How to Use a Lawn Aerator
Using a lawn aerator can make a huge difference in both the health and the look of your lawn. With different models to choose from, it is easy for homeowners to find an aerating device that is ideal for the size and type of lawn involved. When used properly, the lawn aerator can go a long way toward helping the grass spread into a lawn that will be the envy of the neighborhood.
There are a number of good reasons to aerate a lawn, including helping your lawn to absorb water and nutrients with greater ease. This in turn promotes a lawn that is lush and green, versus somewhat spotty and sparse. The good news is that using a lawn aerator does not take long and the results can be very pleasant.
- Choose the type of lawn aerator that will work for your space. For people who have very small front and back yard lawns, simple manual aerators that make it possible to gently loosen compacted soil may work very well. Larger lawns may benefit from a garden hose aerator that not only serves to loosen compacted soil, but can be used to infuse the soil with water and nutrients all at one time.
- Read the usage instructions very carefully. The basic design of any aerator is to puncture the topsoil so that areas subject to heavy traffic do not remain compacted. If the tool is designed to also provide nutrients during the process, make sure you know how to fill the device and control the distribution during the aerating process. You also want to know how to clean the lawn aerator after finishing the job, so the device will last longer.
- Choose the best time of day to aerate based on season and climate conditions. This will vary from one location to another. Other locales will find that aerating during the autumn months will produce better results. Consult neighbors and local agricultural authorities to determine the best possible time for your area.
- Mow the grass. Making sure the lawn is freshly mown will make it easier to use the aerator to loosen the soil and increase the effect of applying nutrients to the lawn surface. In many areas, earlier mornings in the spring are ideal for this type of activity.
- Aerate a small section of the lawn at a time. Fully cover one segment of the lawn before attempting to move on to the next. If you are not used to using an aerator, this will allow you to work a bit, check the results, and see if you need to change something before moving on to the next segment.
Water the lawn and apply fertilizers and other nutrients as soon as the aerating is finished. If the aerator you use does not allow for watering and distributing nutrients as you go, make a complete circuit with the aeration then go back and perform the other two tasks. Doing so will allow the nutrients to seep into the loosened soil and over time help to increase the quality and appearance of the lawn overall.