8 Best Lawn Aerators of for a Healthy Soil

Summer is here, and it’s time to take extra care of the lawn that you’ve grown with the utmost love and attention. High temperatures can dry out the soil in your gardens. In summer, a lack of humidity in the air causes the soil to compress. It becomes nearly impermeable, and it is doubly difficult […]

8 Best Lawn Aerators of for a Healthy Soil

Summer is here, and it’s time to take extra care of the lawn that you’ve grown with the utmost love and attention.

High temperatures can dry out the soil in your gardens. In summer, a lack of humidity in the air causes the soil to compress. It becomes nearly impermeable, and it is doubly difficult for water, air, nutrients, and fertilizers to penetrate the layers and reach the roots.

Needless to say, such conditions may prove to be fatal for your plants.

This is where a lawn aerator comes to the rescue. As an essential component of your toolkit, it works to keep your lawn hydrated and nourished. However, given the number of premium quality products thronging the market, it may be hard to choose the right one for your needs.

With this in mind, we have compiled a list of the 8 best lawn aerators available out there. Read on, we’re sure you’ll find the one!

Best Lawn Aerators

Gardening hand spade with metal rake and rubber safety gloves on wooden surface agriculture concept.

Here is the list of the 8 best lawn aerators that you can use to revitalize your lawn and keep it looking healthy and lush all year long.

1. Greenworks 10 Amp Corded Dethatcher – Best for Eco-Friendly Operation

Greenworks is unparalleled when it comes to gardening tools, so it’s no wonder our list starts off with its product. Sustainable and highly reliable, the 10 Amp corded dethatcher is an excellent device. With an impressive array of features under its belt, it makes for a worthy addition to your toolkit!

Greenworks 10 Amp 14” Corded Electric Dethatcher...
  • KEEP YOUR YARD HEALTHY : dethatch in early spring or early...
  • POWERFUL MOTOR : 10A motor provides the power you need to...

Why Did We Like It?

What impressed us the most about this aerator is that being a corded dethatcher it ensures zero carbon footprint – a highly coveted attribute in recent times. This, however, in no way denotes a compromise on performance. Combining functionality with a high degree of operational efficiency, it features a padded grip with an adjustable handle that secures user comfort.

In addition to that, the 3-position tine depth adjustment affords the user greater control and freedom of maneuverability. This way, it enables the removal of matted layers, thus guaranteeing optimum health for your lawn. 

Lastly, Greenworks’ emphasis on durability is well-established and this product is no different. Its stainless steel tines stay sharp after prolonged use and the compact, lightweight model also offers great ease of operation alongside it. Furthermore, it comes with an attractive 4-year warranty which clearly speaks for the brand’s faith in its own products.

What Could Have Been Better?

It is nearly impossible to find faults with the 10 Amp dethatcher. The only issue is that the washer of the product is prone to cracks. However, we’re certain you can see how minor a problem this is. In fact, considering what’s on offer, this is hardly a problem at all!

Pros
  • Zero carbon footprint
  • Great value for money
  • Efficient and sturdy
  • Compact design, lightweight
Cons
  • Washer of tine prone to cracks
Dimensions: 40″ x 22.5″ x 36″ | Weight: 25.9lbs | Type: Traditional | Tines/Spikes/Knives Material: Stainless Steel

2. Mantis 7321 Power Tiller – Best for Versatility & Efficiency

Next up, is another powerful gardening tool from a trusted brand. The 7321 Power Tiller from Mantis is an excellent aerator that is versatile in its functioning and offers a sophisticated level of efficiency while at it. If we’re being honest, it’s one of the best products you can buy for your garden.

Sale
Mantis 7321 Aerator/Dethatcher Combo Attachment, Red
  • Aerator and Dethatched Attachment Combo Pack for the Mantis...
  • Aerator perfect for use in compact, clay soil

Why Did We Like It?

As far as features go, there is not a single thing to dislike in Mantis’ product. A combination of factors leads to superior aeration. One of them is the use of four tempered steel blades that ensure complete removal of thatch in the soil. Also, it is equipped with 60 spring-steel picks that enable the instrument to swipe through 15-inch wide sections in one stroke!

Moreover, the product comes in a combo-pack of aerator and dethatcher. This allows for greater versatility and flexibility in operation and also improves overall performance. Additionally, the combination of the two leads to a more economical purchase as the user is free to avail of both functions for the same price. 

Last but not the least, Mantis’ product is built to last. A lightweight tool, it is resistant to wear and tear and can withstand hours of use without compromising on the functionality or durability of the fittings. All in all, it is an exceptional piece of equipment that promises the best and delivers the same.

What Could Be Better?

The Mantis 7321’s excellence comes at a cost. Priced considerably higher on the scale, it makes for a premium purchase and may not cater to all budgets. But for the ardent landscapist willing to spend a little more, it is a tool worth considering as its efficiency is undeniable.

Pros
  • Versatile functioning
  • High efficiency of operation
  • Superior thatching and aeration
Cons
  • Expensive
Dimensions: 15″ x 8″ x 9″ | Weight: 17.5lbs | Type: Traditional | Tines/Spikes/Knives Material: Tempered Steel

3. LoTech Products Crank Twist Compost Aerator – Best for Handheld Manual Aeration

LoTech is a brand that offers great reliability without burning a hole in your pocket. This user-friendly aerator makes for a worthy companion on most gardens and delivers a commendable performance. Lightweight and simple in construction, it is a product certainly worth checking out.

Lotech Products Compost Crank Twist Compost Aerator
  • MADE IN THE USA - Handcrafted in Tucson, Arizona, USA on...
  • EASY, FAST, AND FUN TO USE - Twist clockwise into compost,...

Why Did We Like It?

This excellent tool from LoTech has a unique feature to offer. Entirely manual in operation, it is a handheld lawn aerator that produces zero emissions and carbon footprints and is entirely eco-friendly. Further, it does not rely on any power source whatsoever which eliminates all chances of technical malfunction.

It boasts of a practical and efficient corkscrew design that makes short work of compost heaps, leaves, or vines.  Operation is simple; grab the curled handle and twist the crank clockwise into the pile, and twist the other way to remove the crank! 

Essentially, this process creates air holes and mixes the compost adequately when repeated. Also, LoTech keeps user comfort in mind at all times. Being handheld, the model is light in weight and easily portable. A reliable tool and a budget buy, the Crank Twist aerator is something to keep an eye out for.

What Could Have Been Better?

Although an excellent device and difficult to criticize, it does demand a considerable amount of effort from the user and also requires them to be physically capable. However, given its functions, this is only a small compromise to make and is very far from being a deal-breaker.

Pros
  • Ergonomic and functional design
  • Sustainable and non-polluting
  • Good value for money
  • Lightweight, compact, portable
Cons
  • Requires considerable manual effort
Dimensions: 3.75″ x 3.75″ x 33″ | Weight: 1.5lbs | Type: Handheld Manual | Tines/Spikes/Knives Material: Stainless Steel

4. Yard Butler Lawn Coring Aerator

Next on the list, is a practical, no-nonsense product that functions well to give you a fuss-free experience on the lawn. This aerator from Yard Butler is a capable piece of equipment and features a wide assortment of characteristics that take aeration a notch higher and leaves your garden looking prim and healthy.

Yard Butler IM-7C Multi Spike Lawn Aerator - Spike Grass...
  • DURABLE: The Yard Butler lawn aerator tool was built to last...
  • STRONGER GROWTH: High traffic in your yard can cause your...

Why Did We Like It?

Yard Butler’s product scores high on a lot of aspects but we were especially impressed by its ability to decrease soil compaction. By enabling the user to extract a 2.5-inch by 3.5-inch area, it not only allows for easy loosening of clumped soil particles but also eases the seepage of water, air, and nutrients into the earth.

The aerator, through its method of functioning, promotes turf growth which in turn replenishes and nourishes the roots of plants. Therefore, the tool ensures the holistic growth of a lawn with each use. 

A discussion of this model will be incomplete without a mention of its design. Built to maximize both utility and comfort, it features a foot bar that distributes pressure to the legs along with shoulders and arms. Also, at 37 inches, its height is optimized for most users and the appliance is also incredibly light in weight.

What Could Have Been Better?

This otherwise excellent tool faces only one problem and a minor one at that; it is sometimes prone to clogging. However, that depends on the nature of the soil it’s used on, and also, it does not bring up plugs. This is no issue that Yard Butler’s customer service cannot resolve and we’d suggest getting in touch with them in case of a similar emergency.

Pros
  • Suitable for large-sized properties
  • Efficient, holistic maintenance of lawn
  • Ergonomic design and lightweight
Cons
  • Prone to clogging
Dimensions: 38″ x 11″ x 2″ | Weight: 4.23lbs | Type: Handheld Manual | Tines/Spikes/Knives Material: Powder Coated Steel

5. Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Plug Aerator

The next product on our list is built for all your heavy-duty aeration tasks. A true workhorse, the 45-0299 from Agri-Fab is well-suited to tackle a range of duties that require an enhanced capacity to function and an equal degree of durability. Read our review of it to learn all about this excellent gardening appliance!

Sale
Agri-Fab 45-0299 48-Inch Tow Plug Aerator,Orange &...
  • 32 galvanized knives to penetrate the soil easily.
  • Pulls plugs up to 3 inches deep for thicker and healthier...

Why Did We Like It?

Agri-Fab is a well-known name in the field of garden tools and is especially lauded for its excellence in power tools. This product from the brand is no exception to the rule and performs exceedingly well when it comes to heavy-duty tasks.

A number of features work in combination to ensure a stellar performance. The aerator boasts of a 48-inch weight tray with a capacity of 140 lbs, which allows for greater penetration into the soil. This is augmented by heat-treated aeration knives which not only offer improved longevity but are also backed up by six additional sets of such knives. 

Furthermore, this is a tool that takes operational efficiency seriously. Equipped with a cantilever transport handle and wide pneumatic tires, it simultaneously ensures easy maneuverability and protection for your lawn surface. With a 3-year warranty and an outstanding capacity for work, the 45-0299 stays in our best books!

What Could Have Been Better?

Although remarkable in all aspects, this aerator could improve in terms of quality control. However, on no account does it malfunction and such issues are easily resolvable with the help of Agri-Fab’s customer support. It is a responsive team of efficient staff who are sure to assist you in every way they can.

Pros
  • Ideal for heavy-duty aeration tasks
  • Superior quality of functioning
  • High operational efficiency
Cons
  • Issues with quality control
Dimensions: 35″ x 60″ x 36″ | Weight: 92.5lbs | Type: Traditional | Tines/Spikes/Knives Material: Galvanized Steel

6. Garden Weasel 91818 Garden Aerator

Following that, we have another manual aerator that exceeds expectations and leaves little room for complaint. Both functional and aesthetically pleasing, it makes a great argument for a design that is both ergonomic and pleasing to the eye. Read our review to know more!

Garden Weasel Cultivator – Break Up Soil, Detachable...
  • Save time, effort, and your back! – sometimes the simplest...
  • Easy to use – simply apply the Garden Weasel to the soil...

Why Did We Like It?

This manual aerator from Garden Weasel makes for an excellent companion on small to medium-sized yards and gets the job done well and on time. It penetrates the soil deep enough to allow free and adequate seepage of water, air, and fertilizers with the air holes being large enough in diameter.

Additionally, the design is one of the main selling points of this product. Sleek and stylish, this red-painted aerator features a carbon-steel construction that stands up to harsh weather conditions as well as rust. Also, operating it is a breeze. Grip the handle and push down the bar with your feet, and voila! Your job’s done! 

Lastly, and importantly, the 91818 from Garden Weasel offers one of the best values for money out there. Already reasonably priced, the lifetime warranty of the unit guarantees its longevity and is a thoroughly attractive feature for potential buyers.

What Could Be Better?

Although excellent on all fronts, this appliance is prone to clogging in the case of humid weather conditions or wet soil. Unclogging takes some effort but considering all that’s on offer, this is hardly a black mark on the product’s efficiency!

Pros
  • Simple operation and ease of use
  • Durable construction
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Exceptional design aesthetics
Cons
  • Prone to clogging
Dimensions: 8″ x 9″ x 54.5″ | Weight: 2.4lbs | Type: Handheld Manual | Tines/Spikes/Knives Material: Alloy Steel

7. Abco Tech Lawn Aerator Spike Shoes

The second pair of aeration shoes on the list, this product from Abco Tech offers professional-grade aeration on small to medium-sized properties with ease. It will do the same for large lawns as well if you happen to be an exceptional walker! Read our review to find out all about it.

Abco Tech Lawn Aerator Shoes - for Aerating Lawn Soil - 3...
  • PROFESSIONAL-GRADE AERATION - Wear our Abco sport lawn...
  • INEXPENSIVE & FUN ALTERNATIVE - The lawn aerator shoes offer...

Why Did We Like It?

Apart from being a more affordable alternative to appliance-operated aeration, these shoes also offer ease of installation and use. However, quality remains top-notch. This is possible due to the inclusion of 13 heavy-duty spikes, each 2 inches long, which travel deep into the ground to secure maximum seepage of water, air, and nutrients.

Moreover, Abco Tech designs its products with the utmost care and style and this pair follows in that direction as well. Fitted with three adjustable straps and buckles, they not only fit onto feet of different sizes but also look good while at it! Lastly, the plastic base provides strong support and makes cleaning a cakewalk!

All things considered, aeration shoes make for a worthy option for landscapists at any level of expertise – from the beginner to the professional. Abco Tech provides a 30-day money-back guarantee and being highly resistant to corrosion, these shoes also offer longevity and good value for money.

What Could Have Been Better?

The only area where we felt the product could improve is its fitting. The straps often open up which in turn causes the shoes to slip off. This does interrupt the aeration process, but not only is this issue easily resolved but it is also no deal-breaker considering the features on offer.

Pros
  • Inexpensive professional-level aeration
  • Ergonomic and stylish design aesthetics
  • Good value for money
  • Resistant to corrosion
Cons
  • Straps and fitting could improve
  • cons
Dimensions: 12.87″ x 5.83″ x 2.01″ | Weight: 2.16lbs | Type: Aerator Shoes | Tines/Spikes/Knives Material: Metal

8. Goplus Rolling Lawn Aerator

We have come to the end of our list and our last recommendation is, without a doubt, one of the best. A highly time-efficient and functional appliance, this aerator from Goplus is a reliable companion to the professional landscapist. With its host of attractive features, this is a product that you won’t want to let go of.

Goplus Rolling Lawn Aerator, 18-Inch Garden Yard Rotary Push...
  • 【Bring New Life to Lawn】With the length of 1.2-inch tine...
  • 【Equipped with A Protective Shield】The unique feature of...

Why Did We Like It?

Lightweight and effortless in operation, Goplus’ product saves you a ton of time on lawns of larger dimensions. The 18-inch wide roller has a diameter of 6 inches and is fitted with a 50-inch handle. Such proportions make short of any aeration task with a high degree of efficiency and leave little room for complaint.

Additionally, the roller is wide enough to cover large swaths of land in one go and also allows for easy maneuverability in narrow spaces and corners. The wheels and handle work together to navigate various types of terrain without straining the appliance, which boasts a durable steel construction.  

Last but not the least, the aerator is easy to assemble and does not require a high level of technical expertise to get started. Also included with the packaging is the required hardware. If we are to have the last word on the appliance, it scores a full ten from us!

What Could Have Been Better?

Although exceptional in its functions, the Goplus Rolling aerator is priced on the higher end of the scale and may not suit all budgets. But considering its efficiency and convenience, we feel the price tag is certainly justified.

Pros
  • Ideal for large-sized lawns
  • Scores high on time efficiency and maneuverability
  • Easy to assemble
  • Works on a variety of terrain
Cons
  • Expensive
Dimensions: 18.25″ x 9.25″ x 9″ | Weight: 7.5lbs | Type: Traditional | Tines/Spikes/Knives Material: Steel

Best Lawn Aerator Comparison Table

Product Dimensions Weight Type Tines/Spikes/Knives Material
Greenworks Dethatcher 40″ x 22.5″ x 36″ 25.9lbs Traditional Stainless Steel
Mantis 7321 Power Tiller 15″ x 8″ x 9″ 17.5lbs Traditional Tempered Steel
LoTech Products Aerator 3.75″ x 3.75″ x 33″ 1.5lbs Handheld Manual Stainless Steel
Yard Butler Aerator 38″ x 11″ x 2″ 4.23lbs Handheld Manual Powder Coated Steel
Agri-Fab 45-0299 35″ x 60″ x 36″ 92.5lbs Traditional Galvanized Steel
Garden Weasel 91818 8″ x 9″ x 54.5″ 2.4lbs Handheld Manual Alloy Steel
Abco Tech Lawn Aerator 12.87″ x 5.83″ x 2.01″ 2.16lbs Aerator Shoes Metal
Goplus Rolling Lawn Aerator 18.25″ x 9.25″ x 9″ 7.5lbs Traditional Steel

13 Best Lawn Aerators of 2020 03

Buying Guide For The Best Lawn Aerator

A good lawn aerator is an indispensable gardening tool that performs an important function. Equipped with numerous spikes, it works directly on the soil, thus ensuring optimum health and beauty for your garden from level 0!

A lush garden requires soil that is hydrated and well-nourished. Dryness causes it to become impermeable to water, air, and essential nutrients, which in turn severely depletes the soil of its strength and capacity. Consequently, roots are deprived of nutrition, and the garden suffers as a whole.

With summer around the corner and the plethora of lawn aerators available in the market, you may be tempted to make a selection right away. But it pays to research well. Go through our buyers’ guide that outlines some key factors you must consider before purchasing a lawn aerator.

Types of Lawn Aerators

The traditional model is one that needs to be pushed or pulled across the garden. The type of aerator you go for is dependent on the size of your property. Traditional ones are better suited to medium to large-sized lawns as they cover more surface area.

Lawn aerator shoes, on the other hand, could be ideal for smaller properties. The application is simple — you strap the spiked shoes on and walk around the garden, using your body weight for the spikes to penetrate the soil.

The third type is a handheld manual aerator that is usually pushed into the ground by hand. These models also feature a foot bar if you want to use your legs instead.

Price of an Aerator

Lawn aerators are generally used twice a year — at the onset of spring and fall. So it’s only prudent to avoid needless expenditure and buy a product more on the economical side. Aerator shoes usually fall in the region of 20 dollars and are a convenient way of getting the job done at a low cost. They also require little maintenance. But do keep in mind the size of your lawn; these aren’t for large ones. 

On the other hand, a manual aerator costs around 40 dollars but is not the most efficient in operation as it demands considerable effort on the part of the user. Lastly, we have the pushing aerators. They are rather expensive, falling between 150 and 200 dollars. However, there’s a lot on offer when it comes to these models and they make for a good investment.

Green grass on a golf field

Conclusion

With that, we have reached the end of our listicle and guide, and we hope you found it helpful.

As we always say, gardening is an enterprise that arises out of love. And when it comes to nurturing what you’ve grown, you want nothing but the best. This is why we selected the crème de la crème while keeping various gardening needs in mind.

However, as each product has its own pros and cons, the choice is not easy. To take you just another step closer to the ideal aerator, we’ve rounded up our favorites in a few categories.

The Mantis 7321 Power Tiller is a sturdy machine that makes for a premium choice for customers. Although its features come at a cost, it is indeed excellent in its functioning. For the average gardener, though, the Crank Twist aerator from LoTech offers great value for money. Another popular model is Greenworks’ 10 Amp aerator.

We would love to hear your take on our recommendations.

Till next time!

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