Hollow Tine Aerator Guide
All About Hollow Tine Aerators
Hollow tine aerators pull dirt plugs from the ground, leaving holes that loosen the soil and improve water and nutrient flow to grass roots. There are three main groups of these aerators: manual, mechanical and tow-behind.
Manual
A manual tine aerators has two or three tines spaced along a horizontal bar which is attached to a long handle. To get the best ground penetration, push the aerator into the dirt with your foot along the bar and your hands at the top of the handle. Then pull it back out, letting the dirt cores fall to the ground.
The hole diameter depends on the size of the tines and soil conditions, but they are typically around a ½ inch or so. The hole depth should be around 1-3 inches and if you cannot get it in that deeply, you will need to water the lawn more thoroughly to soften the ground or use a mechanical or pull behind aerator.
Manual aerators are great for lawns under 500 sq. ft., for more frequent aeration in spots that compact quickly and to work in areas that are difficult for a mechanical or tow-behind to get to. It is a good idea for everyone to have one of these valuable garden tools. Although a lawn aerator can cost as much as $5000, manual aerators start at around only $20. Choose a high quality tool manufactured from durable materials and it will last several years.
Mechanical
For average to large residential lawns, most people prefer using a mechanical aerator. These are like a large, heavy lawn mower, weighing up to 300 lbs. As you move the machine along the lawn (choose one that is self-propelled to make it easier), the hollow tines roll into and out of the dirt.
They are much quicker to use and will produce deeper holes, around 2-4 inches. It is best to mechanically aerate in either the spring or fall. Aerate well before the summer so the grass can recover before the hot and dry weather starts. In the fall, aerate with around a month left of growing season, so the grass has time to benefit from the aeration process before going dormant. You want the ground to be soft but not soggy so the holes will be deep and long-lasting.
The best mechanical aerators cost a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, so renting one makes the most sense for someone who will just aerate their own lawn periodically. Most lawns can be done in a four-hour, half-day rental period, but if your lawn in very large, it may take longer. Rates are around $40-$60 for a half-day and $80-$110 for a full-day. Call early to request a rental since it isn’t uncommon for all the machines to be rented out on the weekends during the best times to aerate.
Tow-Behind
Tow behind aerators are attached to the back of a riding lawn mower or trailer and pulled over the ground, the hollow tined wheels rotating in and out of the ground as it goes along. Most models can be made heavier with the addition of water, sand or lead, which helps improve hole depth in heavily compacted ground. Most tow-behind aerators put in holes 3-4 inches deep that are around ½ inch in diameter.
Tow-behinds are wider than other aerators, from 2 ½ feet to 6 feet depending on the model. They are typically used on lawns of an acre or more and at golf courses and parks. Because of their width, they can be trickier to maneuver around obstacles. Also, it is better to aerate in long rows to avoid unnecessary turning. If you need to go over the lawn twice, you can go the other direction the second time for more comprehensive coverage. If you prefer, you can aerate in circles.
Buying an aerator that is a tow behind unit makes a lot of sense for someone who already has a lawn mower or tractor to pull it. They start around $150 and go up to $750 for models that will meet most needs. Since renting one of them will typically run $75-$125, after a few uses it pays for itself and you won’t have to worry about transporting it to and from the rental center.
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Tow Aerators Helping Lawns Look Their Best
Tow aerators are the best type of lawn aerator to aerate very large areas of grass. They are simple to attach to a riding lawn mower or tractor. As they are pulled along, the rotating tines put holes into the ground, loosening up the compressed dirt to encourage deep root growth. They also add more air and space to the soil, making it easier for water and nutrients to move freely through the ground so the roots can easily get what they need to sustain healthy grass.
Choosing the Right Tow Behind Aerator
For an average-sized model, expect to spend $300-$700. With rental prices of around $100 a day, purchasing one will eventually save you money. Plus you can avoid the hassle of transporting it to and from the aerator rental center each time you need it.
Be sure that the aerator you choose can be correctly attached and pulled by the lawn mower or tractor you own. Their size, width, length and weight vary by model, so read specifications carefully. Most are 3-4 feet wide and about 5-6 feet long. They typically weigh 500-1000 pounds before any additional weight is added. On average, a tow-behind will aerate at up to 4mph, or around 1.5 acres per hour.
Most tow aerators have multiple tine wheels that rotate as they move over the ground. Choose ones with hollow tines that will remove dirt cores over those that have solid spikes for the best results. Curved models will follow the contours of the ground better and will more consistently aerate in uneven areas. Be sure that the design allows you to turn when the tines are in the ground, making it much easier and faster to maneuver.
How to Use an Aerator
Begin by properly attaching the tow lawn aerator to the tractor or lawn mower. If necessary, add additional weight with lead, sand or water depending on how the aerator is designed. The extra weight helps the tines get farther into the compressed soil. Start aerating, then check to see that they are getting in deeply enough. If not, try adding additional weight.
Tow aerators or pull aerators are wider than other kinds of aerators. This means that more area is covered in a faster time, with more tines putting more holes into the ground. They make quick work of larger lawns. However, the additional width makes them more awkward to maneuver. It is best to go in long rows or in a circular pattern around the lawn. Be sure to carefully clean dirt and any small stones from the tines after each use.
When to Aerate
Aerating should be done at least every three years. Ground that is heavily compacted or easily compacted will need to be aerated more frequently, every year or two. It is important to have good soil conditions for lawn aeration before beginning. If the dirt is too hard, it will be difficult for the tines to get far enough into the ground and make quality holes. If the soil is too soggy, the holes will not last very long and the process will not be as beneficial.
Also pay attention to the time of year you plan to aerate. In general, aerate in the early spring or late fall. The grass will do best with a month of cool (but not cold) temperatures and plenty of water. Aeration is stressful on the grass plants and can cause them to dry out more quickly, so it is best not to aerate in the summer. After aerating is a great time to overseed and fertilize. You’ll see the most benefits from all three when you do them in conjunction.
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