Aeration: Choosing between mechanical and liquid

 Aeration is one of the most beneficial applications you can do for your lawn, however, with new technologies there is a choice between liquid aeration and traditional core aeration.

Which one should you choose?

Let's look at the pros and cons of each.

Both mechanical and liquid break down thatch layers in your lawn, thatch that hampers lawn health and where chinch bugs usually hide. Mechanical does this by punching holes and removing cores of soil to allow nutrients, air and moisture to reach the root zone. Liquid aeration uses a organic mix of Humic and Fulvic acids to create micro channels in the soil and accomplishes the same end. Esthetically, liquid does not leave behind unsightly cores of dirt reminiscent of a flock of geese.

Both applications can be done with seeding, fertilizing, or weed control (if you choose not to seed.)

Now here is where Liquid Aeration leaves Mechanical Cores in the dust in my opinion.

Liquid takes less time and is less labour intensive.

With liquid aeration, there is no need to mark shallow lines, or sprinkler heads.

There is no worry when it comes to hitting Bell or Rogers cables.

Liquid aeration can cover 100% of your lawn's area, unlike core aeration at approx. 85%. 

Liquid will not rip up your lawn and can be done shortly after new sod unlike core's one-year wait for the grass to establish.

Liquid leaves no mess behind i.e. muddy wheel tracks.

Sure, once you own a machine, it pays for itself, but unless you are a lawncare provider why would you buy an aerator?

Although liquid aeration means a constant replenishment of the product, therefore increasing you bottom line, I can't deny the time saved.

In other words, you had me at "less labour intensive."