The winner, the Brinly-Hardy PA-40BH Tow Behind Plug Aerator, has a durable steel design and a universal hitch, handles well on turns and uneven terrain, and can penetrate even compacted soil. Here are the best aeration tools. The 40-inch width and 24 3-inch plugs help cover large areas quickly. A weight tray holds up to 150 pounds of concrete blocks to ensure adequate ground penetration. An easy-to-use transport lever allows you to disengage the plugs quickly to avoid sidewalks or sprinkler components. Price at time of publish: $289 The galvanized spikes can penetrate to a depth of 2.5-inches, and it has a lever for height adjustment. The flat-free tires roll smoothly and will never need to be filled. With a three-year limited warranty, this solid steel aerator will last through many years of lawn care. Price at time of publish: $199 Able to hold 140 pounds of weight (4 concrete blocks), the steel construction will withstand years of use. For best results, secure the blocks with bungee cords to prevent shifting during use. With a universal hitch that fits all lawn tractors and UTVs, the cantilever transport handle makes raising and lowering the plugs an easy task. The ten-inch tires will not deflate and roll smoothly over even rutted terrain. Price at time of publish: $370 The product mixes with water and is used at a rate of one ounce per 1,000-square-feet of grass. This soil loosener works well before seeding a lawn or manual aeration to make the task easier. Price at time of publish: $35 Price at time of publish: $100 Price at time of publish: $38 The spikes strap onto sturdy shoes with adjustable hook and loop fasteners. Measuring 12 inches long and 5-inches wide, the shoes will fit most men and women. It takes a bit of practice to find your rhythm. Start with small steps and use a walking stick or tool handle for support until you get the hang of it. To make the task easier, lightly water the lawn for easier penetration. Price at time of publish: $28 The 27-pound, ETL-approved de-thatcher features a single-handle, five-position depth control, from less than half an inch below the soil to just under half an inch above. This way you can be sure you set the machine to remove what you want removed and not an entire swath of sod. The scarifying blade is pre-attached, but you also can swap out a rake attachment (included, but you need an adjustable wrench). The handles require minimal assembly, with included hardware. We recommend using the Sun Joe without the included collection bag, as it is fairly small and fills up fast, requiring interminable emptying. Also, this is not a machine for large lawns, as the manufacturer strongly advises using an extension cord no longer than 100 feet. Price at time of publish: $118 Not sure what type of soil you have? Grab a handful of the soil and squeeze. If it forms a hard lump in your hand, you have clay. If the soil does not stick together and falls away easily, you have sandy or loamy soil.
Size of Your Lawn
Tow-behind aerators are rather large pieces of garden equipment and won’t perform well on small lots or narrow spaces. Tow-behind aerators are best for lawns larger than one-half acre and regular in shape. Consider the width of the aerator and your turn radius as you shop. For smaller lawns and irregularly-shaped grass spaces, choose a push aerator, handheld model, or aerator shoes.
Additional Equipment and Storage Space
A tow-behind aerator is going to require something to pull it along. You must have a lawn tractor, ATV, or small utility vehicle. Tow-behind models and push models also need weights (usually several concrete blocks) to help them penetrate the soil. Consider the storage space required for all of these items.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Mary Marlowe Leverette researched and wrote this roundup. She is a Master Gardener and has extensive personal and professional experience testing, reviewing, and writing about home and garden products. You can find more of her work on The Spruce. Of course, there are exceptions. If the lawn is part of new construction and the ground has been compacted by all of the equipment used during building, you may need aeration to ensure water reaches the roots of freshly laid sod. While it is acceptable to aerate when damp, don’t do it after heavy rains; you’ll end up with a muddy mess that makes it hard for the lawn to recover.
