aerator , adding a temperate amount of weight to the tow - behind poser . After aerate , we randomly collected 50 extracted plugs from each cud aerator to count their average penetration depth . Our favorite models were plug aerator that penetrate at least 2.5 column inch on average , and pulled at least 2.25 plugs per hearty ft .

Young couple (heads not seen) use trowels to dig into a small raised garden bed on Astroturf, surrounded by gardening accessories.

Aeration Methods

Depending on the method acting of aeration that ’s practiced for your lawn , you may expend one of two types of tools : a stiletto heel or a wad ( also called a “ core ” ) .

Plug Aerators

A lawn spark plug aerator penetrates the lawn with hollow tines that remove cud of soil . Home landscape architect can either entrust these plugs in blank space to disintegrate or roll up them with a rakehell or lawn lawn mower .

Candidates for plug aeration admit lawn where :

Whether your lawn has all or just one of these indicant , it will profit from a plug aerator . The pickle create space in the soil that countenance roots to expand , water to soak in deep , and air to circulate . The result is a sizeable root organization below and a lush lawn above .

Spike Aerators

Spike aerators do n’t remove soil from the yard . Instead , they puncture the soil with farsighted spikes and allow air and water to reach the etymon . They typically work well on less compacted soil and sod . They might not do the trick for dim dirt .

Spike aerators incline to cultivate well with loose grime , especially if the finish is to increase ancestor exposure to plant food or create space for grass germ to settle without running off the grease ’s Earth’s surface . We do not urge using a spike aerator to repair compacted grease . Although they may appear to reduce lawn tenseness in the short term , repeated use of a spike aerator for a few successive seasons can actually worsen grime crush .

On the other hand , some homeowner have problem areas that ask yearly aerating . For them , dealing with the fuss of organise a rental pickup and return every twelvemonth , and paying the fee over and over , make owning an aerator much more cost - effective .

What to Consider When Choosing a Lawn Aerator

A nicely aerated lawn can be thick , vibrant , and the envy of the neighborhood . But there ’s a lot that goes into choosing the best lawn aerator . The following sections break down the most important ingredient to debate .

Types of Lawn Aerators

The size of your lawn and the amount of strong-arm labor you’re able to handle will determine which type of aerator work best for you .

crusade aerator work best in minor areas , particularly those with obstacles like playsets and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that ask a little discreetness to pilot . These aerator most often have spikes , not vacuous tines , which make them better suited to lawn without compaction .

A bit harder to receive , press aerators require more effort to impel the tine into the soil . If the goal is to transgress down constrict ground , opt for a hand-held or towage - behind chaw aerator .

hand-held aerator models typically work best on little lawns . They come in both plug and spike varieties . A dual - grip bag ( place high on the creature to prevent back pain ) and a strong foot weapons platform allow landscapers to step onto the prick to aim the empty tines or spikes into the soil repeatedly across the full lawn . Aeration with handheld putz takes a little more time and physical effort , but it put to work .

If you have a riding lawn lawn mower , you probably have a large lawn . In this case , a tow - behind aerator might make sense . Connect the lawn aerator to the towage hitch on the mower and quickly cover a slew of ground . To dig deeper , towage - behind aerator add up with a tray above the tine for adding extra weightiness .

Professional landscapers offer aeration service , and most of them apply walk - behind plug aerator . These self - propelled machines operate at varying speeds of up to 4 mil per time of day to oxygenise lawns quickly and thoroughly in a single pass . They are extremely wakeless and more maneuverable than tow - behind models , plus they feature obtusely space coring spike that penetrate about twice the astuteness of most tow - behind modelling . While the price of buy one may be prohibitory for most individuals , this is the rental tool of choice for professional - quality outcome .

Lawn aerator shoes allow you activate the lawn while you take the air . But they ’re a good theme only for mildly compacted soil and clear maintenance . The sandal - like equipment fits over shoe with adjustable straps and solid spikes on the soles . As with other spike aerator , regular utilisation may make pack grunge bad .

Material

Durability is always a agent when give away for curtilage equipment . Aerators see particularly rough use as landscapist aim them deeply into the ground . Therefore , the aerator ’s building materials are an essential consideration .

In oecumenical , the good lawn aerator uses chromium steel , galvanize , or heat - treated blade for the spikes or knives that dig into the reason . These problematic materials resist rusting and stand up to rocks and other approximative terrain . The same get for shoe - style aerators : Stainless steel ear are best .

Also deal the framework of tow - behind aerators . pulverization - coated frame , trays , and other constituent will help resist rusting and aerate your lawn for years to come .

Yard Size

When choose the good lawn aerator , shopper will want to consider whether they ’d wish to power the aerator themselves or tow it behind a lawn tractor .

Manual lawn aerators , such as the shoe style and the whole tone - on design , need user to repeatedly get the spikes or knives into the ground and pull them out again . The manual travail may be adequate for small yard , but large lawns likely need a tow - behind theoretical account .

Tow - behind model are by far the most convenient for expectant lawns , but they do take some time to set up . substance abuser have to confiscate the aerator to the tractor and come in the appropriate amount of weightiness on top to check the spikes penetrate the soil . The good weight deviate well between lawns , so there are no rules of quarter round to be .

Weight and Mobility

Weight and mobility can be tricksy to balance when it comes to lawn aeration . On the one helping hand , an aerator needs to be heavy enough to get into the soil . On the other mitt , a bulky , hard - to - manoeuvre aerator might not be of much use .

Large tow - behind aerator can weigh more than 90 pound . It ’s important that they ’re heavy so they can really grok down into the soil . However , they ’re hard to maneuver around garden bottom , and the setup time might not be worth it .

For small yards , a lighter manual option might be a better burst . These models often weigh less than 5 pounds , which makes them wanton to nobble out of the soil . They ’re incredibly fluid , so they ’ll work in the lilliputian plot of grass .

Additional Features

Some of the good lawn aerators have additional features that may make them more suitable in certain scenarios .

The Benefits of Aerating Your Lawn

Aeration can bring big welfare to lawns where :

By loosening the dirt around pets ’ go - to spots , the grass will get the nutrients , gentle wind , and water it needs to fight back against favourite urine . The tines or spike on an aerator dig through Blackbeard and serve it break down more quick .

Plug aerator create air pocket and loosen the dirt around the hole . This allows water to run out rapidly and efficiently instead of forming puddles after sullen rain .

FAQs

The following section aims to resolve any stay questions you may have about aerator for lawns . expect for the answer to your questions below .

Ultimately , stopper aeration is better than spike lawn aeration as it physically withdraw pot from the yard instead of merely poking into it . duplicate spike aeration may guide to more soil crunch over fourth dimension .

Knowingwhen to air the lawnis a key to success . The best calendar month to oxygenate reckon on the mood and grass type . The first calendar month of saltation conditions is best for lovesome - season grasses and for lawns in cool climates . It ’s also helpful to aerate in the drop before overseeding a cool - season lawn .

Yes , aerating allows seminal fluid to permeate the control surface for the adept possible germination .

For a clear understanding of how to air out the lawn , believe the profoundness of the grass root zone depth . For the best results , it is significant to air deeply ; 2.5 to 3 inches is ideal .

Mowing a notch lower than normal a day or so before aerating avail to ensure the near spike penetration . pout after using a quid aerator can help bust up the clumps leave behind .

Once a year is usually sufficient , but any time the lawn is more stocky than usual is a good time to nose a few holes .

Lawn aerator lifespans will count largely on the quality of the material of that particular model . cheap options with shaping part may last a few season , while a more rich — and dear — social unit can last decades . Ultimately , as with most tool , right alimony helps hold out their lifespan even further .

consort to Olberding , “ One liberty chit of an aerator on your intact lawn impacts 3 percent of your total lawn . A single passing game is all right , but dual or triple pass if your lawn is exceedingly squeeze . ”

Meet the Tester

Mark Wolfe is a author and production tester with a background in the nursery and landscape gardening industries . He reviews all the latest out-of-door mogul equipment , hand tools , lawn care products , and other outdoor - living good .

Additional inquiry provided by Heather Blackmore and Tom Scalisi .

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