Best Lawn Aerators in 2022

Aerating a lawn helps prevent the soil from getting hard and compacted. It also improves the lawn’s breathability and makes your grass healthier and more vibrant. You can aerate a lawn in numerous ways but the right way to do so is with the help of the best lawn aerator.

Getting an aerator might sound like a luxurious purchase, but trust me, it would drastically change your lawn’s look. You might even find long dead and dry patches of grass coming back to life in a vibrant green flush. Therefore, I think it’s an essential part of lawn maintenance.

Powered core aerators and rolling lawn aerators are some of the aerator types available these days. You can easily buy or rent these garden tools but you should know the right ones for your lawn’s specific needs. If you are stumped as to which aerator to pick, the following best lawn aerator reviews can come to your aid.

Comparison of 7 Best Lawn Aerators in 2022

Top 7 Best Lawn Aerator Reviews in 2022

The best lawn aerator can improve the health of your lawn by helping the grass quickly recover after being trodden upon. Aerating also improves the lawn’s ability to absorb water so that grass can grow deeper and stronger roots. Here are 7 of the best-rated lawn aerator machines we like:

1. Agri-Fab Push Spike Aerator

The best lawn aerator is the one that is easy to use and meets your lawn’s needs. The Agri-Fab 45-0365 is a walk-behind spiked aerator that exposes grass to the air and provides an aeration depth of up to 2 ½ inches. The spiked aerator comes with 5 sturdy spikes that are galvanized to prevent rusting. The total width of the aerator is about 16 inches which are perfect for small to medium-sized lawns.

The weight tray of the Agri-Fab 45-0365 can bear 35 lb which increases the penetration depth. Very easy to operate, the Agri-Fab 45-0365 aerator is more-or-less fully assembled so you do not have to spend time putting it together. It is also lightweight and measures no more than 15 lb. However, you need to add some weight (cinder block) to ensure deeper penetration.

2. Brinly Tow-Behind Plug Aerator

The Brinly PA tow-behind aerator consists of 24-heat-treated aerating blades which deeply penetrate nearly 3-inches into compacted soil to remove plugs of grass. The durable and sturdy steel construction of the Brinley aerator keeps it rust-proof for a long time. Its fully-enclosed tray holds nearly 150 lb of weight while the pneumatic wheels need no frequent filling and easy mobility over rough terrains.

Single transport lever makes crossing driveways simple. The Brinly PA – 40 BH tow-behind aerator is consistent, safe, and easy to maneuver. It comes with a universal hitch pin that makes it easy to attach to ATVs and tractors. Indiana-based Brinly Hardy Company has been manufacturing outdoor farm and garden equipment since 1839 so these guys know what they are doing!

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3. GoPlus Rolling Lawn Aerator

For owners of a small to medium-sized lawn, this could be an excellent, cheap lawn aerator. It’s compact, lightweight, and it works well on a small expanse of land. After using this rolling lawn aerator, you’ll undoubtedly see a visible difference in your lawn.

The bars and tines on this aerator are made with sturdy steel. However, the rolling parts on both sides are plastic. While this reduces the aerator’s overall weight and makes it easier to maneuver, it makes me think the product might not be as durable as I’d like.

You might think the aerator is a little too lightweight. In that case, you could add some extra weight to it, which will help the aerator penetrate the soil better. However, if you make sure to mow the lawn beforehand and moisten the soil properly, it shouldn’t be a problem.

4. MTB Heavy Duty Lawn Aerator

An aerator lawn roller provides air, water, and nutrients to the grassroots making them grow deeper and stronger. If you want a simple aerator that is easy to use, then the MTB Heavy-Duty Aerator Roller is a fast and efficient way to breathe new life into your lawn.

If your lawn or yard is small, the MTB lightweight roller aerator is ideal. It does not need too much assembly and works without clogging or needing cleaning. The lightweight roller aerator weighs less than 15 lb.

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5. Step ’N Tilt Core Lawn Aerator

The best garden lawn aerator is faster and easier to use than most manual aerators. This is why the Step N Tilt Core Lawn Aerator has received several positive reviews. As the name indicates, you simply step and tilt the aerator. Just make sure to moisten the soil first because; like most manual aerators, this one needs wet soil.

The Step N Tilt Core Lawn Aerator is designed for small yards as well as areas where motorized aerators cannot go. It is also designed for most soil types including heavy clay soil. Just ensure that you keep it moist before aerating. The unit also comes with a soil core container and soil core remover.

Step N Tilt Core Lawn Aerator comes with two sets of tines. It is recommended to use one set of tines only. You can use two sets if you weigh more than 150 lbs. The soil must be kept very moist prior to use.

6. HAPPYGRILL Rolling Lawn Aerator

Happygrill aerator for lawn has a space-saving design. The portable unit is very easy to assemble and the handle easily snaps into place with the aerator head. Once it is in position, all you need to do is roll the aerator so that the spikes easily penetrate deep into the soil and make requisite holes in it. This allows vital nutrients to reach your grassroots.

The HAPPYGRILL rolling best lawn aerator comes with a long handle measuring about 40 inches. This prevents strain on your back and shoulders. The aerator spike width is about 18 inches so it covers a wider area and gets the task done within a short period of time.

It also comes with a protective shield that prevents mud from splashing over your shoes and clothes and also protects you from injuries. The 1.2-inch rolling spikes help penetrate deep into the ground making it easy for water, oxygen, and other nourishment to reach the roots.

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7. Cocoarm Rolling Lawn Aerator

Cocoarm rolling aerator consists of more than 10 spikes which can simply be pushed to create deep holes in the soil and ensure that your grass needs the oxygen and nutrients it deserves. The spikes are made with galvanized steel and the aerator is also equipped with a long ergonomically designed handle that keeps the unit easy to use and portable.

Cocoarm lawn tool is easy to assemble, store, and use and it is also lightweight and portable. Galvanized steel spikes prevent the unit from corrosion and rusting. The handle length is slightly over 44 inches and the width of the aerator head is 5.71 inches. The entire tool measures slightly over 87 ounces.

Types of Lawn Aerators

Depending on the type and size of lawn you have as well as the climate you live in, lawns need to be aerated at least twice a year: in the spring and fall. Here are the types of aerators to choose from:

Tow-Behind Aerators

Tow or walk-behind aerators are designed to perforate the lawn with small holes as you walk behind them thereby loosening the soil. This allows water, air, and other nutrients to penetrate deeply and reach the grassroots. The deeper the grassroots reach, the stronger and healthier the lawn.

Spike Aerators

These aerators slit an opening in the soil and typically have the appearance of a series of spurs located on a rolling axle. The axle is suspended from and rotates beneath the frame of the aerator and some units also have room for additional weight. The weight helps deeper penetration of spikes or tines of the aerator head into the soil.

Plug Aerators

Plug aerators have the appearance of star-shaped or funnel-type knives rotating on the axle which removes and drops out plugs of grass and soil. These plugs should be left as is on the lawn as they contain nitrogen and other vital nutrients your lawn needs.

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Factors to Consider When Selecting the Best Lawn Aerator

Here are the factors to consider when selecting a lawn aerator:

Size of the Lawn/Yard

You need an appropriately sized aerator that can easily cover a small to mid-sized lawn. You certainly don’t want too small an aerator that would take several hours of hard work. Select an aerator with an appropriate width so it can cover a wider area in a short amount of time. You also can go in for aerators which can be hitched to an ATV or a tractor in case you want to cover a very large yard/lawn/farm.

Height and Weight of the Operator

Some aerators need the operator to stand on them in order to apply pressure which can help the aerator tines or spikes penetrate deeper into the soil. So, do consider your weight. A lighter person would require a lot more time to cover a larger area. Similarly, select the right size of handle for the aerator so that you don’t have to bend too much or strain your back.

Type of Soil

Very hard, compacted or clay-type soil can need some moisture to loosen up. Such soils need to be wet thoroughly before using the aerator tool. In such cases, you may want to choose an aerator that works with cinder block weights. They have a special base upon which you can place the weight so that the spikes can easily penetrate deeper into the hard/compacted soil without causing a strain on the operator.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which Is Better Between Hand-Pushed and Tractor-Powered Lawn Aerator?

A: According to this best lawn aerator guide, we mentioned that the lawn aerator you buy depends on your lawn’s size. Hence, for a small-sized lawn, it is best to opt for a hand-pushed lawn aerator because they use muscle power to operate. Besides, hand-pushed lawn aerators use muscle power to function, and they are inexpensive. On the other hand, tractor-powered lawn tractors are ideal for big yards to clean the soil and fertilize it.

Q: Do I Need to Aerate the Lawn Before Seeding?

A: Yes, it is ideal for aerating the lawn before you seed because aeration reduces soil compaction. Also, it allows for easy absorption of nutrients, air, and moisture that ensures root development and the healthy growth of plants. Aerating before you use a fertilizer spreader is also beneficial. 

Q: How Can I Maintain a Lawn Aerator?

A: You need to maintain your lawn aerator to ensure the equipment is safe, clean, and durable. When you finish using your best lawn aerator, it is best to clean thoroughly and oil the metal parts. Also, you must rinse the mud from the lawn aerator with your garden hose. It would help if you also took out the soil cores that are hidden in the lawn aerator.

Conclusion

The best lawn aerator is the one that is easy to use, penetrates deeply (at least 2 inches) into the soil, and is best suited for your lawn’s needs and especially the soil type. We recommend the Brinly PA – 40 BH tow-behind aerator- a plug-type aerator. It removes plugs of grass and soil that can be left on the lawn after aeration. As the plugs decompose, they provide the grass with much-needed vital nutrients. Do check out other automatic and manual lawn aerator reviews above as well.