.

Regarding this, do spike aerators really work?

Spike aerators work best when the soil is not extremely compacted. Because they don't remove any material, they're less effective at loosening the soil, and because they're pushing soil out of the way to make their holes, they can make compaction worse.

Secondly, how often should I spike aerate my lawn? As for frequency, Friell said aeration should be performed at least once per year on most lawns, while twice annually is best for lawns with compacted soil or soil with high clay content.

In respect to this, which is better core or spike aerator?

Core aerators are the only way to go. They lessen soil compaction and promote better root growth. Spike aerators are cheaper but they increase soil compaction and don't really accomplish much. It's not the equipment that makes a professional, it's the operator.

What do you do after you aerate your lawn?

What to Do After Aerating Your Lawn

1. Leave the soil plugs on the lawn to decompose and filter back into the holes left by the aeration machine.
2. Apply fertilizer immediately after aerating your lawn to put nutrients into your grass roots.
3. Reseed your lawn, especially in areas of the lawn where the grass is thin.