How to Use an Aerator: Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Prepare Your Lawn

   Water your lawn one to two days before aerating. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Dry, hard soil makes it difficult for tines to penetrate, while soggy soil clogs the tines. Mark any sprinkler heads, shallow irrigation lines, or buried utility flags with colored flags or spray paint so you can avoid them during the pass. Call 811 to have underground utilities marked if you are unsure of their locations.

2. Step 2: Book Your Aerator Rental on RNTR

   Open the RNTR app and search for aerator rentals in your area. Compare plug aerators versus spike aerators and choose the machine that fits your lawn size and soil type. Confirm the daily rate, deposit amount, and whether the provider offers delivery or requires pickup. Book your rental window, secure payment through Stripe, and coordinate a pickup time that gives you a full working day on your lawn.

3. Step 3: Set Up and Calibrate the Machine

   Before you start, adjust the tine depth setting on the aerator according to the manufacturer's guide, targeting 2 to 3 inches of penetration. If the machine uses a water-filled drum for weight, fill it on-site using a garden hose before you begin. Walk behind or tow the aerator to the starting corner of your lawn and make sure the machine is in the off position before making any adjustments.

4. Step 4: Aerate in Overlapping Passes

   Start along one edge of the lawn and make straight passes, slightly overlapping each row to ensure even coverage. For heavily compacted soil, make two passes in perpendicular directions (the second pass at a 90-degree angle to the first). Work at a steady walking pace and avoid sharp turns while the tines are engaged, as this can damage the turf. Most average-sized residential lawns can be completed in one to two hours.

5. Step 5: Leave the Cores and Fertilize

   After aerating, you will see small soil plugs scattered across your lawn. Leave them in place. They will break down naturally within one to two weeks and return nutrients to the soil. Immediately after aerating is the best time to overseed bare patches and apply fertilizer or compost topdressing, since the open channels allow materials to reach the root zone far more effectively than on an unaerated lawn.

6. Step 6: Clean and Return the Equipment

   Once you are done, rinse the tines and drum with a garden hose to remove dirt and grass debris. Check the machine for any damage and document its condition with photos before returning it. If the aerator was delivered, schedule your pickup through the RNTR app. Returning equipment clean and on time keeps your rental record in good standing for future bookings.