Ways to Aerate the Lawn

There are many different best ways to aerate the lawn. Some ways to aerate the lawn can be done on a regular basis, while others you may want to do on a more sporadic basis. Either way, both methods should result in your lawn looking healthier and more vibrant. The best thing about aerating the lawn is that it makes the soil less saturated with grass residue and allows water to fully move through the soil. If this happens more often than not, you will end up with an extremely healthy lawn.

1. Effective Ways to Aerate the Lawn

There are many different ways to aerate your lawn, with some being more effective than others. Lawn aerators are a common way to get rid of dead leaves and thatch, and other areas around the perimeter of your lawn. Lawn aerators can be powered either by electricity or via battery. There are also gas-powered, and electric, powered lawn aerators. Lawn aerators come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s hard to know which one will work best for you. The following are some considerations you should make when determining which aerator will work best for you:

1.1 Choosing the Types of Aerator

Choose between electric and gas powered. Electric lawn aerators are easier to use because they are lighter and typically run on battery power. They also have shorter cord lengths, so they are easier to handle. Gas-powered lawn aerators have cords that need to be attached to the garden hoses, making them heavier and more cumbersome to move around.

1.2 Consider Using Hand Aerators

These work very well for areas that aren’t heavily shaded, but may still benefit from aeration. They also provide deeper penetration and more suction, as well as being safer when it comes to getting the ground underneath your feet wet. The downside is that hand aerators can cost a bit more up front, but you get what you pay for in terms of the level of suction they offer.

1.3 Look into Spike Aerators

Similar to hand aerators, spike aerators shoot out sharp-toothed spikes that attach to the bottom of your lawn surface. The spikes do most of the work of aerating your yard, while the tires at the bottom to push the soil in. They work great in well-drained environments but are often affected by drought, so you will need to consider how much water you plan to apply, and if you need a fertilizer to go along with your spike aerators.

1.4 Use a Mulching Aerator

A mulching aerator basically spares the soil around your lawn and applies fertilizer, often in the form of a binder, directly to the specific areas of grass around your lawn. This is great for areas that require a deeper aeration process, because you can apply fertilizer deeper. Be aware though that a mulching aerator can be very expensive.

1.5 Self-watering Aerators

Self-watering aerators are exactly that self-watering. You simply direct them to run automatically, and they do the work. Some self-watering lawn aerators even have built-in timers that allow you to manually set the hours that the aerator is turned on, so you don’t waste energy by turning it on and off.

2. Apply Herbicides

Another one of the best ways to aerate the lawn is to apply herbicides. There are several different brands to choose from, so you will want to find the one that is best for you. Make sure that the herbicide you choose does not contain any chemicals, as they can be harmful to the grass and the ground. This is especially true if you have children or pets in the yard. If there are chemicals in the herbicide, they will remain below the ground and will not seep into the ground water supply. A good herbicide is one that will break down the grass blades as well.

3. Consider Spading

If you have shallow lawns, then you may want to consider spading. Spading can be done by hand or with a shovel, but there are better ways to do it than these two methods. A better way to dig the ground is with a trowel. This method is better for deeper grass and will ensure that your lawn has enough room for the water to flow into.

4. Conclusion

Now that you know a little more about ways to aerate your lawn, you may be curious about what type of aerator would suit your needs. Remember, you need something that won’t add too much weight, because some aeration systems will rely on heavy equipment for effective pumping. Additionally, you should look for an aerator that is easy to maintain. Finally, find a system that is affordable.