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 |  | D-I-Y Tools: $5-$45; Rent Aerator $15-$25 an hour |  | Lawn-mower Tools: $175-$400 |  | Professional Landscaping: $35-$125+ |
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Heavily used lawns often have compacted soil. This restricts the amount of air and water reaching the roots, limiting healthy grass growth. Aeration lets water, fertilizer and air move more freely in the soil. It also helps reduce runoff and control thatch[1] , a layer of dead stems that can build up under some grasses.
Typical costs: |
- For $5-$20 you can strap on a pair of lawn aerator sandals[2] , 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[3] .
- 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.
Related articles: Sod, Sprinkler System, Garden Service, Landscape Design
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What should be included: |
- 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[4] and types of aerator equipment[5] .
Discounts: |
- 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.
Shopping for lawn aeration: |
- There's a wide range of lawn aerators[6] available. Manufacturers include Agri-Fab, Mantis[7] and Swisher.
- Better Homes & Gardens offers tips for choosing a lawn care service[8] .
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Chris F in Windham, NH. | Posted: October 28th, 2013 12:10PM |
| Service: Core aeration |
What size was the aeraton machine you used |
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| Posted by: san diego county in Fallbrook, CA. | Posted: September 25th, 2012 09:09AM |
| Service: aeration |
cost $150 for professional landscaper to aerate front and back lawn, about 1/2 acre lot. Fee included seed as needed and fertilizer |
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| Posted by: KC Chief in OVERLAND PARK, KS. | Posted: April 16th, 2010 07:04PM |
Rented an aerator at my local True Value hardware for $40 for 2 hours. Did my own yard in 35-40 min, then let my 2 neighbors use it for the remaining 65-min. They each paid me $20!! Two local quotes for my size yard was > $100. |
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External Resources: |
- www.thegardenhelper.com/dictionary.html#T
- www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_i_1?ie=UTF8&rs=&keywords=lawn%20aerator%20sandals&rh=i%3Aaps...
- www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,20051898,00.html
- www.easy-lawn-care-help.com/aerating-lawns.html
- www.easy-lawn-care-help.com/lawn-aerator-equipment.html
- www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_n_0?rh=n%3A2972638011%2Ck%3Alawn+aerator&keywords=lawn+aerat...
- mantis.com/mantis-tiller-attachments.asp
- www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/lawn-care/choosing-a-lawn-care-service/
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