Best Lawn Aerator to Improve Your Yard and Soil Health
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Best Liquid Lawn Aerator
Simple Lawn Solutions Liquid Soil Loosener
The Simple Lawn Solutions Liquid Soil Loosener is an easy alternative to manual or mechanical aerators. It treats the soil, breaks down the thatch, reduces compaction, and promotes water drainage and filtration as it softens the lawn. Whether you want to use this loosener in tandem with other aerators or on it’s own, it’s sure to impress. Oh, and did we mention it works on all grass types? Consider us sold.
Pros
- Can be used alone or with mechanical or core aerators
- 32-ounce bottle covers up to 32,000 square feet
- Safe to use on all types of grass
- Made in the USA
Cons
- A bit pricey
What to Consider When Buying a Lawn Aerator
There’s a lot to consider before going and getting your first lawn aerator. Can you handle the physical task of operating a manual aerator over a gas- or electric-powered option? If you own a lawn tractor or riding lawnmower, a tow-behind lawn aerator might be the way to go. Do you prefer plug- or spike-style aerators? How much are you willing to spend? How much storage space do you have in the garage or shed to store the aerator? These are all important questions to ask yourself prior to purchasing a lawn aerator of any kind.
Types of Lawn Aerators
Lawn aerators come in different varieties. Check them out below:
- Manual/handhelds require the user to fully operate the tool; can be physically demanding
- Aerator shoes are wearable cleats you attach to your regular shoes
- Tow aerators can be pulled behind your lawn tractor or riding lawnmower
- Gas- or electric-powered models tend to be multi-taskers that not only make holes, but also sow seeds and spread fertilizer at the same time
- Liquid aeration is an easy-to-use fortified solution that breaks down soil particles
How We Found the Best Lawn Aerator
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject-matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
When should I aerate my lawn?
The optimal time to aerate your lawn is late summer or early fall. This time of year, lawns are most compacted, so aeration helps alleviate tamped-down soil and prepares it for the grass-growing season. After a rainfall is a great time to aerate since the ground is soft, allowing for deeper penetration with less effort. We recommend avoiding aerating during the hot summer months, which will only dry out and put undue stress on your lawn.
Do I need to cut my grass before aerating my lawn?
It’s not necessary, but mowing the grass down to a few inches will maximize the lawn aerating effectiveness.
Do holes fill in after aeration?
Yes. Holes left behind after aerating the lawn will be filled in by new grass roots within a week or so.
