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Buying GuideΒ·9 min read read

Best Brinly Lawn Aerators (2026)

Compare 5 of the best brinly lawn aerators for 2026, with real specs, honest tradeoffs, and a buying guide to help you pick the right one.

Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
5 options evaluated
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Best Brinly Lawn Aerators (2026)

At a Glance

Brinly 20" Premium Push Spike Aerator with 3D Galvanized Steel Tines
Best Value

Brinly 20" Premium Push Spike Aerator with 3D Galvanized Steel Tines

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Brinly Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader with Weight Tray
Best All-Around Runner-Up

Brinly Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader with Weight Tray

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Brinly SAT2-40BH-P Tow Behind Spike Aerator with Transport Wheels
Best All-Around Runner-Up

Brinly SAT2-40BH-P Tow Behind Spike Aerator with Transport Wheels

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Agri-Fab 48 In Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with 32 Galvanized Knives
Best All-Around Runner-Up

Agri-Fab 48 In Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with 32 Galvanized Knives

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Brinly PA-482BH-A2 Tow Behind Plug Aerator with Universal Hitch, 48"
Best Premium Pick

Brinly PA-482BH-A2 Tow Behind Plug Aerator with Universal Hitch, 48"

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Shopping for a lawn aerator means sorting through listings that look nearly identical in a thumbnail but differ a lot once you check working width. In this lineup, that spread runs from Brinly 20" Premium Push Spike Aerator with 3D Galvanized Steel Tines at the modest end to Agri-Fab 48 In Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with 32 Galvanized Knives at the high end, and which side of that range you need depends entirely on how you plan to use it.

Every pick below includes real specs pulled from the current listing, honest tradeoffs, and a "best for" recommendation so you can match the lawn aerator to your actual situation instead of guessing from a star rating alone.

6 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Brinly Lawn Aerators (2026)

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

Electric Aerators Suit Smaller Lawns, Gas Models Handle Larger Ones Faster

An electric-powered aerator works well for a smaller residential lawn without the fuel maintenance a gas engine requires, while a gas-powered model like Brinly 20" Premium Push Spike Aerator with 3D Galvanized Steel Tines typically offers more sustained power for larger lawns or more heavily compacted soil, at the cost of engine maintenance and fuel management. Match the power source to your actual lawn size rather than defaulting to gas power you won't fully use on a small property.

Core Aeration Removes Soil Plugs, Spike Aeration Just Pokes Holes

A spike aerator uses sharp tines to poke holes directly into compacted soil, suited to smaller lawns with mild compaction, while a core (or plug) aerator like Brinly 20" Premium Push Spike Aerator with 3D Galvanized Steel Tines uses hollow tines that actually pull a plug of soil out of the ground, delivering longer-lasting results on larger or more heavily compacted lawns since removing soil reduces compaction more effectively than simply poking into it. Match the method to both your lawn size and how compacted your soil actually is.

At Least 3 Inches of Penetration Is Needed for Real Compaction Relief

For core aeration to meaningfully relieve soil compaction, the machine needs to penetrate at least 3 inches deep, with holes spaced roughly 2-4 inches apart and about 1 inch in diameter, shallower penetration leaves the deeper compacted layer untouched even if the surface looks properly aerated. Check Brinly 20" Premium Push Spike Aerator with 3D Galvanized Steel Tines's stated penetration depth specifically, since a shallow-tine aerator can look like it's doing the job while missing the compaction that's actually limiting root growth.

Walk-Behind Suits Smaller Yards, Tow-Behind Covers Large Properties Faster

A walk-behind aerator, whether manual or electric, is manageable for a typical residential yard, while a tow-behind model like Brinly 20" Premium Push Spike Aerator with 3D Galvanized Steel Tines, pulled by a riding mower or ATV, covers a large property meaningfully faster but requires a vehicle capable of towing it and more storage space when not in use. Match the format to your actual lawn size, a tow-behind unit is overkill for a small yard and a walk-behind is genuinely impractical for acreage.

Tine Spacing Affects How Thoroughly the Lawn Gets Aerated in One Pass

Tighter tine spacing on an aerator's drum means more holes per pass and more thorough aeration coverage, while wider spacing requires additional passes to achieve the same density of holes across your lawn. Check Brinly 20" Premium Push Spike Aerator with 3D Galvanized Steel Tines's specific tine spacing spec, since two aerators of similar size and price can differ meaningfully in how many passes you need for genuinely thorough coverage.

Core Aeration Suits Clay Soil, Spike Suits Sandy or Loamy Soil

Core aeration is particularly well suited to heavy clay soils, which compact more severely and benefit from actual soil removal, while spike aeration works reasonably well on sandy or loamy soils that compact less and don't need the more intensive core method. Check your soil type before choosing Brinly 20" Premium Push Spike Aerator with 3D Galvanized Steel Tines or a spike alternative, since matching the method to your actual soil composition affects how much real benefit you get from aerating.

Best Brinly Lawn Aerators (2026)

Best Value

Brinly 20" Premium Push Spike Aerator with 3D Galvanized Steel Tines

Brinly 20" Premium Push Spike Aerator with 3D Galvanized Steel Tines
Great for small yards

About this pick

The Brinly 20" Premium Push Spike Aerator with 3D Galvanized Steel Tines earns its best value spot in this lineup on the strength of 5 tine stars with 8" diameters each feature 12 spike tips to penetrate soil over 2". It also brings tested to double the strength, brinly’s patent-pending 3d stars in resist bending, even in compacted soil, a detail that shows up in day-to-day handling rather than in a quick showroom glance. Build quality here reads as intentional rather than accidental. There is nothing gimmicky about the layout, and the control points are placed where a first-time user would expect to find them.

Where this pick makes tradeoffs is worth being upfront about. Reinforced Side Panels for additional sturdiness and an upgraded 20” working width is a real strength, but it comes paired with the usual compromise of a smaller feature set than the pricier picks in this roundup. Buyers who care about durable 6”x 1.5” wheels can be engaged to cross pavements or driveways, preventing tine damage will find it here, though it is not the headline reason to choose this over the Brinly Tow Behind Combination Aerator Sp. Best-for framing: this is the pick for someone who wants solid core performance without paying for extras they won't use.

On setup, expect rigid weight tray holds up to 35 pounds of extra weight for maximum soil penetration and depth out of the box, which is typical for this category and not a sign of a rushed design. Ongoing upkeep is modest. A quick wipe-down and the occasional check of the moving parts is enough to keep it performing the way it did on day one. Compared with the Brinly Tow Behind Combination Aerator Sp elsewhere in this guide, the practical difference for most households comes down to how much you value the specific feature set versus overall footprint and ease of use.

Best for: Buyers who want solid core performance at the lowest price here

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Specs

  • Feature: Great for small yards

Pros

  • +5 tine stars with 8" Diameters each feature 12 spike tips to penetrate soil over 2"
  • +Tested to double the strength, Brinly’s Patent-Pending 3D stars in resist bending,
  • +Reinforced Side Panels for additional sturdiness and an upgraded 20” working width
  • +Durable 6”x 1.5” wheels can be engaged to cross pavements or driveways, preventing
  • +Rigid weight tray holds up to 35 pounds of extra weight for maximum soil penetration
  • +Priced to be the value option in this comparison

Cons

  • βˆ’Lacks some of the extras found on the pricier picks here
  • βˆ’Confirm current specs and included accessories on the listing before buying
Best All-Around Runner-Up

Brinly Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader with Weight Tray

Brinly Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader with Weight Tray
Working Width: 40"With a 100 lb

About this pick

The Brinly Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader with Weight Tray earns its best all-around runner-up spot in this lineup on the strength of the combo aerator spreader drops seed, fertilizer or lime while you aerate to expedite your time in the lawn and ensures material enters. At 40", it sits well above the Brinly SAT2-40BH-P Tow Behind Spike Aera at 8", which matters more than the spec sheet number alone suggests once you're actually using a lawn aerator at home. It also brings the included rigid steel weight tray holds up to 75 pounds of extra weight for maximum soil penetration and depth, even in hard terrain, a detail that shows up in day-to-day handling rather than in a quick showroom glance. Build quality here reads as intentional rather than accidental. There is nothing gimmicky about the layout, and the control points are placed where a first-time user would expect to find them.

Where this pick makes tradeoffs is worth being upfront about. Brinly's Patent-Pending 3-D tines in galvanized steel inhibit rust and resist bending, even in compacted soil is a real strength, but it comes paired with the usual compromise of a learning curve that eases after the first few uses. Buyers who care about with a 100 lb will find it here, though it is not the headline reason to choose this over the Brinly SAT2-40BH-P Tow Behind Spike Aera. Best-for framing: this is the pick for someone who wants a balanced middle ground rather than chasing the top number in any one category.

On setup, expect featuring 132 tine tips, the 8" diameter steel stars perforate the soil up to 2β€³ deep providing access for air, water, and nutrients out of the box, which is typical for this category and not a sign of a rushed design. Ongoing upkeep is modest. A quick wipe-down and the occasional check of the moving parts is enough to keep it performing the way it did on day one. Compared with the Brinly SAT2-40BH-P Tow Behind Spike Aera elsewhere in this guide, the practical difference for most households comes down to how much you value working width versus overall footprint and ease of use.

Best for: Buyers who want a balanced, dependable lawn aerator

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Specs

  • Working Width: 40"
  • Feature: With a 100 lb

Pros

  • +The combo aerator spreader drops seed, fertilizer or lime while you aerate
  • +The included rigid steel weight tray holds up to 75 pounds of extra weight
  • +Brinly's Patent-Pending 3-D tines in galvanized steel inhibit rust and resist
  • +With a 100 lb
  • +Featuring 132 tine tips, the 8" diameter steel stars perforate the soil up to 2β€³
  • +Working Width of 40" is competitive for this category

Cons

  • βˆ’Confirm current specs and included accessories on the listing before buying
Best All-Around Runner-Up

Brinly SAT2-40BH-P Tow Behind Spike Aerator with Transport Wheels

Brinly SAT2-40BH-P Tow Behind Spike Aerator with Transport Wheels
Working Width: 8"

About this pick

The Brinly SAT2-40BH-P Tow Behind Spike Aerator with Transport Wheels earns its best all-around runner-up spot in this lineup on the strength of 11 tine stars with 8" diameters each feature 12 spike tips to penetrate soil up to 2" in depth, allowing water, seed, and nutrients. At 8", it sits noticeably below the Brinly Tow Behind Combination Aerator Sp at 40", which matters more than the spec sheet number alone suggests once you're actually using a lawn aerator at home. It also brings brinly's patent-pending 3-d tines in galvanized steel inhibit rust and resist bending, even in compacted soil, a detail that shows up in day-to-day handling rather than in a quick showroom glance. Build quality here reads as intentional rather than accidental. There is nothing gimmicky about the layout, and the control points are placed where a first-time user would expect to find them.

Where this pick makes tradeoffs is worth being upfront about. Features an all-steel design with extra-strength double tow bar is a real strength, but it comes paired with the usual compromise of a learning curve that eases after the first few uses. Buyers who care about rigid weight tray holds up to 150 pounds of extra weight for maximum soil penetration and depth will find it here, though it is not the headline reason to choose this over the Brinly Tow Behind Combination Aerator Sp. Best-for framing: this is the pick for someone who wants a balanced middle ground rather than chasing the top number in any one category.

On setup, expect use the single lever to engage the turf-tread transport wheels to cross driveways and sidewalks with ease out of the box, which is typical for this category and not a sign of a rushed design. Ongoing upkeep is modest. A quick wipe-down and the occasional check of the moving parts is enough to keep it performing the way it did on day one. Compared with the Brinly Tow Behind Combination Aerator Sp elsewhere in this guide, the practical difference for most households comes down to how much you value working width versus overall footprint and ease of use.

Best for: Buyers who want a balanced, dependable lawn aerator

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Specs

  • Working Width: 8"

Pros

  • +11 tine stars with 8" Diameters each feature 12 spike tips to penetrate soil up
  • +Brinly's Patent-Pending 3-D tines in galvanized steel inhibit rust and resist
  • +Features an all-steel design with extra-strength double tow bar
  • +Rigid weight tray holds up to 150 pounds of extra weight for maximum soil
  • +Use the single lever to engage the turf-tread transport wheels to cross driveways
  • +Working Width of 8" is competitive for this category

Cons

  • βˆ’Working Width trails the Brinly Tow Behind Combination Aerator Sp in this lineup
  • βˆ’Confirm current specs and included accessories on the listing before buying
Best All-Around Runner-Up

Agri-Fab 48 In Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with 32 Galvanized Knives

Agri-Fab 48 In Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with 32 Galvanized Knives
Working Width: 48"Fab In Sullivan, IL USA with Global Materials

About this pick

The Agri-Fab 48 In Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with 32 Galvanized Knives earns its best all-around runner-up spot in this lineup on the strength of pulls plugs up to 3 in deep to improve airflow, water absorption, and nutrient penetration for stronger healthier lawn growth. At 48", it sits well above the Brinly Tow Behind Combination Aerator Sp at 40", which matters more than the spec sheet number alone suggests once you're actually using a lawn aerator at home. It also brings helps loosen compacted soil to encourage deeper root growth and support a thicker more professionally maintained lawn appearance, a detail that shows up in day-to-day handling rather than in a quick showroom glance. Build quality here reads as intentional rather than accidental. There is nothing gimmicky about the layout, and the control points are placed where a first-time user would expect to find them.

Where this pick makes tradeoffs is worth being upfront about. Flat free tires provide reliable transport while the cantilever transport handle allows convenient raising and lowering from the tractor is a real strength, but it comes paired with the usual compromise of a learning curve that eases after the first few uses. Buyers who care about equipped with 32 galvanized self-sharpening aerator knives that penetrate compacted soil more effectively during lawn maintenance will find it here, though it is not the headline reason to choose this over the Brinly Tow Behind Combination Aerator Sp. Best-for framing: this is the pick for someone who wants a balanced middle ground rather than chasing the top number in any one category.

On setup, expect weight tray supports up to 175 lbs for increased soil penetration and universal hitch fits most lawn and garden tractors easily out of the box, which is typical for this category and not a sign of a rushed design. Ongoing upkeep is modest. A quick wipe-down and the occasional check of the moving parts is enough to keep it performing the way it did on day one. Compared with the Brinly Tow Behind Combination Aerator Sp elsewhere in this guide, the practical difference for most households comes down to how much you value working width versus overall footprint and ease of use.

Best for: Buyers who want a balanced, dependable lawn aerator

Check price on Amazon

Specs

  • Working Width: 48"
  • Feature: Fab In Sullivan, IL USA with Global Materials

Pros

  • +Pulls plugs up to 3 in deep to improve airflow, water absorption, and nutrient
  • +Helps loosen compacted soil to encourage deeper root growth and support a thicker
  • +Flat free tires provide reliable transport while the cantilever transport handle
  • +Equipped with 32 galvanized self-sharpening aerator knives that penetrate compacted
  • +Weight tray supports up to 175 lbs for increased soil penetration and universal
  • +Working Width of 48" is competitive for this category

Cons

  • βˆ’Confirm current specs and included accessories on the listing before buying
Best Premium Pick

Brinly PA-482BH-A2 Tow Behind Plug Aerator with Universal Hitch, 48"

Brinly PA-482BH-A2 Tow Behind Plug Aerator with Universal Hitch, 48"
Working Width: 3"

About this pick

The Brinly PA-482BH-A2 Tow Behind Plug Aerator with Universal Hitch, 48" earns its best premium pick spot in this lineup on the strength of 32 heat-treated, 16-gauge steel plugging spoons penetrate compacted soil and remove up to 3-inch plugs of soil, allowing water, seed,. At 3", it sits noticeably below the Brinly Tow Behind Combination Aerator Sp at 40", which matters more than the spec sheet number alone suggests once you're actually using a lawn aerator at home. It also brings durable, all steel design with fully-enclosed weight tray holds up to 200 pounds of any type of extra weight for maximum soil penetration, a detail that shows up in day-to-day handling rather than in a quick showroom glance. Build quality here reads as intentional rather than accidental. There is nothing gimmicky about the layout, and the control points are placed where a first-time user would expect to find them.

Where this pick makes tradeoffs is worth being upfront about. for crossing drives, walks and rooted areas, Brinly plug Aerator includes a single transport lever to engage transport mode using the 10" is a real strength, but it comes paired with the usual compromise of a higher up-front cost tier. Buyers who care about four independently rotating, welded tine sections minimize turf damage during turns and help provide consistent penetration on uneven ground will find it here, though it is not the headline reason to choose this over the Brinly Tow Behind Combination Aerator Sp. Best-for framing: this is the pick for someone who wants the strongest overall spec sheet and is willing to pay for it.

On setup, expect a single pin, universal hitch easily attaches to every lawn tractor and most ztrs and atvs out of the box, which is typical for this category and not a sign of a rushed design. Ongoing upkeep is modest. A quick wipe-down and the occasional check of the moving parts is enough to keep it performing the way it did on day one. Compared with the Brinly Tow Behind Combination Aerator Sp elsewhere in this guide, the practical difference for most households comes down to how much you value working width versus overall footprint and ease of use.

Best for: Buyers who want the strongest working width in this lineup

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Specs

  • Working Width: 3"

Pros

  • +32 heat-treated, 16-gauge Steel plugging spoons penetrate compacted soil and remove
  • +Durable, all steel design with Fully-Enclosed Weight tray holds up to 200 pounds
  • +For crossing drives, walks and rooted areas, Brinly plug Aerator includes a single
  • +Four independently rotating, Welded Tine sections minimize turf damage during turns
  • +A single pin, universal Hitch easily attaches to every lawn tractor and most ztrs
  • +Working Width of 3" is competitive for this category

Cons

  • βˆ’Working Width trails the Brinly Tow Behind Combination Aerator Sp in this lineup
  • βˆ’Costs more than the budget-focused picks in this comparison
  • βˆ’Confirm current specs and included accessories on the listing before buying

How We Evaluated These Brinly Lawn Aerators (2026)

Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.

Working Width

We compared working width across every pick in this roundup, from Agri-Fab 48 In Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with 32 Galvanized Knives at the high end (48") to Brinly 20" Premium Push Spike Aerator with 3D Galvanized Steel Tines at the lower end (its listed spec), since this single spec drives most of the real-world performance difference between lawn aerator models.

Build Quality & Materials

We looked at the materials and construction details listed by each manufacturer, weighting picks that use more durable components in the parts that see the most wear and stress during regular use.

Ease of Use & Setup

We evaluated how straightforward each lawn aerator is to set up and operate based on the manufacturer's own documented features and included accessories, favoring designs a first-time buyer could use without a steep learning curve.

Value for Money

We weighed each pick's feature set against its price tier relative to the rest of the lineup, not against an absolute number, since Brinly 20" Premium Push Spike Aerator with 3D Galvanized Steel Tines and Brinly PA-482BH-A2 Tow Behind Plug Aerator with Universal Hitch, 48" are aimed at different budgets and different use patterns.

Maintenance & Reliability

We factored in ongoing maintenance requirements, warranty coverage where listed, and how well each design tends to hold up based on its construction and materials over repeated seasonal use.

How to Choose the Right Brinly Lawn Aerators (2026)

By Working Width

If working width is your main filter, here is how this lineup breaks down.

Your priorityRecommended pick
Highest working widthAgri-Fab 48 In Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with 32 Galvanized Knives (48")
Balanced working widthBrinly Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader with Weight Tray (40")
Balanced working widthBrinly SAT2-40BH-P Tow Behind Spike Aerator with Transport Wheels (8")
Balanced working widthBrinly PA-482BH-A2 Tow Behind Plug Aerator with Universal Hitch, 48" (3")

By Budget

Price tiers shift over time, so use relative positioning rather than a fixed number.

BudgetRecommended pick
Most affordable in this comparisonBrinly 20" Premium Push Spike Aerator with 3D Galvanized Steel Tines
Mid-range balance of price and featuresBrinly SAT2-40BH-P Tow Behind Spike Aerator with Transport Wheels
Willing to pay for the strongest spec sheetBrinly PA-482BH-A2 Tow Behind Plug Aerator with Universal Hitch, 48"

Manual Push Aerators vs. Tow-Behind Aerators

This is the real fork in the road for most lawn aerator buyers.

Manual Push Aerators

Manual Push Aerators favor lower cost and a smaller footprint. In this comparison, Brinly 20" Premium Push Spike Aerator with 3D Galvanized Steel Tines fits this profile. Recommended if you have limited storage space or only need occasional use.

Tow-Behind Aerators

Tow-Behind Aerators trade some convenience for stronger raw capability. Brinly PA-482BH-A2 Tow Behind Plug Aerator with Universal Hitch, 48" represents this side here. Recommended if you plan to use it often enough that the extra capability pays for itself.

Spike Aerator vs. Plug/Core Aerator

A second decision axis worth checking before you buy.

PreferenceRecommended pick
Spike AeratorsAgri-Fab 48 In Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with 32 Galvanized Knives
Plug/Core AeratorsBrinly 20" Premium Push Spike Aerator with 3D Galvanized Steel Tines

For Compacted Clay Soil Specifically

Look for a lawn aerator with a stronger-than-average working width rating and a design that holds up to repeated use, not just occasional light jobs.

In this comparison, Agri-Fab 48 In Tow Behind Lawn Plug Aerator with 32 Galvanized Knives satisfies this best, at 48", followed closely by Brinly Tow Behind Combination Aerator Spreader with Weight Tray.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

You use a lawn aerator often enough that working width and build quality directly save you time. Brinly PA-482BH-A2 Tow Behind Plug Aerator with Universal Hitch, 48" is built for that use pattern.

Save if

You need it occasionally and don't want to pay for capability you won't use regularly. Brinly 20" Premium Push Spike Aerator with 3D Galvanized Steel Tines covers the core job without the premium price tier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get a core aerator or a spike aerator?

Spike aerators suit smaller lawns with only mild compaction, simply poking holes to improve some airflow. Core aerators, which actually remove soil plugs, deliver longer-lasting results on larger or more heavily compacted lawns since removing soil reduces compaction more effectively than poking alone.

How deep does lawn aeration need to go to actually help?

For meaningful compaction relief, aim for at least 3 inches of penetration depth. Shallower aeration can look effective on the surface while leaving the deeper compacted soil layer, which is actually limiting root growth, largely untouched.

Does my soil type affect which aerator I should buy?

Yes, heavy clay soil compacts more severely and benefits specifically from core aeration's soil removal, while sandy or loamy soil compacts less and can be adequately served by simpler spike aeration. Identify your soil type before choosing between the two methods for the most effective results.

How often should I aerate my lawn?

Most lawns benefit from aeration once a year, though heavily used areas (like a lawn that sees regular foot traffic or has clay soil) may benefit from aerating twice a year. Check your soil's actual compaction level, by seeing how easily a screwdriver pushes into moist soil, before assuming more frequent aeration is needed.

Do budget lawn aerators work as well as premium models?

For a small, mildly compacted lawn, a budget spike aerator performs adequately for basic maintenance. Where budget models most often fall short is aeration depth and tine spacing on core-style aerators, so check both specs specifically if your lawn has real compaction issues.

When is the best time to aerate my lawn?

Aerate during your grass type's active growing season, typically early fall for cool-season grasses or late spring for warm-season grasses, giving the lawn the best chance to recover and fill in the holes or disturbed soil quickly. Aerating during dormancy or drought stress can leave the lawn looking rough longer than necessary.

Bottom Line

best overall: Brinly 20" Premium Push Spike Aerator with 3D Galvanized Steel Tines - best value pick in this roundup.

See the full rankings above for all picks with pros, cons, and best-for summaries.

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