There are different methods of aerating your lawn, but regardless of which you do, they all do the same basic thing. Aeration punches holes in the ground, or removes small plugs of terrain, which allows air and water to penetrate deep into the soil.
We at Kut-Rite use what is called ‘Core Aeration’. This method removes small plugs of soil, which are left behind to compost back into the turf. It is the best method for harder, more compact soil types like we have in our local area. It is also the best method to perform prior to seeding bare spots of hard ground.
The second type is Spike Aeration. This can be in the form of a large drum roller with spikes on it, or something as simple as spiked sandals that you walk around your yard with. While this method does help air and water penetrate down to the roots of your lawn, it can cause additional compaction of the soil.