What is an Aerator?
Sometimes referred to as either "pluggers" or "spikers" lawn aerators are used for loosening compacted soil without killing existing grass. Toomey Rents carries aerators in two styles - core aerators and spike aerators.
Core Aerators
Core Aerators, or "pluggers," are a bit like cookie cutters for your lawn. When brought across the surface of your lawn the Aerator punctures the ground and removes a small core of dry soil which it then drops on the surface. The resulting cavity gives the soil space to expand and makes room for nutrients to work their way back to the surface.
Spike Aerators
Spike Aerators have become less popular in recent years mostly because of the lack the penetration that they achieve. Unlike Core Aerators, Spike Aerators simply push small holes into the soil. These holes are significantly smaller than the plugs pulled by the other machine but can be useful in helping water better saturate your lawn.
Do I need to Aerate?
Lawn problems are frequently blamed on insects or disease but this isn't always the case. Compacted soil can result in brown spots and even dead or sparse grass growth. In a normal healthy lawn nutrients are spread various different ways - when soil has become too tightly packed these nutrients are locked away farther than normal grass can reach.
One simple test that can help you determine if aeration is necessary involves sticking a screwdriver into the areas of your lawn which are problematic. If the screwdriver can easily move in and out of the soil then aeration is probably unnecessary. If the ground is hard and dry, and the screwdriver requires significant force to enter the soil you may need to aerate the lawn.
When Should I Aerate?
Generally there are two things to consider before renting an aerator. Toomey Rents recommends aerating before seeding and after a light rain. The best aerating conditions involve soft moist ground. If no rain is forecast you can briefly water your lawn a day in advance to soften the soil.
Before Aerating
Before aerating you should always scan your lawn for large rocks, stones, and other debris. You should also take the time to mark sprinkler heads and other inground items. While you can aerate a lawn with a sprinkler system running over a sprinkler head or the sprinkler box may cause damage to your irrigation system. Try to stay a few inches away from these and consider aerating by hand near them.
Operating the Coring Aerator
Before sending you out with an Aerator Toomey's staff will cover a lot of the basics. Below are some highlights.
- Start engine and adjust throttle to a comfortable walking speed.
- Adjust the depth knob to desired depth. Turning the knob clockwise will decrease depth while counterclockwise will increase it.
- Push down on rear wheel handle to lower aerating tines into the ground.
- Engage clutch control to begin aerating and adjust throttle as necessary to attain comfortable walking speed.
- To turn the aerator lift up on the rear wheel handle, turn the machine around, and then push down again to engage the tines.
Transporting an Aerator
While Spiker Aerators are small and relatively light (you provide a concrete block to weigh them down for aerating,) Core Aerators are large and heavy. With depth control weights in place the machine weighs close to 250lbs. If you're unsure whether an aerator can fit into your vehicle you can contact us for more information.
