Turf Aerators and More: Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Kind
Mechanical Aerators. Mechanical turf aerators are available in a variety of styles. Like lawn mowers, gas-powered one are pushed in rows along the turf and are typically cheaper. Rolling aerators consist of a spiky barrel that creates holes as it is pulled by a tractor or pushed along the ground.
Advantages:
1. Variety. It is easy to find what you are looking for, with some specifically for heavily-used large grassy areas such as golf courses, athletic fields, parks and playgrounds.
2. Speed. These are the fastest for coring aeration, particularly over a large area. When manuevering around large obstacles such as yard windmills it is important to go slow and remain in control.
3. Best quality job. Mechanical aeration leaves the deepest holes with the most lasting benefits.
Disadvantages:
1. Price. Purchase prices are more expensive, ranging from $100 to a few $1000. Rental rates are around $40 for a half-day to between $75 to $100 for a full-day.
2. Lawn wear and tear. There is some stress to the lawns and so it is better not to mechanically core aerate at the height of a hot, dry summer.
3. Maneuverability. Either pulled by a tractor or navigated around, mechanical aerators can miss corners and other hard-to-reach spots.
Manual Aerators. Consisting of a pronged horizontal bar attached to a long rod, manual turf aerators are stepped into the turf with a foot along the bar, leaving holes in the dirt. Prongs are either solid spikes that make holes which disappear faster or hollow spines that take a dirt core out of the ground, creating longer-lasting and more beneficial aeration.
Advantages:
1. Easy-to-use. Putting the turf aerator in and out of the ground is easy to do. There are no instruction manuals to read, fuel tanks to fill, or parts to attach.
2. Great for hard-to-reach areas. Manual aerators can easily maneuver in corners and by obstructions.
3. Cheaper to own and store. Starting at around $30, manual aerators are inexpensive to buy. They are easy to store and get out for touch-ups or to re-do problem areas whenever needed.
Disadvantages:
1. Time-consuming. Doing a whole lawn by hand can take a long time. A machine is faster.
2. Operator fatigue. It is more tiring to aerate with a hand held tool than using the mechanical methods or spraying on a liquid aerator.
3. Less beneficial aeration. Even with the coring type, the holes made will not typically be as deep or long-lasting as those made mechanical aeration.
Soil Aerators. These are also known as surfactants or soil conditioners. After application, the liquid goes into the soil and expands, creating more space between soil pieces.
Advantages:
1. Easy to apply. Liquid aerators are sprayed onto the grass, typically with a hose attachment.
2. Inexpensive. Packages start at just $5, making them a cheap option per application.
3. Additional benefits. Most contain compounds that will break down toxins and other substances that damage the health of the grass.
Disadvantages:
1. Not as good at aerating. The chemical process of adding air into the soil is not as beneficial or as long-lasting as aerating by mechanical or manual means.
2. More frequent use. A good lawn only needs liquid aeration once a year, but others will need several applications each growing season to see benefits. This can make it more costly in the long-run than other methods.
3. Better in addition to other methods. This type of aeration provides the best results when used with mechanical or manual coring lawn aeration.