Review of The Best Lawn Aerators for 2017
Introduction
Having a lawn has many benefits, such as a beautiful view, healthy environment, planting seeds and watching them sprout. However, owning a lawn requires a lot of maintenance that includes some amount of work. One of the things that may need to be done in order for your lawn to stay healthy, especially if it you have heavy soils, is to make holes in it so it can breathe, called aeration. The tool used for this kind of process is called the aerator.
What are aerators?
The aerator machines are contraptions that help the soil in various ways. It makes it healthier and fresher, as it makes holes in the ground which may later be filled with compost, fertilizer, and seeds. The aerators come in several different types, but all of them serve a single purpose – to improve the air circulation at the root level and provide additional nutrients to the soil.
How do they work?
This mainly depends on the type of the aerator. There are hand aerators that operate in a way very similar to a rake, the heavy spike aerators that possess long spikes that pierce the soil when pushed, rolling aerators and plug aerators. Most of them have simple operating mechanisms, as they are intended for a delicate process.
The main problem with the way aerators work is that you might not know if you are doing the aerating process right if you are new to these contraptions. Almost all of them have instructions on how they work, when should they be used, and how should they be used – however, you may need help from someone that is well versed in the method of their use until you get the hang of it.
What are the different types?
There are four main categories of aerators for a typical lawn. The reason why there are so many is because people have yards of different sizes whose soils have different attributes. The basic and small sized lawns usually require the least expensive and the simplest aerators, while the bigger ones require more complex ones.
The Hand Aerator Type
This is the simplest and cheapest category of aerators. Often used for small lawns, these models resemble the rake in many ways – the design is quite similar and the method of operation is nearly identical. They work in a way that they easily loosen the surface soil that enhances the access to water, as well as air via roots.
Their main virtue is that they are simple to use, simple in design and that they are inexpensive. However, the downfall is that they require a tremendous amount of effort that puts a lot of pressure on the hands in order to pierce the soil by using this aerator. However, they are as valuable as any other type.
The Aerator Shoes
They may seem to appear simpler than the hand aerator types, but in reality, it is not quite so. The shoes come supplied with spikes that are several inches long. These spikes are very precisely manufactured, and it can be easily concluded that more attention was invested in details in comparison to the hand aerator types.
The method of their use is quite simple, but it requires some practice to get used to it – all you need to do is wear these shoes atop your regular ones when you decide to begin mowing or fertilizing your lawn. This is done by securing the straps on your aerator shoes, and by simply walking over your lawn.
The spikes puncture the surface of your lawn which helps the air, nutrients and the water to flow more easily. They are best used often for maximum efficiency, although the blades might get a bit dull after prolonged usage.
The Spike Aerators
The spike aerators have long spikes installed on the bottom that is pushed to the ground in order to make holes. The spikes are capable of making small holes in the surface of the soil when used. Similar to the hand aerator type, there are several different types of this kind of aerator.
They are very easy to use, and they do not require a lot of space. Different models come at different prices, starting from mere $10 all the way up to over $600.
The Rolling Aerators
This type of aerator devices is maybe the most effective type of aerators. This tool looks a lot like a wheel that has spikes attached that are supposed to be rolled over your lawn surface. When the wheel begins rotating, the spikes will dig in.
The Best Lawn Aerator Models on the Market
Yard Butler IM-7C Lawn Spike Aerator
A very simple hand aerator, it has four spikes attached so that the loosening of compacted soil is done easily. It stimulates the growth of root – the roots are separated from the soil, thus making the soil much healthier. A very straightforward aerator, having great value.
Astogrow Lawn Aerator Shoes – Heavy Duty
These aerator shoes are perhaps the best on the market – they are extremely durable and strong, made of top quality materials, featuring metal buckles which are able to withstand prolonged use. They can fit feet of virtually any size which makes them versatile. Exceptional value, a very easy method of operation, and highly effective.
Yard Tuff SE-40 Drum Spike Aerator
Very large spike aerator that belongs to the rolling aerator category. It may as well be a synonym for the aerator devices, as it is made with great care, extremely efficient, spacious, versatile and most importantly, not very expensive. It is ideally used on soils that have high sand concentrations, but it is capable of satisfying any lawn needs. Very good value. It is best suited for larger lawns and requires a riding mower or lawn tractor to pull it.
Conclusion
Aerating the lawn is a good practice to maintain regularly. And there are several different types of aerators available to suite each lawn, from small simple types to larger mechanical ones. These are some of the best available that we have found.
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