How to use a Lawn Core Aerator

If your goal is to level up your lawn game, aeration is a key part of that process.

Much to the delight of lawn lovers everywhere,  recently added the new Ryan Lawnaire V EST core aerator to our fleet. It’s a great piece of kit that will go a long way in helping you achieve and maintain a great looking lawn on your property.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about lawn aeration, from why you need to aerate your lawn, the aeration process and how to effectively use this lawn core aerator.

Why aerate your lawn? 

Lawns are usually made up of one type of grass. To keep that single culture on your property healthy, you’re going to have to do things that other types of grass in nature do not need. Compaction of your lawn can squeeze the life and breath out of your lawn.

Compaction occurs when different elements such as water or people, interact with your lawn, applying pressure and compacting the earth Aeration combats this by allowing carbon dioxide to escape from the soil and oxygen to enter. An aerator opens the soil back up, allowing nutrients to get in properly.

Problems will spring up if aeration of your lawn does not take place. These issues include:

• Unhealthy grass and limited growth
  
  
• Drainage issues
  
  
• Loss of colour
  
  
• Grasses thin and die

The aeration process on the other hand will provide amazing benefits to your lawn. Regular aerating can:

• Reduce compaction and help to create a healthier lawn
  
  
• Improve fertilisation effectiveness
  
  
• Make your lawn more resilient to heat and drought
  
  
• Improve water absorption 

If you have lawns that get heavy use, such as sports grounds, or backyards used by kids or pets or you’re growing on clay or subsoil, it may benefit your lawns to aerate more frequently. 

It is best to aerate right before or during the time your grasses reach their peak time for natural growth. In New Zealand, the best time of year to aerate your lawn is late spring or early summer.

Aeration is best for your lawn and for you when the soil is most from irrigation or recent rainfall. If the ground is hard and tough to maneuver an aerator on it, the process can be strenuous on both you and your lawn.

Why you, need a lawn core aerator

To achieve that amazing and lush looking lawn, you will need an aeration tool.

You can buy hand tools that have spikes but these require a lot of pressure to be effective and the job can be time-consuming, especially if you have a lot of ground to cover.

A lawn core aerator will allow you to cover more ground, achieve deeper core penetration and save your back and legs. This machine enables you to manoeuvre down the sides of your house with its removable wheels, while also providing a 67cm drum width to tackle your front and back lawn.

Why hire a lawn core aerator from Hirepool

Hiring a professional-grade aerator gives a professional result, without the hassle of storage or the cost of owning this impressive piece of equipment. 

It’s great for a contractor who needs to cover some ground or a DIYer who’s as lawn obsessed as we are when it comes to achieving a lush lawn. All equipment at Hirepool is green ticket checked, so you can trust that your gear had been thoroughly checked before it goes out for a hire. With the green ticket check, you can trust that gear is ready to use, be it a digger, drill or aerator.

Features of the Ryan Lawnaire V you’ll love

The Tines 

• There’s 42 core penetrating tines and they’re 19mm in diameter. They’re hardened allow steel coring tines and they stay in the ground when you turn the machine. This is because each side can rotate independently – you don’t need to lift them up to turn, saving you time and effort.
  
  
• They won’t tear up your turf and they still will maintain the deep penetration into the soil without tearing up your lawn.

The weights on the machine

• The weights on the Ryan lawn core aerator are removable. Simply move the lever to pull them out. 
  
  
• They’re really good if you’re on a slope and you need to maintain a level surface. You don’t want the tines to rock on the ground
  
  
• Taking one side out ensures a stable platform on the machine.
  
  
• This weight drum at the front can be filled with water. It has a protected plug and once filled, your machine will be balanced.
  
  
• When you engage the tines you’re transferring the weight of the drum to the tines. That gives you the maximum penetration of the tines into the ground.
  
  
• This machine has removable wheels to get you through tight spaces, whether you have a lawn around the back with a narrow walkway.

It’s easy to use

• Although the lawn core aerator is a heavy-duty piece of equipment weighing up to 140 kilograms, its mechanisms and functional design allow the user to safely and effectively aerate their lawn.
  
  
• The levers responsible for dropping the tines into the ground and lifting them out are located near the handle.

With tonnes of winning features, the Ryan Lawnaire lawn core aerator is a no brainer if you want to take pride in your turf. 

Safety when using the Lawn Core Aerator

Safety is important when operating any equipment. Make sure to thoroughly read and follow all equipment guidelines and instructions before you get started. 

Clear the area

Make sure the area where you are using the aerator is clear of all obstacles. That means toys, tools and people. While you are aerating you need to keep an eye out for things below the ground as well as things sticking out of the ground. These are things like water covers, tree stumps, rocks and roots.

Stay well clear when the aerator is on

When using the lawn core aerator make sure to stay behind the aerator at all times while the aerator is on.

Ensure the motor is turned off and the tines are lifted off the ground when carrying out any checks of the machine.

Wear appropriate protective gear

Be sure to wear sturdy, protected footwear. This means no jandals and ideally, steel-capped boots will protect your feet.
 

Protect your ears from damage with earmuffs or earplugs. An aerator is similar to a lawnmower and can produce more than 100 decibels.

Safety glasses or sunglasses are essential when using an aerator. Rocks, sticks and other objects found around your yard can become a projectile once the tines are engaged.

Gloves are recommended when using a lawn core aerator, as maintaining a good grip on the machine while the handle vibrates, allows you to safely operate it. Especially in warmer weather where dexterity and grip are very important as sweat becomes a factor when operating machinery.

Preparing to Aerate your Lawn

Think ahead before you plan to hire gear and aerate to achieve the best results.

Before you aerate you need to: 

1. Mow your lawn
   
   Mowing your lawn before starting the aeration process will maximize the effectiveness of the lawn core aerator. It is recommended you mow low, setting your lawnmower height between 20mm and 50mm off the ground. For tips, check out the best way to cut lawns and edges.
   
   
2. Water your lawn 1-3 days before you aerate
   
   This is important as it is key to moisten your soil before running over it with an aerator. You should never aerate in drought conditions and avoid aeration during the dry months.
   
   
3. Clear the area of obstacles

        Sprinkler systems, rocks, toys and playhouses are all obstacles you need to be aware of before using a machine on your lawn. If unable to remove obstacles, clearly mark them before operating an aerator.

Operating a lawn core aerator

Operating the Ryan Lawnaire V is simple. 

Step 1: Turn the front switch to on, located at the front right of the machine

Step 2: Activate the choke at the back right of the machine

Step 3: Pull the pull cord

Step 4: Turn the choke off

Step 5: Adjust the throttle

Start the tines by pulling on the upper lever. Ensure the tines are running before dropping them into the ground.

To raise the tines up from the ground, simply lift the lever back up.

To stop the machine, ensure the tines are above the ground and turn the switch to 'off.'

Hire a Lawn Core Aerator at Hirepool 

Could your lawn use some love? Hire the Ryan Lawnaire V today through booking online or checking the availability at your local Hirepool branch.

Check out our other lawn and garden guides for more handy how-tos and inspiration.