Aerating your lawn is an important part of maintaining a healthy and beautiful lawn. However, the cost of renting an aerator or hiring a professional can add up quickly. Fortunately, there are some inexpensive ways to aerate your lawn that can help you save money while still getting the job done. The best aeration option will depend on size of your yard, condition of the soil and budget.
Hand Aerators
One of the cheapest ways to aerate your lawn is to use a hand aerator. Hand aerators are small tools with spikes or tines that can be pressed into the soil to create small holes. While they are not as efficient as powered aerators, they can still do a good job of aerating small areas of your lawn.
To use a hand aerator, simply walk around your lawn and press the spikes or tines into the soil at regular intervals. This can be time-consuming, but it is a cheap and effective way to aerate your lawn if you have a small lawn.
Garden Fork
Another cheap way to aerate your lawn is to use a garden fork. This method is similar to using a hand aerator, but instead of using a specialized tool, you use a common garden tool that you likely already own.
To use a garden fork for aeration, simply walk around your lawn and use the tines of the fork to create small holes in the soil. This method is also time-consuming, but it can be an effective way to aerate your lawn on a budget.
Renting Equipment
If you have a larger lawn, renting an aerator may be more cost-effective than using a hand aerator or garden fork. While renting equipment does require some upfront costs, it can still be cheaper than hiring a professional.
Many home improvement stores offer rental equipment, including lawn aerators. Renting an aerator for a day or two can give you enough time to aerate your entire lawn, and the cost is usually much lower than hiring a professional.
Aerating your lawn is an important part of maintaining a healthy and beautiful lawn. While the cost of renting equipment or hiring a professional can be high, there are cheap and effective ways to aerate your lawn, such as using a hand aerator or garden fork. If you have a larger lawn, renting an aerator may be more cost-effective than other options. By choosing a cost-effective method for aerating your lawn, you can save money while still maintaining a healthy and beautiful lawn.
FAQ
Is preperation involved when aerating my yard?
The only absolutely necessary prep work is making sure the soil is soft. If the soil is hard, water the lawn for a few days to soften it up a bit. Mow your lawn before aerating will help the aerating process and the depth of the plugs. After aerating, consider overseeding or fertilizing.