Sunday, May 2, 2010

How to Choose a Good Plug Aerator Or Core Aerator

To keep lawns looking their best, it is important to use a plug aerator to aerate them every one to three years, depending on the age and condition of the lawn. If you plan to do it yourself, choose a lawn aerator that is the right type for the size and nature of the lawn. There are several different types of plug aerators available, many of which have newer features that do a better job and make them easier to use.

When choosing an aerator, it is best to stick to core or plug aerators. Spike aerators do not pull out a plug of dirt, so the holes they leave close up quickly, frequently after one watering. Holes from a plug aerator last longer, leaving the roots increased access to oxygen, light, water and nutrients for better growth over a sustained period of time.

There are two main types of plug or core aerators: rolling and mechanically-driven. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Rolling aerators do a better job breaking-up the soil and roots, promoting increased root growth. They also roll over rocks, root balls and other hard objects in the dirt without breaking. Mechanically-driven aerators make more holes and leave the lawn surface looking nicer. However, they do not open up the soil as much, so there is less root growth.

Plug aerators may be manual, walk-behind, stand-on or tractor. Manual aerators are hand-held and stepped onto to push them into the ground, taking out dirt plugs as the aerator is pulled out. Usually powered by gas, walk-behind machines push the tines into the ground mechanically, the plug coming free of the tine and falling to the surface as the tines come out. Stand-on aerators are the same as walk-behind ones except you can stand on it rather than just walking behind it. Whether tow-type or three-point hitch, tractor aerators use forward movement to push the tines into the ground to remove the dirt plugs. Since all work in similar ways, which to choose depends on the size of the lawn and what you prefer. A manual aerator is probably fine for a small lawn, but would take a long time and a lot of work to cover a large area. The rest is really up to you.

Consider renting different types of plug aerators each time you need one to get a feel for the different kinds and features. When you know what you like, buy a good quality, durable one that is easy for you to use.

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