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The Best Lawn Aerators of 2023

Lisse Hernandez
  Jun 2, 2023 1:26 AM

Looking for the best lawn aerators for your garden? We have everything ready for you. Let's have a look at the world of lawn aerators together!

Overview

Keeping a lawn in good shape is a difficult task. To keep lush and green grass requires watering and weeding on a regular basis. Aerating the grass is one of the most effective techniques to prevent barren areas. When soil pockets deflate, air, water, and nutrients can no longer move around the roots, and compaction ensues. A yearly pass with a lawn aerator allows air and water to reach the roots of your lawn. This could be important to unlocking the door to a better life. Continue reading to learn what to look for in the best lawn aerators.

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Buying Guide

There is a lot to consider while selecting the best lawn aerator. The sections that follow lay out the most significant things to think about.

1. Material

When purchasing yard equipment, durability is always a consideration. Landscapers drive aerators deep into the ground, so they get a lot of use. As a result, the construction materials are an important factor to consider.

Stainless, galvanized, or heat-treated steel is used for the spikes or blades. These corrosion-resistant materials can survive rocks and other difficult terrains. So, we recommend Yard Butler ID-6C Manual Lawn Coring Aerator.

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2. Type of soil

If you have clay soil or water pools in your grass after rain, a plug aerator like Brinly PA-40BH Tow-Behind Plug Aerator is the way to go. Nutrients can reach the grassroots more easily when bigger bits or plugs of earth are removed. If the soil is loamy or sandy, a spike aerator with a narrower penetration will provide the necessary aeration.

3. Size of your lawn

Tow-behind aerators are huge lawn tools that won't work well in tiny yards or small places. Tow-behind aerators are best for lawns that are larger than half an acre and have a consistent shape. Consider Agri-Fab 45-0544 40-Inch Spike Aerator when shopping.

Choose a push aerator, portable device, or aerator shoes for smaller lawns and shaped grass patches.

4. Weight

Aerators must be heavy enough to penetrate the soil. A big, difficult-to-maneuver aerator, on the other hand, could not be very useful. 

Aerators might weigh up to 90 pounds. It's critical that they're heavy so that they can dig deeply into the soil. They are, however, difficult to handle around garden beds, and the setup time may not be worthwhile.

A lighter manual alternative can be a good choice for individuals with smaller yards. These types often weigh less than 5 pounds, making them easier to remove from the ground. Because they're so small, they can work in even the tiniest patches of grass.

5. Additional equipment

A tow-behind aerator will need something to propel it forward. A lawn tractor, ATV, or compact utility vehicle is required to help them penetrate the soil.

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TOP Choice
1
Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Plug Aerator,Orange & Black,Large
Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Plug Aerator,Orange & Black,Large
View on Amazon
  • SCORE
    8.8
    PF Score

    PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.

  • Brand
    Agri-Fab
  • 32 galvanized knives to penetrate the soil easily.
  • Pulls plugs up to 3 inches deep for thicker and healthier lawn.  more
TOP Choice
2
Agri-Fab 45-0544 40-Inch Spike Aerator, Black
Agri-Fab 45-0544 40-Inch Spike Aerator, Black
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  • SCORE
    8.4
    PF Score

    PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.

  • Brand
    Agri-Fab
  • 40" weight tray holds 100 lbs for soil penetration
  • 10 galvanized steel spike disks for thorough aeration  more
TOP Choice
3
Agri-Fab 45-0365 Push Spike Aerator, Black
Agri-Fab 45-0365 Push Spike Aerator, Black
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  • SCORE
    6.8
    PF Score

    PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.

  • Brand
    Agri-Fab
  • Walk-behind spike lawn aerator; 16 inch wide; 5 aerating wheels with 7-inch spikes
  • Expose grass to air, nutrients, and water; 2-1/2-inch aeration depth  more
4
Yard Butler ID-6C Manual Lawn Coring Aerator - Grass Dethatching Turf Plug Core Aeration Tool - Grass Aerators for Small Yards - Loosen Compacted Soil - Gardening Hand Tools - Gray, 37 Inches
Yard Butler ID-6C Manual Lawn Coring Aerator - Grass Dethatching Turf Plug Core Aeration Tool - Grass Aerators for Small Yards - Loosen Compacted Soil - Gardening Hand Tools - Gray, 37 Inches
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  • SCORE
    8.6
    PF Score

    PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.

  • Brand
    Yard Butler
  • LAWN DETHATCHER: The Yard Butler Lawn Coring Aerator revitalizes old lawns while using less water and fertilizer. By removing two 3-1/2 inch cores, the Lawn Coring Aerator reduces compaction and dethatches your lawn while letting air, water and fertilizer get down to the roots of your yard.
  • DURABLE: The Yard Butler lawn aerator tool was built to last with durable steel construction. The powder-coated steel is heavy-duty and rust-resistant. Cushioned handles provide additional grip. Yard Butler Pro Tools are designed to last a lifetime.  more
Most Saving
5
Gardzen Plug Aeration, Hand Hollow Tine Lawn Aerator, Heavy Duty Aerator for Compacted Soils and Lawns, 35" x 11", Black
Gardzen Plug Aeration, Hand Hollow Tine Lawn Aerator, Heavy Duty Aerator for Compacted Soils and Lawns, 35" x 11", Black
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  • SCORE
    8.4
    PF Score

    PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.

  • Brand
    Gardzen
  • PLUG AERATOR - Plug aerators use hollow tines to remove plugs of soil, leaving small gaps in the soil.
  • QUALITY STEEL CONSTRUCTION - Gardzen lawn aeration is constructed of high quality steel frame with a black powder coated finish.  more
6
Brinly PA-403BH-A Tow Behind Plug Aerator with Universal Hitch, 40"
Brinly PA-403BH-A Tow Behind Plug Aerator with Universal Hitch, 40"
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  • SCORE
    9.2
    PF Score

    PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.

  • Brand
    Brinly
  • Aerate & Relieve Compacted Soil: 24 heat-treated, 16-gauge Steel plugging spoons penetrate compacted soil and remove up to 3-inch plugs of soil, allowing water, seed, and fertilizer to reach the roots. Brinly plug design is narrower with sharpened ends to allow easier penetration and require less weight.
  • Long-lasting construction: durable, all steel design with fully-enclosed weight tray holds up to 150 pounds of any type of extra weight for maximum soil penetration and depth. Tines are heat-treated for strength. No flat wheels for durability.  more
7
Best Choice Products 18-inch Rolling Lawn Aerator Gardening Tool for Grass Maintenance, Soil Care w/Tine Spikes, 50in Handle, Dark Green
Best Choice Products 18-inch Rolling Lawn Aerator Gardening Tool for Grass Maintenance, Soil Care w/Tine Spikes, 50in Handle, Dark Green
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  • SCORE
    6.8
    PF Score

    PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.

  • Brand
    Best Choice Products
8
Step 'N Tilt Core Lawn Aerator Version 3 (with Container)
Step 'N Tilt Core Lawn Aerator Version 3 (with Container)
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  • SCORE
    8.0
    PF Score

    PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.

  • Brand
    Step 'N Tilt
  • ASSEMBLY IS REQUIRED. Step 'N Tilt lawn aerator is fast and easy to use. Simply step and tilt. This patented lawn aerator (U.S. Patent No. 8,714,275, 11,147,202 and other patents pending) makes core aeration easy and enjoyable for do-it-yourselfers (DIYers) and professional landscapers. New and improved clog-resistant tines. Case-hardened for extra durability. The tines may be sharpened or replaced when worn.
  • For use in areas with grass only; tines will clog if used in bare soil. All core lawn aerators require that the soil be VERY moist. This Step 'N Tilt is no exception. Please aerate one day after at least one inch of rain or irrigation. If you have a sprinkler system, each sprinkler zone will need to run for 60-90 minutes. In other words, the soil must be very moist. Question: Why must I wait one day? Answer: Because it takes time for water to be absorbed into the soil, particularly clay soil.  more
9
Truly Holey Manual Lawn Aerator Tool - 5 Pounds - Two Prong - Foot Bar - 38 in Height, 7 ½ in Wide
Truly Holey Manual Lawn Aerator Tool - 5 Pounds - Two Prong - Foot Bar - 38 in Height, 7 ½ in Wide
View on Amazon
  • SCORE
    8.6
    PF Score

    PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.

  • Brand
    TRULY HOLEY THE ULTIMATE CORE AERATING TOOL
  • THE BEST TOOL FOR LAWN AERATION: This essential lawn tool does not clog, will not break and is designed to work on any type of turf. Your lawn and the soil under it needs to breathe, but the build-up of lawn thatch inhibits this. The Truly Holey Manual Lawn Aerator Tool breaks up compacted soil, allowing water and fertilizer to penetrate into the root zone, encouraging faster growth and healthier grass or turf.
  • DEEPER SOIL PENETRATION: Utilizing the foot bar on our lawn aerator tool will ensure deeper turf aerification, creating soil cores, on average, as deep as your index finger, even in hard clay or high traffic areas. The aerating tines never clog up and soil cores eject easily. You will be confident that your lawn has been fully aerated.  more
10
Yard Butler IM-7C Multi Spike Lawn Aerator - Spike Grass Aerator Lawn Tool, Manual Hand Tiller for Garden and Soil - Yard Tools, Gardening Hand Tools, Dethatcher Rake, Edger Lawn Tool - 37 Inches
Yard Butler IM-7C Multi Spike Lawn Aerator - Spike Grass Aerator Lawn Tool, Manual Hand Tiller for Garden and Soil - Yard Tools, Gardening Hand Tools, Dethatcher Rake, Edger Lawn Tool - 37 Inches
View on Amazon
  • SCORE
    9.0
    PF Score

    PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.

  • Brand
    Yard Butler
  • DURABLE: The Yard Butler lawn aerator tool was built to last with a durable steel construction. The powder coated steel is heavy-duty and rust-resistant. Cushioned handles provide additional grip. Yard Butler products are designed to last a lifetime.
  • STRONGER GROWTH: High traffic in your yard can cause your grass to become compacted and thatch can build up, creating a barrier that keeps water and air from reaching the roots. Help prevent long term damage to your lawn by using our spike grass aerator to break up compaction and dethatch your lawn.  more
11
VonHaus 2 in 1 Electric Lawn Dethatcher Scarifier & Aerator 12.5 Amp Corded Motor – 15” Working Width, 5 Adjustable Working Depths, 45QT Collection Bag, Folding Handle – for Lawn Health & Maintenance
VonHaus 2 in 1 Electric Lawn Dethatcher Scarifier & Aerator 12.5 Amp Corded Motor – 15” Working Width, 5 Adjustable Working Depths, 45QT Collection Bag, Folding Handle – for Lawn Health & Maintenance
View on Amazon
  • SCORE
    8.8
    PF Score

    PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.

  • Brand
    VonHaus
  • 2 IN 1 – With separate dethatcher and aerator drums included, this multi-functional tool with 12.5A motor lifts organic debris from your lawn and perforates soil to promote healthy grass growth.
  • 15” WORKING WIDTH – Well-suited to small and mid-sized lawns, with a thermal cut-out and 2-stage safety start ensure safe operation.  more
12
Walensee Lawn Coring Aerator, Manual Grass Dethatching Turf Plug, Core Aerating Tool, Garden Tool, Heavy Duty Aeration for Compacted Soils and Lawns to Prevent Lawn Run-Off and Soil Compaction
Walensee Lawn Coring Aerator, Manual Grass Dethatching Turf Plug, Core Aerating Tool, Garden Tool, Heavy Duty Aeration for Compacted Soils and Lawns to Prevent Lawn Run-Off and Soil Compaction
View on Amazon
  • SCORE
    8.6
    PF Score

    PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.

  • Brand
    Walensee
  • Perfect Function: The high-quality aerator can reduce soil compaction and dethatching your lawn while letting air, water and fertilizer get down to the roots zone of your yard. The build-up of lawn thatch inhibits the breath of the lawn and using this tool your lawn and turf will grow finer.
  • Ingenious Design: Our manual lawn aerator with foot bar provides an extra leverage. The “T” BAR handle is convenient to grip and provides a more comfortable stance while aerating. And the foot bar leverage can greatly reduce your back stain. The tool is much effort-saving and can make your garden work more effective.  more
13
Lawn Aerator Shoes - Yard Tools for a Healthier Lawn - Single Pair Wearable Aeration Equipment for Grass - Green and Black Lawn Aeration Shoe - One Size Fits All Grass Spike Shoes with Velcro
Lawn Aerator Shoes - Yard Tools for a Healthier Lawn - Single Pair Wearable Aeration Equipment for Grass - Green and Black Lawn Aeration Shoe - One Size Fits All Grass Spike Shoes with Velcro
View on Amazon
  • SCORE
    8.2
    PF Score

    PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.

  • Brand
    Henosis
  • A HEALTHIER LOOKING LAWN - 2" inch steel spikes penetrate deep into the soil, providing the earth with the opportunity to absorb more oxygen and nutrients. What was once a patchy eyesore, will now be full, rich, and green.
  • ONE SIZE FITS ALL - Every pair of Henosis aerator shoes comes with adjustable velcro straps for an undeniably snug fit, regardless of your shoe size. Both unisex and lightweight, these shoes make lawn maintenance a breeze.  more
14
Agri-Fab 45-0518 40" Tow Plug Aerator,black
Agri-Fab 45-0518 40" Tow Plug Aerator,black
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  • SCORE
    8.6
    PF Score

    PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.

  • Brand
    Agri-Fab
  • 40-Inch wide working width
  • 24 Galvanized and sharpened plug coring knives  more

Last update on 2023-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

FAQs

1. Spike or plug aerators: which is better?

Finally, plug aeration is preferable to spike lawn aeration. It physically takes mass from the lawn rather than prodding it. Garden Plug Aeration is an example.

2. What are lawn aerators, and how do they work?

Every form of lawn aerator digs small holes in the ground to allow water nutrients. Plug aerators use hollow tines to remove soil plugs. Clay soils are ideal for them.

Spike aerators like Yard Butler IM-7C Multi Spike Lawn Aerator puncture the soil with long spikes and can be carried, pushed, worn on shoes, or towed. They work best in sandy or loose loam soils

3. Which month is the best for aerating my lawn?

The best month to aerate your grass is determined by the weather, but the first month of spring is ideal. It's also a good idea to aerate after leaf removal in the fall.

Final thoughts

Purchasing a high-quality lawn aerator is a wise investment. Please take our advice into consideration. We believe these products will meet your expectations.

5
3 ratings
Lisse Hernandez
Lisse Hernandez
Lisse is a computing writer, specializing in computer components, gaming hardware, and the world-best laptops/PCs on the market. Her major was graphic design but she found out her true desire for technology after trying to get the best system for her work. Besides, she loves fitness and eatclean.