Aerators FAQ
Should I choose a core aerator or a spike aerator?
Core aerators pull plugs of soil to relieve compaction and open channels for air, water, and fertilizer, which makes them the standard for compacted clay and high-traffic turf. Spike aerators only punch holes and can increase compaction around each hole. For professional turf maintenance, core aeration delivers measurably better results on nearly every site.
When is the best time to aerate a lawn?
Aerate during active growth so turf recovers quickly. For cool-season grasses, early fall is ideal, with spring as a secondary window. For warm-season grasses, aerate late spring through early summer. Avoid aerating dormant or drought-stressed turf, since open holes dry out the root zone faster.
How often should high-traffic turf be aerated?
Most maintained lawns need aeration once per year. Sports fields, event lawns, and other high-traffic or heavy-clay sites often benefit from two passes per year, one in spring and one in fall. Sandy, low-traffic sites can stretch to every two to three years.
Should I aerate before overseeding or topdressing?
Yes. Core aeration immediately before overseeding dramatically improves seed-to-soil contact, since seed settles into the open holes. The same logic applies to topdressing and fertilizing, because amendments move directly into the root zone instead of sitting on the surface. Aerate, then seed, then topdress in that order.
What size aerator do I need for commercial accounts?
Match working width to total square footage and gate access. Manual and hand aerators handle small repairs and tight beds. Walk-behind and tow-behind units cover residential and mid-size commercial turf efficiently. For multi-acre contracts, a wider tow-behind pulled by a mower or utility vehicle saves the most labor.
Should soil plugs be removed after core aeration?
No. Leave the plugs on the surface. They break down within one to two weeks of mowing and irrigation, returning soil and microorganisms to the turf canopy where they help decompose thatch. Raking them up adds labor and removes topsoil from the site.
How wet should the soil be before aerating?
Aim for lightly moist soil, typically a day after irrigation or rain. Tines cannot penetrate hard, dry ground to full depth, and saturated soil smears and clogs the tine spoons. A simple field check: a screwdriver should push in with moderate effort.
