Soil compaction makes it difficult for grass to develop long roots, disturbs the flow of natural rainwater and artificial irrigation, and blocks the oxygen roots need to keep your grass healthy. Aerators are designed to create gaps and holes in the soil that let these elements easily reach your grass’ roots. So, if a lush, full lawn is what you desire, you’ll need the best lawn aerators of 2024, with the Yard Butler Lawn Aerator being our top choice overall. If you’re the kind of person who is invested in doing whatever it takes to achieve good lawn health, or you desire a perfect, jeweled, vibrantly green lawn, this list of lawn aerators has everything that you need. Each of these aerators is easy to use, made with high-quality materials, and designed with efficiency in mind. Let’s take a look!
Our Top Picks For Lawn Aerators
The Best Lawn Aerators
Best Overall
The Yard Butler Lawn Aerator rejuvenates old lawns with its 3.5 inches long grass plugs. This manual lawn plug aerator and dethatcher pierces deep into the compact soil and loosens it up to let air, water, and fertilizer down to the root zone. It also strengthens heat and drought tolerance in your turf. If you have a small to medium lawn, we highly recommend it over renting a big machine for aeration.
We recommend that you water your lawn first before using this aerator especially if it hasn’t rained in weeks and you don’t use a sprinkler. You may also want to soak the coring tips in some water when you’re done using it for the day to prevent soil from drying out inside the tips and clogging things up. Built for a lifetime of use, this effective and high-quality lawn aerator is easily our top pick.
Pros
- Stimulates root growth by “pruning” the roots
- Removed cores deposit valuable micro-organisms
- Cushioned handle grips for comfort
Cons
- Inconveniently requires your hands on both handles
Most Effective
The Agri-Fab Push Spike Aerator is a walk-behind spike lawn aerator with five galvanized spike disks that help to penetrate the soil easily and expose your grass to air, nutrients, and water. It has a steel weight tray that holds concrete blocks with a maximum capacity of about 35 pounds and creates pressure to increase soil penetration. And, with 2.5 inches of aeration depth, your lawn is sure to look great. Just keep in mind that, if you decide to get this, you should wet your lawn before usage as it works better with damp soil.
Pros
- Helps seeds, water, sunlight, etc. reach roots
- Concrete blocks for deeper, easier soil penetration
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Heavy and slightly difficult to push
Simplest Design
This heavy-duty plug aerator by Gardzen is constructed with a high-quality steel frame and coated with a black powder finish for long-lasting durability. Plug aerators like this one use hollow tines to remove plugs of soil, leaving small gaps in the soil. This makes it ideal for loosening the soil of small lawns or for problem areas in larger lawns to allow for air, water, and nutrients to reach the lawn’s root system. And, with such a simple design, maintaining your lawn’s health and appearance is a cinch.
Pros
- Made from high-quality, powder-coated steel
- Simple, straightforward design
- Includes a protective pad for comfort
Cons
- Dirt can get stuck in the plugs
Easiest To Use
The Step ‘N Tilt Lawn Aerator is faster and easier to use than other manual aerators. Simply step on the platform to drive the aerator tines into the ground and tilt the handlebar backward to remove them. It makes core aeration easy and enjoyable for both DIYers and professional landscapers alike.
Core lawn aerators require very moist soil for smooth operation, and this product is no exception. We recommend that you aerate one day after at least one inch of rain or irrigation because it takes time for water to be absorbed into the soil, particularly clay soil. If you have a sprinkler system, each sprinkler zone will need to run for 60 to 90 minutes.
Pros
- Intuitive step and tilt design
- Clog-resistant tines and hardened case for durability
- Includes an optional soil core container and a remover
Cons
- Tines wear out fairly easily
Most Unique
Whether your soil is sand, clay, or loam, these aerator shoes will help you maintain your picture-perfect lawn. The 2.1-inch spikes on these gardening boots dig in and reshape your lawn into a luscious green paradise. Even better, the straps fasten with a convenient hook and loop system, meaning you will not need to readjust every time you put them on. And, since it’s also a fun tool to use, the whole family can join in on revitalizing your yard.
Pros
- No assembly needed
- Fits nearly any foot size
- Unique boot design
Cons
- Not recommended for users over 220 pounds
Most Multi-Functional
This multi-functional tool, with separate dethatcher and aerator drums, breaks up thatch using sprung prongs. It utilizes a 12.5-amp motor that helps lift organic debris from your lawn and perforates the soil to promote healthy grass growth. With the removable 47-quart collection bag, there is no need for manual raking. Simply dispose of lawn debris after usage, and remember, always dethatch first. And, because of its convenient foldable handle, storing this lawn aerator is made easy.
Pros
- Easy to store
- Manually adjustable between five operational heights
- Built-in carry handle for easy transportation
Cons
- Doesn’t go deep enough
Most Durable
Whether you own a lawn or you run a lawn care business, the Truly Holey Lawn Aerator is a must-have. This essential tool does not clog, is sturdy, and is designed to work on any soil type, helping you break up compacted soil and allowing proper aeration into the root zone.
Deeper aerification can be achieved using this aerator’s foot bar, which creates soil cores as deep as your index finger, even in hard clay or high-traffic areas. Even more, this lawn aerator is perfect for small problem turf areas like diseased or dry spots. It will get into those tight corners, narrow park strips, and in between tree roots and stepping stones where a machine has no chance.
Pros
- Soil cores eject easily
- Heavy-duty yet lightweight steel build
- Easy-to-hold T-bar handle
Cons
- Pricier than some competitors
Buying Guide: Lawn Aerators
Lawn aeration improves the health of your grass, helping roots grow deeper and stronger, and protects your landscape from disease and harsh weather. While lawn care techniques like weed control, fertilization, and proper mowing are important for promoting fresh grass growth, aerating the lawn is one of the best things you can do for a healthier, more resilient lawn.
While it is very important, many lawn owners don’t know much about lawn aeration, aerators, or the benefits of aeration. If you fall in this category and you’re looking for a lawn aerator, this in-depth buying guide is essential reading for you. Let’s take a look!
Lawn Aeration Explained
If you live in an area with heavy clay soil or your lawn gets a lot of foot traffic, your soil naturally compacts over time. This affects the grass’ ability to absorb the oxygen and water it needs for respiration and can result in a patchy or unhealthy-looking lawn. Gene Caballero, founder of GreenPal, the Uber of lawn care, shares, “To maintain a healthy lawn, I suggest aerating it at least once annually.” Aeration once per year may be only the minimum your yard needs; Caballero goes on to say, “In case of heavy usage or high foot traffic, more frequent aeration may be necessary to ease soil compaction.”
Lawn aeration reduces soil compaction and controls lawn thatch. Lawn thatch is an organic matter made up of dead grass and roots that collect at the base of the living grass on your lawn, making it difficult for water, oxygen, and other nutrients to get to the roots. Aeration causes root division, which rarely happens naturally. By causing roots to multiply, aeration multiples the number of grass blades overall. This keeps your lawn thick and deeply rooted as the holes become engorged with roots.
How To Aerate Your Lawn
Before aerating, make sure you remove any obstacles on your lawn and water it well. If you use sprinklers, be sure to mark all sprinkler heads, as the aerator spikes or plugs can severely damage the sprinkler heads. Also, make sure you choose the right aerator for your lawn.
Use your aerator to dig into the soil as you move over your lawn to remove plugs and create holes. The holes left behind will allow air, water, and nutrients to reach deep into the soil, promoting turf root growth and reducing soil compaction. Don’t worry about the plugs left on the ground; they will eventually decompose and provide additional nutrients for your lawn.
Within 48 hours after aeration, you should overseed, fertilize, and water your lawn. They have the best chance of getting down into the holes made by the aerator if applied shortly after aeration.
What To Look Out for When Choosing Lawn Aerators
Manual vs. tow-behind
Before anything else, you should choose between a manual or a tow-behind model. Manual aerators take longer to get the job done but offer more control. With these, the spaces between tree roots and stomps can more easily be attended to. Meanwhile, tow-behind models usually require less energy to use and help in areas where thatch often builds up. Estimate the overall square footage of your lawn and consider those tight corners and narrow park strips before you decide.
Tine length and material
Tine length and build material are some other key features to look out for when choosing lawn aerators. Some spikes are shorter than others but, ultimately, the length you choose depends on your lawn. If you have a lawn with thick dirt areas and thatch buildup, you may want to go for aerators with longer spikes. As for the materials, look for aerators made of durable steel or dense corrugated aluminum.
The Benefits of Lawn Aerators
Lawn aerators help strengthen the roots of your grass, allowing thicker growth during hotter seasons. This helps your lawn grows fuller with little to no dry patches of dirt.
Aerating just before seeding is a great way to ensure that the seeds enter the soil. If you plan to overseed after aeration, put those grass seeds into the holes made from removing plugs. This will help you get better use out of your fertilizer and grass seed and establish stronger roots for a fuller lawn.
Aerators decongest thatch buildup by mitigating the effect of debris on your lawn. This helps make sure the grass receives the required oxygen, moisture, and nutrients needed to remain lush and green. Finally, in the process of aerating — especially when using core aerators — the plugs removed eventually decompose and provide surface nutrients for the soil.
People Also Ask
Is it good to aerate my lawn?
Yes, it is! Getting your lawn aerated helps sunlight, water, oxygen, and nutrient reach its roots, making it healthier, lusher, and greener. So, if you're someone who values the health and appearance of their lawn, aerating is a must.
Is lawn thatch good or bad?
Lawn thatch is a layer of dead organic tissue with both positive and negative aspects. It can protect the lawn by moderating temperature and reducing evapotranspiration when it is of a reasonable thickness, but too much will limit soil oxygenation and reduce watering effectiveness.
Are aerators expensive?
The area you live in and your lawn's size will determine the aerator you need and how much you'll spend. Even a tow-behind model with more power in it isn’t an overly expensive investment for your lawn. An aerator is often a lifetime purchase, so you’re going to get a lot of use out of it.
How often should I aerate my lawn?
The best time to aerate your lawn is based on three conditions: the type of grass, weather conditions in your area, and the amount of moisture your lawn has received. Aeration can take place at any time of the year, but the best time to aerate your lawn is late summer or early fall, as fall is also the time for overseeding.
Can I aerate my lawn with a pitchfork?
You can aerate a lawn with a pitchfork or spading fork by simply punching holes as deep as possible in the turf layer and then rocking the fork to enlarge the holes. Repeat and overlap your path as you move around your lawn. Remember, this is really only useful for aerating smaller areas, as larger areas will require a lot of time and effort.
