Spike aerators do the job of loosening soil and keeping it aerated when loamy and black dirt conditions are predominant. In contrast to coring and plug aerators, spike machines have a row of rotating discs, each with star-shaped tips that slice into the ground. They usually make a cut into the surface at a depth of about two or two-and-a-half inches.

Lawn aerators come in various sizes to accommodate larger or smaller lawn areas. Small spike machines would take forever to loosen up large areas, so they are manufactured in sizes that have an aeration width of 32-48 inches. Naturally, the larger sizes will have more discs with more tips to handle the slicing job in these big areas.

Effective Spike Aerators

The importance of aeration cannot be overestimated, and lawn care equipment should include aerators, if at all possible. Where soil is abused by heavy traffic--as in playgrounds and parks--and lawns suffer from lengthy dry spells, aeration is critical to renewing their life. If the traffic persists, or the drought continues, the grass will be permanently damaged. Only aeration and reseeding will salvage the area.

For these kinds of conditions and soils, coring and plug aerators are best, as they actually remove plugs of dirt to permit air and water to re-enter the ground. Spike aerators operate a bit differently and work best on a rich, dark soil that is not as damaged as clay soil, for instance. For a mix of clay, sand, and some organic matter, spike aerators do the job of keeping it loose and healthy.