Tips For Choosing The Best Type Of Spike Aerator For Your Yard

From pre-germinating your grass seed for a more lush, vibrant yard to maintaining the right length of grass, you've taken every step to ensure your yard is vibrant and healthy yard. However, even with the time and effort you've dedicated to the appearance of your lawn, you may still find that your grass seems lackluster or you've seen the signs it's time to dethatch your lawn. While much of your lawn's health deals with how you cut your grass and things like sun exposure, sometimes the root cause of problems can lie just beneath the surface.

Like any plant, the health of your grass starts with the roots. The roots are responsible for absorbing nutrients, whether that's nutrients from the soil, organic matter, or water. As a result, if you're lacking a healthy root system for the grass in your lawn, you'll find that the visible grass just doesn't have the appearance you want. A strong root system also comes with other benefits aside from visual appeal alone, such as boosting your lawn's tolerance to droughts. That's where aeration comes into play.

By breaking up the soil through the use of plug or spike aerators, you can give the roots better access to the nutrients they need. Adding aeration as a regular part of your routine can help boost the overall appearance and health of your yard, but first, you have to pick the right spike aerator to get the job done. As with all yard tools, no matter which spike aerator you choose, make sure to follow proper safety techniques.

There are four main types of spike aerators to choose from, with many of the categories offering a variety of options. Smaller aerators tend to have a lower upfront cost, but require more time and effort. Larger aerators can be pricey, and you may even need additional equipment to make the most of your investment. That's why it's important to determine the right spike aerator for your lawn before making a significant transaction.

First, you have manual, handheld spike aerators. Because there's a lot of elbow grease involved in these, it can be more time-consuming and labor-intensive. However, it also tends to be more budget friendly, with options like the Walensee lawn spike aerator or a simple pitchfork. You can even use a drill to aerate your lawn in a pinch. Spike aerator shoes (footwear with metal spikes on the soles) are another low-investment option, but they involve walking back and forth across your yard, which can be exhausting. Many experts also feel this the least effect option for aerating.

The last two types may cost a bit more, but they can save time and effort in the long run. Rolling push aerators combine the relative affordability of handheld aerators with the ease of a more expensive tow-behind. These often include a handle to push a large rolling barrel covered in spikes, creating holes as you go. This aerator, along with the others mentioned so far, are good for tackling smaller yards but they may not be the best choice for bigger yards. If you're dealing with a lot of acreage, you might consider a tow-behind spike aerator that attaches to a tractor or lawn mower. While on the pricey side, they take the manual work out of aeration.