Rolling Aerators Are Fast Aeration Methods That Keep Your Lawn Looking Great

Periodically aerating with a rolling aerator is a key part of maintaining a healthy, beautiful-looking lawn. When it is not properly aerated, it can turn brown, need lots of water and be more prone to disease, insect damage and out-of-control weeds. Aeration breathes new life into your lawn.

In all lawns, the first 2-3 inches of soil compacts over time, especially in heavily-used areas. The dirt at playgrounds and parks frequented by children and pets compresses even more and faster. Compacted dirt and dense root systems make it difficult for new roots to grow and for the existing ones to get the water and nutrients they need. Both the dirt and the roots need to be broken up, so new roots can easily grow through the ground and get to the nutrients, oxygen and water needed to keep the grass lush, green and healthy. Rolling aerators with hollow tines, penetrate into the ground, pulling out dirt cores that are then left on the surface to break up and return to the soil. The resulting holes allow better movement of water, air and nutrients to the roots. Where roots have been broken, new roots will grow deeper with the increased space available from the holes and have an easier time out-competing weeds. These holes also do a better job keeping water which means that regularly aerated lawns need less water to stay healthy and green. Rolling aerators can do more for the health of your lawn than spike aerators, which do not pull out dirt plugs and leave holes that usually close up after the first watering.

Lawns that are properly cared for are more tolerant of excessive heat, less susceptible to problems of high traffic, more able to withstand drought, and more disease-resistant as well as costing less to maintain. For the first five years, use a rolling aerator on your lawn annually. After that every other year or even every three years may be okay if the lawn is not heavily used and seems to be in good condition. In general, aerate around April or September, when the ground is neither too soft nor too hard. Watering for an hour the night before can improve the soil conditions so the aerator pulls out good plugs and leaves better holes. After aerating, water, fertilize and over-seed to get the best results and to further improve your lawn's health and appearance.

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Comparing Plug Aerators and Spike Aerators

There are two major types of lawn aerators: core or plug aerators and spike aerators. There are advantages and disadvantages to each kind. Which one is best for you depends entirely upon what matters to you.

Ease to Use and Maintain. Spike aerators are all simple devices with spikes designed to go into the ground. Whether you are slipping on some spiked shoes, pushing a spiked hand aerator into the ground, or attaching one to the back of your tractor or riding lawn mower, spiked aerators are simple to use. They can require some physical exertion and may be tiring to use for long periods of time. However, some aerators are heavy machines that must be lifted and turned to go back around the lawn or in corners. Plug aerators that are self-propelled machines with power-lift or are towed along are not hard to use, but do have more maintenance needs with more parts that must be cared for and fixed or replaced.

Price. The cost of each varies widely, but spike aerators are generally significantly cheaper, priced from $10 to around $500, while plug aerators typically cost a few hundred to several thousands of dollars. If you only need it infrequently, renting a plug aerator instead of buying one can be cheaper. The lower price is the greatest advantage of spike over the other types of aerators.

Performance. While spiked rolling drums and spike towing aerators can do a pretty decent job, other aerators do a better job breaking up compacted soil and roots. The small holes made by spiked aerators close quickly, often with the first watering, so the roots enjoy the benefits for a shorter period of time and aeration needs to be done more frequently. In problems areas such as heavily-compacted or clay soils, spiked aerators may not be able to get into the ground deep enough to make a significant difference. Instead of solid spikes, plug aerators have hollow tines that penetrate deep into the ground and pull out a dirt core, leaving the plug on the surface where it slowing breaks up. The tines break-up compacted soil and dense roots, leaving new root growth with better access to water, air and the nutrients. Deeper, healthier roots mean a greener, healthier lawn that can handle drought and heat better as well as being more disease and weed-resistant.

Consider your lawns' needs, the amount you would like to spend and the time and effort you want to put into aerating, and then choose the aerator that is best for you.

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