Rented my first core aerator recently (I know it's still early to be used) and it was totally worth it. My question is, if it's going to cost me $100 a year to rent for the two recommended times (beginning of fall and spring), should I just go ahead and drop the coin to purchase one? They're like $540 at Home Depot. The reason I ask is that I'm sure these machines don't last as long as you would want them to.

Well, my first question is why are you aerating? most of the agronomist on here have stated that home owners do not need to aerate.

Also, you can hire a lawn service to do it for about $80.

Clay soil is supposed to be aerated twice a year I hear. I don't like to pay anyone something I can do myself.

Buy the spike shoe things and wear them to mow...

I would not buy that, but that is just me. I also do not aerate very regularly (did it once in my old house and could not tell a big difference) and the lawn seems fine.

what kind did you find for $580? Seems like a good price. I thought about getting one but they were much more expensive. Hell my old lawn could use once a month for awhile to improve. I would buy it.

Randy lemmons quote "But the simple statement is this: If you want healthy grass in the Houston area, because of the predominance of clay soils, aeration is so important."

I'm guessing you're in the Dallas area since you said clay soil. Our company actually aerates 4 times per year. If you even do it once a year you're helping the lawn. The more the better.

That was the price quote from the Home Depot rental guy. Most likely the price of a used one I'm guessing now that I've done some more research.

You can rent them for a half day (4 hours) for about ~$50. Not sure how big your lawn is, but it only took me 15-20 minutes to do mine this spring. I went in halves with my buddy (plus he had the truck!)

Also - if you schedule your rental for late in the day with a half day rental, they are usually cool with you bringing it back in the morning when they re-open effectively giving you a whole evening to use it.

[This message has been edited by spencerdhg (edited 7/22/2010 5:41p).]