Getting your lawn care done each year or two can feel insufferable without the ripe equipment . For object lesson , is it sentence to oxygenise , but you are n’t sure how deep your instrument will go ? Is it sound to make super rich holes in the soil , or are shallow ones better ? Are all aerator the same ?

Well , we ’ve done some research , and here ’s what we found !

you may typically expect an aerator to go 1 - 6 inches deep and be 2 - 6 inches apart . Of course , the soil incursion depth will vary depending on the aerator you utilise . Some may have deeper , closer spikes , while others will be more space out and shallow .

Gardener Operating Soil Aeration Machine on Grass Lawn, How Deep Does An Aerator Go

fortunately , your aerator will benefit the ground if it pierces it a few inches , so train for 2 - 3 inch spikes if you could .

As we start this clause , we will cover all things aerating and discourse how deep one should go . Whether you have n’t aerated before , lately purchase an aerator , or have extra questions : we ’re here to help . With that say , let ’s plunge right into this topic below !

How Deep Should An Aerator Go?

An aerator will generallypenetratethe ground as much as six column inch . However , your typical aerator may be closer to two or three in deep , which seems to be the sweet bit for most gardeners .

As we said , the spike on an aerator can be anywhere from one to six inches recondite , being spaced apart by 2 - 6 inches . The design of an aerator will depend on how you use it , whether it ’s an attachment for your lawn mower or bare spike skid .

Regardless of design , you want to ensure the spike on your aerator are deep enough to break up the territory . Since the primary goal of aerating is to create holes in the ground for water drain , you should n’t select an aerator that only arrive at one inch .

Using scarifier in the garden. The man fertilizes the soil in the garden, preparing for work on the garden. Aeration with a blue scarifier. The gardener works outside taking care of plants.

In addition , you also do n’t want your aerator to be too deep , as this can damage the grime and roots nearby . try out and find a happy medium .

How Big Should Spikes Be On An Aerator?

calculate on the undercoat you work on , your aerator ’s stiletto heel may demand to be around 4 - 6 inches . As we covered above , aerator hail in a range of mountains of spike depths .

Your aerator should penetrate the grunge , whether one in , two inches , or deeper . The main priority is breaking up the compacted ground , allowing water , nutrient , O , and plant food to move freely throughout .

If the spike on an aerator are n’t deep enough or have too much spacing between each one , that can get wretched - quality last grease . According toTimberline Landscaping , the best size for aerator spike would be around four inches deep .

Pile of plugs of soil removed from sports field. Waste of core aeration technique used in the upkeep of lawns and turf

They take that four inches are double-dyed for opening the ground , allow water and fertilizer to penetrate deeper into the soil .

Of naturally , you ’ll need to ensure you do n’t have any irrigation credit line carry under the soil to expend deeper spikes , or if you do , we indicate check them .

Deeper spikes can become an effect for roots and water lines , as they are unremarkably steel stuff .

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How Big Should Aeration Holes Be?

Most times , you desire to train for aeration cakehole around 3 inch deep,3 inchesor less apart , and about 3/4 inches in diameter . Again , this is not the same for every garden , as some ground types are much more compacted and will require a cryptical pickle .

On top of that , you might also prefer slenderly deeper aeration holes for your lawn . Some people care closer to six inches , so this come down to the nurseryman .

Luckily , there are interminable aerator product available , range in spike size , depth , and practice . The best idea is to start with mid - sized spike and see how the issue is .

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If the soil improves timber and drains better the next time you water / it rains , then stick to that spike . In contrast , if the soil in your one thousand does n’t improve after using a 2 - 3 inch spike , then go up a size .

Not all soil is the same , and it sure enough wo n’t respond the same way whenever you aerate it .

How Many Holes Do You Need To Aerate A Lawn?

When it come to the numeral of holes an oxygenise lawn penury , this can be as many as20 to 40holes per square understructure . Since aerating a property requires many pocket-size holes in the soil , you ’ll involve to have quite a few per straight foot to make a conflict .

On top of that , if you expend an air out attachment for your mower or tractor , accomplishing the 20 - 40 hole per satisfying infantry becomes much easier .

guess walking through your entire property with spike shoes to do this . That would take hours and would end with sensitive feet and legs .

Scarifying lawn with a scarifier. Person dethatching moss in a backyard, lawn maintenance, UK

what is more , you could also obtain aerator you push , which are perfect if you do n’t own a tractor or lawn mower . endeavor to make the aeration process as smooth and wide-eyed as potential : your legs , back , and foot will thank you .

You might even require to do a brace of passes through your lawn to accomplish better drainage and nourishing intake , so keep this in mind .

This aerator has a take the air - behind design , is 16 inches across-the-board , has seven - column inch spike and five air wheels , has a steel weight tray , gives you 2 - 2.5 inches of aeration profundity , and is easy to assemble .

spring scarifying the lawn using verticutter machine

regard this intersection on Amazon .

How Many Passes Should I Make When Aerating?

When the meter comes to aerate your lawn , start with one thoroughgoing pass . guarantee that you make enough hole in the soil to ameliorate its quality .

Next , valuate whether your lawn will benefit from asecondor third round . As we mentioned , this is sometimes necessary depending on the soil compaction .

For example , you will likely postulate a few aeration go with clay ground . That ’s because the consistency of clay soil is far thicker and more thick than that of a loamier miscellany .

Woman scarifying a garden lawn with a scarifier. Scarification of turf, a spring garden maintenance job

Over time , the ground can become tightly packed together . As this hap and worsens , your plant will have trouble get correctly . That ’s when aeration becomes essential .

Therefore , one nurseryman may require one thorough qualifying with their aerator , while another might require to do two or even three in spartan compaction .

Again , do n’t get too wild , as too many hole can counteract the irrefutable title you ’re attempting .

How Should I Prep The Ground Before Aerating?

Before you even touch your aerator , you want to do a few things to your grime . First , it is best to irrigate the ground 1 - 2 days before aerating . This will ensure the ground is diffuse and ready to be soften up .

Many expert hint using about one inch of water supply for your lawn , insure a tranquil aeration process . Once that is done , you want to mow your lawn lower than usual at1 - 1/2 inchesand fair up leaves .

You will also mow one or two Day before aerating , so this can hap the same daylight . Depending on how plastered the ground is , you might prefer to mop first : do this in the order that makes good sense for your lawn .

The goal is to get your lawn as prepared for air out as potential . Remember , the ground will experience a bit of trauma immediately after the spikes puncture it , so take it tardily before and after .

The last matter you want to do is put your lawn through extreme drouth or soak it to the full stop of waterlogging right before aerating : mitigation is fundamental !

How Often Should You Aerate A Lawn?

Now that you get laid how to aerate the ground , how often should you do it ? agree to expert , gamey - traffic lawn command aeration every year . However , in lower - dealings areas , you might only need to oxygenize every 2 - 3 twelvemonth for proficient results .

Since aeration can put the territory under stress mightily after it happens , you need to head off exaggerate it . For example , if you aerate less than 12 months ago and are thinking of aerating : do n’t .

Doing this too frequently can have a rearward burden , causing the ground to become unlivable for your Gunter Grass and other plants . Too many hole in the primer can eat up it of nutrients , atomic number 8 , and proper drainage , so once every 12 - 24 month is idealistic .

Furthermore , if your lawn has soft , loamy shit , you may be capable to nurse off even longer than two or three years . Again , this come down to the holding and dealings .

What Happens If I Don’t Aerate My Lawn?

If you choose not to aerate your lawn , anticipate it to be less successful and vivacious . Generally , when you do n’t aerate a belongings for many years , the grassstrugglesto grow , often melt off and losing its color .

On top of that , you might find the soil in your lawn having trouble moving piss . For example , let ’s say it rains intemperately for a few days . A lawn with piffling to no aeration wo n’t process the influx of wet well , often filling with pool of stagnant water .

That sitting water can get your green goddess to drown , inviting fungus to the country . So , for the rice beer of your smoke ’s wellness and color , we commend once - yearly aeration .

To Wrap Up

Whether you call for to aerate your lawn or have n’t thought of this before , it ’s essential to use the right spikes . We obtain that you should aim for 2 - 3 inch of aeration depth in your pace , although some masses favour a deeper 4 - 6 inches .

Since aerator do in various size and depths , you may typically find the perfect one wherever you go . However , we commend start with a 2 - 3 in penetration and move up if the land does n’t respond well .

Even though aeration can be beneficial , too much depth or frequency can cause trouble in your lawn .

And while we have your aid , check out these helpful related to garden stake below !

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