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What is aeration, and how do I aerate my lawn?

Aeration is a maintenance practice used to aerate the lawn and soil. It involves using special tools to puncture holes in the soil to break up compaction, increase oxygen levels, and promote root growth.

What happens during aeration?

  • Using an aerator (mechanical or manual), holes about 5–9 cm deep are punched into the soil at regular intervals with the help of so-called “spoons.”

  • These holes are then usually filled with sand.

The benefits:

  • Breaking Up Compacted Soil

  • Improved air and gas exchange

  • Activation of Aerobic Microorganisms

  • Promoting Lawn Growth

  • Faster drying of the surface

  • Waterlogging is reduced (drainage effect)

Precisely because microorganisms need oxygen, aeration is a particularly effective measure.

Aeration Equipment

  • Mechanical Aerators – for larger areas and intensive care

  • Hand-held Aerator – for smaller areas or spot applications

The basic principle is the same for both.

  • In compacted soils

  • In case of waterlogging

  • When growth slows despite fertilization

  • On heavily used areas (sports fields, playgrounds)

What kinds of spoons are there—and what are they used for?

1. Hohlspoons

  • Hollowed out, earth cores are extracted

  • No additional compaction of the surrounding soil

  • Enable genuine soil exchange

  • Fill holes with sand, compost, or topsoil

  • Particularly suitable for heavy, loamy soils

  • Earthworms will later distribute the sand throughout the soil

👉 Aeration using hollow spoons is considered the most effective method.
Tip: The excavated soil cones ("cores") can simply be composted.

2. Vollspoons

  • Made of solid material (similar to nails)

  • Working According to the Principle of Displacement

  • No soil will be removed

  • Gas exchange is still possible, however

Tip: Ideal for what is known as "deep ventilation"; also works well in winter.

3. Root knife

  • Aerate the lawn with minimal damage

  • Cuts heal even in hot weather

  • Cut through horizontal roots and runners

  • Promote new growth in this way

4. Kreuzspoons

  • Cross-shaped spoons with a larger surface area

  • Also cut into the root system

  • Less surface damage than with full spoons

5. Nadelspoons

  • Conical-shaped full spoons

  • Diameter approx. 5–8 mm

  • Create very small, fine holes

  • Ideal for regular, gentle care

6. Quad Tines

  • Hollow spoons with an inner diameter of 6 mm or more

  • Very little damage to the lawn

  • After 3–5 days, there are hardly any traces left

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