:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/IMG_40612-5ba0f4fd46e0fb005005bbe3.JPG){kind=small}
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/IMG_40612-5ba0f4fd46e0fb005005bbe3.JPG)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/headshots_FINAL_barbara-gillette-42bec3c81bc448d98e015b58cb570f47.png)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/RichPic15-d247bd4bdc2d4e4daf3f2bb743624dfe.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-yard-butler-lawn-aerator-ID-6c-laurey-w-glenn-photo-01-4b4651e62eb440db82e08a8840d46e45.jpg)
The Spruce / Laurey W. Glenn
A top-quality lawn aerator creates soil-deep holes that allow air, water, and fertilizer to reach the roots of your grass, keeping your lawn healthy, nourished, and looking its best.
When and how to aerate your lawn depends upon the type of soil and grass you have (warm-season or cold-season grasses), the size of your lawn, and the amount of foot traffic the area receives. To help you find the best lawn aerator for your needs, we researched dozens of options, evaluating ease of use, functionality, features, and overall value.
Best Overall
Brinly-Hardy PA-40BH Tow Behind Plug Aerator
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/brinly-hardy-pa-40bh-tow-behind-plug-aerator-d22f07a519a346a4b584dc737912df3d.jpg)
Amazon
Heavy-duty construction
Large width and 24 plugs
"No flat" tires
Weight tray
Requires lawn tractor for use
Weights not included
The Brinly-Hardy Tow Behind Plug Aerator wins the top spot on this list for its durable, all-steel construction and ease of use. We love that it has a universal hitch that can attach to any lawn tractor, UTV, or ATV, so you don't have to manually move it around your yard. We also think this is an excellent option for bigger yards—the 40-inch width and 24 3-inch plugs help cover large areas quickly. Since it is a plug aerator, it is perfect for clay soils and has "no-flat" tires to handle different terrain without issues.
Although you do need to add the weight yourself, we appreciate that the weight tray holds up to 150 pounds of concrete blocks to ensure adequate soil depth. We also appreciate the easy-to-use transport lever that allows you to disengage the plugs quickly when you want to avoid sidewalks or sprinkler components. Keep in mind that this aerator is more expensive than other options on this list, and if you do have a small yard, a manual option may be a better choice. However, we think if you already have the right equipment to attach it to, and have a larger yard with the right soil, this aerator will make quick work of getting your lawn into shape, with little effort.
Price at time of publish: $337
Aeration Method: Rolling tow-behind | Type: Plug | Spike Length: 3 inches | Width: 40 inches | Power Source: Manual | Dimensions: 37 x 51 x 28 inches | Weight Capacity: 150 pounds | Plug Size: 16 gauge
Best Budget
Yard Butler Lawn Coring Aerator
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/yard-butler-lawn-coring-aerator-b004f313a7894d13979ca71f559d37dc.jpg)
Amazon
Budget-friendly
Small storage footprint
Works in small spaces
Requires physical effort
Covers only a small area at a time
If you have a small yard, a handheld aerator is a great affordable option—this type of tool is generally much easier to store and can get into tight places where a tow-behind aerator cannot go. We like the Yard Butler Lawn Coring Aerator because it is both lightweight and durable. Like many handheld aerators, it does require physical effort and only covers a small area at a time, but when used, it can loosen the compacted soil and dethatch your lawn, so vital nutrients can get through.
Aside from the plug (core) handheld aerator, Yard Butler offers a spike handheld aerator which is better for sandy or loamy soil. The plug type has two tines that will penetrate up to 3.5 inches. The spike aerator has four 3-inch spikes. Both aerators are made of rust-resistant powder-coated steel, measuring 37 inches high and weighing around 4 pounds. Each has rubber padded handles and a footrest for ease in pushing the aerator into the soil.
Price at time of publish: $44
Aeration Method: Handheld | Type: Plug | Spike Length: 3.5 inches | Width: 8.75 inches | Power Source: Manual | Dimensions: 1.75 x 8.75 x 36.5 inches | Weight Capacity: Not applicable | Plug Size: .50 x 3.50 inches
Best Tow-Behind Spike
Agri-Fab 40-in Spike Lawn Aerator
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/agri-fab-40-in-spike-lawn-aerator-c692868452eb406e8feda177d841891a.jpg)
Amazon
40-inch width with 10 spikes
Heavy-duty construction
Best for sandy soils
Requires lawn tractor for use
Weights not included
Requires large storage space
If you are looking for a tow-behind aerator and have sandy or loamy soil, the Agri-Fab Spike Aerator is a great choice. We love that it has 10 star-shaped tines that help penetrate compacted soil. Plus, it includes a weight tray that can hold up to 100 pounds if needed. Thanks to its universal hitch, your lawn tractor or UTV can do most of the work for you. And when not in use, the hitch folds up for easier storage.
The galvanized spikes can penetrate to a depth of 2.5 inches, and it has a lever for height adjustment. The flat-free tires roll smoothly and will never need to be filled. With a three-year limited warranty, this solid steel aerator will last through many years of lawn care.
Price at time of publish: $210
Aeration Method: Rolling tow-behind | Type: Spike | Spike Length: 2.5 inches | Width: 40 inches | Power Source: Manual | Dimensions: 31 x 48 x 18 inches | Weight Capacity: 100 pounds | Plug Size: Not listed
Best Shoes
Ohuhu Lawn Aerator Shoes with Hook & Loop Straps
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ohuhu-lawn-aerator-shoes-with-hook--loop-straps-32a0edc1a45c43d69d7fa54128776462.jpg)
Amazon
Budget-friendly
Easy to store
Adjustable size
Takes longer than tow-behind options
You can go for a walk and improve the quality of your lawn at the same time with the Ohuhu Lawn Aerator Shoes. Each shoe has 13 solid spikes that can penetrate up to 2 inches deep. The adjustable velcro hook and loop straps keep the shoe attached to your existing boot or sturdy garden shoe. At 12 inches long and 5 inches wide, they can fit most adults' shoes. We also like that they are also easy to store in a shed or outdoor storage bin and require no assembly (aside from attaching to your shoes!).
The shoes have anti-slip pads on the bottom to help prevent them from slipping off your boots on wet grass. Plus, the shoes come with a steel shovel you can use to clean out dirt from between the spikes when needed. Overall, we think this aerator might not be the best option for a large lawn, but we think it's great for smaller lawns as long as you don't mind the extra effort.
Price at time of publish: $30
Aeration Method: Spikes attach to shoes | Type: Spikes | Spike Length: 2 inches | Width: 5 inches | Power Source: Not applicable | Dimensions: 12.6 x 5.59 x 4.41 inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Plug Size: Not applicable
Best Tow Behind Plug
Agri-Fab 48-Inch Tow Plug Aerator
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/agri-fab-48-inch-tow-plug-aerator-80c5548079664936b79b6c390e941690.jpg)
Amazon
48-inch width with 32 spikes
Heavy-duty construction
Best for large lawns with clay soil
Requires lawn tractor for use
Weights not included
Requires large storage space
When you have heavy soil, you need a heavy-duty lawn aerator. The Agri-Fab plug aerator has 32 galvanized plugs that will penetrate to a depth of three inches. As with all tow-behind aerators, you will need a lawn tractor or UTVs to attach to the universal hitch.
Able to hold 140 pounds of weight (4 concrete blocks), the steel construction will withstand years of use. For best results, secure the blocks with bungee cords to prevent shifting during use. The cantilever transport handle makes raising and lowering the plugs an easy task. The ten-inch tires will not deflate and roll smoothly over even rutted terrain.
Price at time of publish: $379
Aeration Method: Rolling tow-behind | Type: Plug | Spike Length: 3 inches | Width: 48 inches | Power Source: Manual | Dimensions: 35 x 60 x 36 inches | Weight Capacity: 140 pounds | Plug Size: 3 inches
Best Liquid
Simple Lawn Solutions Liquid Aerating Soil Loosener
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/simple-lawn-solutions-liquid-aerating-soil-loosener-3e8331725142456eaac5aada1a3dd195.jpg)
Amazon
Easy to use
Can be used for clay or sandy soil
Aids in mechanical or manual aeration
Does not penetrate soil as deeply as mechanical or manual aeration
Large aerators aren’t practical if you have a small lawn or strip of grass that needs help. Fortunately, you can still loosen the soil by using a liquid aerator like Simple Lawn Solutions. The proprietary mixture of surfactants and other ingredients breaks apart soil colloids to improve water and nutrient absorption.
The product mixes with water and is used at a rate of one ounce per 1,000 square feet of grass. This soil loosener works well before seeding a lawn or manual aeration to make the task easier.
Price at time of publish: $45
Aeration Method: Liquid | Type: Not applicable | Spike Length: Not applicable | Width: Not applicable | Power Source: Not applicable | Dimensions: 5 x 2.25 x 8 inches | Weight Capacity: Not applicable | Plug Size: Not applicable
Best Push
Agri-Fab Push Spike Aerator
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Agri-FabPushSpikeAerator-97c5cd7b14d54002bbd42ba7f8da4c66.jpg)
Courtesy of Home Depot
Less expensive than larger models
Small storage footprint
Works in small spaces
Requires physical effort
Covers only a small area at a time
If you want to benefits of a tow-behind aerator but don't have a lawn tractor, we recommend the Agri-Fab Push Spike Aerator. This push aerator is outfitted with spikes and works best on small lawns with loamy soils. You can also pull this aerator when needed. It does require manual effort, but since you are pushing or pulling it, it's easier to use than a manual tool that you have to push into the ground.
Just 16 inches wide, it can accommodate one concrete block to help push the five spiked discs into the ground to a depth of 2.5 inches. At 27 pounds and 38 inches high, it has a small footprint and is relatively easy to store.
Price at time of publish: $100
Aeration Method: Handheld | Type: Plug | Spike Length: 2.5 inches | Width: 16 inches | Power Source: Manual | Dimensions: 17 x 8 x 38 inches (assembled) | Weight Capacity: Not applicable | Plug Size: Not applicable
Best Electric
Sun Joe AJ801E 12-Amp 13-Inch Electric Dethatcher and Scarifier
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sun-joe-aj801e-12-amp-13-inch-electric-dethatcher-and-scarifier-fd7af25b956843928f926b4899799999.jpg)
Amazon
Adjustable depth control
Included detachable bag
Small footprint
Single-button start
Small bag
100-foot extension cord maximum
Aerating may allow your lawn better access to the water and air it needs to grow. But it also doesn't address the issue of piled-up and compressed growth, which can prevent all that from happening. For this, many lawn care experts recommend "scarifying" or de-thatching—removing the built-up thatch. It is physically difficult to do this with a rake, both for the energy it takes and for the amount of distance needing to be covered. We found that the electrically powered Sun Joe AJ801E, which uses a rotating bladed cylinder to scrape up the detritus, accomplishes the task effectively and in far less time. We like the product for its 12-amp electric motor, and for its 12.6-inch path, which strikes us as just the right size for most lawns.
The 27-pound, ETL-approved de-thatcher features a single-handle, five-position depth control, from less than half an inch below the soil to just under half an inch above. This way you can be sure you set the machine to remove what you want removed and not an entire swath of sod. The scarifying blade is pre-attached, but you also can swap out a rake attachment (included, but you need an adjustable wrench). The handles require minimal assembly, with included hardware.
We recommend using the Sun Joe without the included collection bag, as it is fairly small and fills up fast, requiring interminable emptying. Also, this is not a machine for large lawns, as the manufacturer strongly advises using an extension cord no longer than 100 feet.
Price at time of publish: $189
Aeration Method: Scarifying/raking | Type: Scarifier/rake | Spike Length: Not listed | Width: 13 inches | Power Source: Corded electric | Dimensions: 24 x 20 x 12.5 inches | Weight Capacity: Not applicable | Plug Size: Not applicable
Our top pick is the Brinly-Hardy 40-inch Tow Behind Plug Aerator, which works well on clay and sandy soils, and has a heavy-duty steel construction that will last for years. If you're specifically looking for a tow-behind spike aerator, the Agri-Fab Spike Aerator is a great choice. It has galvanized spikes that can penetrate to a depth of 2.5 inches and will last through many years of use.
What to Look For in a Lawn Aerator
Type of Soil
If you have hard, clay soil or water puddles in the grass after rain, then you should choose a plug aerator like our best overall, the Brinly-Hardy 40-inch Tow Behind Plug Aerator. By removing larger pieces or plugs of dirt, plug aerators can help nutrients penetrate more easily into the roots of the grass. If the soil is sandy or loamy, then the more narrow puncture of a spike aerator will give you the aeration needed. For example, the Agri-Fab Spike Aerator is a great tow-behind spike option.
Not sure what type of soil you have? Grab a handful of the soil and squeeze. If it forms a hard lump in your hand, you have clay. If the soil does not stick together and falls away easily, you have sandy or loamy soil.
Size of Your Lawn
Tow-behind aerators are rather large pieces of garden equipment and won’t perform well on small lots or narrow spaces. Tow-behind aerators are best for lawns larger than one-half acre and regular in shape. Consider the width of the aerator and your turn radius as you shop.
For smaller lawns and irregularly-shaped grass spaces, choose a push aerator, handheld model, or aerator shoes. We think the Yard Butler Lawn Coring Aerator is a great manual option for small yards with clay soil.
Additional Equipment and Storage Space
A tow-behind aerator is going to require something to pull it along. You must have a lawn tractor, ATV, or small utility vehicle. Tow-behind models and push models also need weights (usually several concrete blocks) to help them penetrate the soil. Consider the storage space required for all of these items.
-
Which type of lawn aerator is best, spike or plug?
The best type of aerator depends on your lawn, storage space, and budget. Spike aerators use long spikes to make holes in your grass to allow water and nutrients to reach the roots and soil. Spike aeration is a temporary solution that works best on small lawns with loose loam or sandy soils. You can get small spike aerators that are handheld or attach to your shoes, or larger push or tow models. For large areas with hard, compacted clay soils, plug aerators work best. When pushed down into the soil, a plug aerator removes plugs of dirt. This method provides larger holes that allow more nutrients to enter the soil and lasts for a longer period of time. Plug aerators can also be handheld or towed behind a lawn tractor.
-
How deep should you aerate your lawn?
Ideally, you should aerate your lawn one to six inches deep. If you have sandy soil, look for a spike aerator that has at least a 2.5-inch spike, like the Agri-Fab Push Spike Aerator. For more compact soils, your best choice is a plug aerator with hollow tines that can create three-inch plugs, like our top pick, the Brinly-Hardy Tow Behind Plug Aerator.
-
When is the best time to aerate your lawn?
The best time to aerate the lawn is dependent on the type of lawn grass. Cool-season grasses (Kentucky bluegrass) should be aerated in the fall. The growing season is still active, but weeds are under control, and temperatures are cooler. Warm-season grasses (Bermuda, centipede) should be aerated in the spring. Most lawns only need to be aerated once per year.
Of course, there are exceptions. If the lawn is part of new construction and the ground has been compacted by all of the equipment used during building, you may need aeration to ensure water reaches the roots of freshly laid sod.
While it is acceptable to aerate when damp, don't do it after heavy rains; you'll end up with a muddy mess that makes it hard for the lawn to recover.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Mary Marlowe Leverette researched and wrote this roundup. She is a Master Gardener and has extensive personal and professional experience testing, reviewing, and writing about home and garden products. You can find more of her work on The Spruce. Jenica Currie, Commerce Editor for The Spruce updated this article with additional reporting.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-Home-best-fertilizer-spreaders-6752623-99fd5632179e44c4ad05a1848c6254ea.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/when-and-how-do-you-aerate-your-grass-2130974-01-eeed361d5d574c7bb2d6b043596b4ee2.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Garden-Carts-of-2023-tout-0700ce5301b7468188cafa49fcd8d323.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Ryobi-Electric-Riding-Lawn-Mower-7-dd159a06ad714ff3b6ef97e8ca5284cb-Camryn-Rabideau-3e7b2ff1465a4e36bd5c30fe8ae749fd.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/8-best-folding-solar-panels-842bd80f3af84ea68bb7ef20780eb755.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/IMG_8233-97a1d051949341088b3287bad968ce98.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/3SP4175254-4-48f1ab17532649d09719b00202f53b1a-e333df1f505b4435a6ab5499e840a8b5.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-HOME-6-best-chipper-shredders-4154341-01-d5cb739399574a6fbbad6f3c2034472c.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/1SP4142310-Greenworks-Push-Mower_02-35be0edefdc04d368cac3979109a9979-6a1cc8a979b6489fb2813ecc88a25b55.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-push-lawn-mowers-4142310-809ed05bb00d429c9ee38d5ceeba8301.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spr-best-lawnmower-brands-tout-e127916a1272428fb5519c42c8c84804.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/IMG_8275-17963a99670e44f099bf1a662d97a116.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/garden-hose-test-water-right-soaker-dburreson-100-1-e037dd07f52349a5b04cd5fb4c5f5cd3.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-HOME-9-best-tile-floor-cleaners-2021-4159149-b4b82bd674db4d058fa2f2b8f048982f.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Web_1500-MEXERRIS-Microfiber-Floor-Mop-tamara-staples-4403-ac2f277a550d4bf48d0503cfe7ed7fb8.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-8-best-label-makers-recirc-badge-fc1a49d0b6634dff9663829124e44e86.jpg){kind=icon}