DIY Plug Aerator

Homeowners who maintain their lawns should perform aeration at least once annually to ensure the soil is able to transfer water from the surface to the grass roots. Aeration can be performed with a spike aerator or plug aerator. Spike aeration uses metal spikes to make slender openings in the soil. Plug aeration removes a core plug of soil to create a thicker opening into the lower levels of the soil. Plug aeration is the most effective form of aeration because it removes a section of the soil to allow the remaining soil the space to expand.

Garden rake
Lawn flags
Plug aerator

Instructions

- 1
  Water the lawn two days before you plan to aerate the soil. The soil should be moist enough to allow the aerator to remove whole sections without the plugs falling apart from over-hydration.
- 2
  Rake the lawn with a garden rake to remove debris and rocks. Remove any obstructions from the lawn that would damage the aerator or affect the aerators ability to penetrate the soil.
- 3
  Place lawn flags at the location of tree roots and sprinkler heads. The flags or other signs will show you the areas to avoid while aerating the lawn.
- 4
  Run the plug aerator over the entire lawn in straight lines. Start at one corner of the lawn and follow a path that laps back and forth until the lawn has been covered. Repeat the path in an opposite direction to crisscross the lawn for complete coverage.
- 5
  Leave the resulting plugs on the lawn. The plugs will break apart over time and replenish the lawn with vital nutrients such as nitrogen.

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