Lawn Aeration Cost

• For $5 -$20 you can strap on a pair of lawn aerator sandals, which have long spikes on the bottom that are forced into the ground as you walk around on the grass. Some people love aerator sandals for small problem areas, but others find them difficult to use or ineffective.
• Handheld tools such as the Hound Dog aerator are about the size of a small shovel and sell for around $15 -$45; the more expensive models are core aerators, meaning instead of just stabbing the ground with spikes they loosen the soil by pulling out small plugs of dirt.
• Spike/blade aerators which can be towed behind a riding mower or small tractor run $175 -$400 or more, depending on size, number of spikes/blades and quality of materials. Spike/blade aerators are less expensive than core aerators, and some experts say they're also less effective because they don't remove any of the compacted dirt, they just push it even closer together when they make a hole.
• A core aerator pulls out finger-sized soil plugs that are about 3/4 inches around and 2-6 inches long, loosening up the compacted soil and creating holes that allow water, air and nutrients to reach the roots of the grass. A self-propelled gas-powered core aerator rents from most home improvement stores for about $15 -$25 an hour; often there are also half-day, day and weekend rates. Buying a power core aerator starts around $175 -$350 and professional models can easily run $900 -$3,000 and more. ThisOldHouse.com presents a video demonstrating how to use a power core aerator.
• Having a professional landscaping service aerate your lawn with a core aerator starts around $35 -$65 for a small lawn, and can run $75 -$125 or more depending on size, slope and ease of access. Some companies include fertilizing and/or seeding in the aeration fee.

• Aeration is not necessarily a standard lawn care process; it's needed when the soil is compacted and/or the lawn has excess thatch. Grass growing in easily compacted clay soil may need aerating twice a year (in spring and autumn, when the grass is growing); sandy soil may only need aeration every few years. The soil should be moist but not wet before aeration; the aerator won't penetrate dry ground.
• To be safe, small flags should be used to mark underground sprinklers. A core aerator will leave behind small plugs of dirt; these should be left in place. They will break apart and disappear into the lawn in a few weeks.
• Easy-Lawn-Care-Help.com describes the lawn aeration process and types of aerator equipment.

• Some landscaping companies offer discounts for seniors over age 65.
• Team up with a group neighbors to rent a lawn aerator and take turns using it. Or earn back the rental fee by charging your neighbors a small fee to aerate their lawns the same day you rent the machine to aerate your lawn.

• There's a wide range of lawn aerators available. Manufacturers include Agri-Fab, Mantis and Swisher.
• Better Homes & Gardens offers tips for choosing a lawn care service.

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