Just as the name suggests, liquid aeration is the process of applying a natural solution usually with a sprayer on your grass that boosts oxygen levels at the roots and helps water reach the soil at a deeper level.
Ammonium lauryl sulfate – the active ingredient in this fortified solution is commonly found in soap and breaks down dense particles in the soil and loosens them up.
How Does Liquid Aeration Work?
Liquid aeration solutions are simply mixed with water sprayed with a hose-end sprayer, broadcast sprayer, backpack pump sprayer, or garden sprayer.
These solutions are powered by ammonium lauryl sulfate – a substance that’s classified as an anionic surfactant given it holds a negative ionic charge.
Ammonium lauryl sulfate cuts into clay soils and also serves as one of the best liquid soil conditioners. After spraying this liquid soil aerator on your lawn, it starts breaking down the dense soil particles and creates small holes to help loosen the soil.
These holes allow air, water, and essential nutrients to be absorbed easily by the soil and promote healthy root growth.
How Long Does it Take for Liquid Aerator to Work?
Liquid aerators don’t provide immediate effects but continual applications are needed for sustained results. In terms of numbers, it can take anywhere between 45 and 60 days for the enzymes in liquid aerators to make a difference in the soil.
Some liquid aerator manufacturers add other ingredients such as amino and humic/fulvic acid to speed up the process.
Here’s a video on how to do liquid aeration on your lawn:
Liquid Aeration vs. Core Aeration – Which is Better?
There’s a lot to consider when choosing between liquid and core aerations as one may work better than the other depending on your needs and goals.
Core Aeration
Let’s start with core aeration – a process of pulling plugs of soil with an aerating tool or machine. Core aeration works almost instantly to provide relief for your lawn.
So, if your lawn is looking beat up after a harsh summer, core aeration is a good option. However, core aeration leaves unsightly holes in the ground.
Using an aerator machine over your lawn can leave your turf looking like a battlefield with unsightly plugs. But on a brighter note, these holes aren’t permanent and will disintegrate over time.
Liquid Aeration
Compared to core aeration, liquid aeration can be applied easily with a pump sprayer or a hose-end sprayer. Adding to this, liquid aerating solutions aerate your lawn in a matter of minutes whereas pushing a manual aerating machine can be a tiresome and daunting task.
Another key benefit of liquid aeration vs core aeration is its broad coverage but you may have to aerate the same area several times with a core aerator.
And to top things off, liquid aeration is much cheaper than core aeration given there are tools to buy or rent and you don’t have to call professional help.
| Core Aeration | Liquid Aeration | |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Pulling plugs of soil with an aerating tool or machine | Applying a liquid aerating solution with a pump sprayer or hose-end sprayer |
| Instant Relief | Works almost instantly to provide relief for the lawn | Provides aeration in a matter of minutes |
| Appearance | Leaves unsightly holes in the ground, but they disintegrate over time | No visible impact on the lawn |
| Coverage | Limited coverage; may have to aerate the same area several times | Provides broad coverage in a single application |
| Ease of Application | Requires the use of an aerator machine, which can be tiresome | Can be easily applied with a pump sprayer or hose-end sprayer |
| Cost | Tools may need to be bought or rented, and professional help can be expensive | Much cheaper as no tools are required and no need for professional help |
Liquid Aeration Pros and Cons
Liquid Aeration Pros
Liquid Aeration Cons
How Much Does Liquid Aeration Cost?
Liquid aeration can cost as little as $35 for up to 35,000 square feet of coverage. Contrarily, calling a lawn care professional for core aeration can vary between $200 and $350, which isn’t a market price that’s easy to digest.
How to Liquid Aerate Your Lawn?
The process of liquid aerating your lawn is similar to applying liquid fertilizer, where you mix the product with water, fill up an irrigation sprayer, garden pump sprayer, or even a household sprayer, and spray the solution across your yard.
After successful application, it can take up to 45 days for the liquid aeration solution to work so you’ll have to be patient for the enzymes to make a difference in your soil.
The Best Liquid Lawn Aerator
When shopping for the best liquid lawn aerator, you’ve got several options to choose from. But I’ve narrowed my list down to the 3 best lawn aerators available.
1. Turf Titan Thatch Buster
The Turf Titan Thatch Buster allows you to enjoy a beautiful lawn without struggle. This powerful liquid aeration formula breaks down the thatch layer without the daunting task and mess of core aeration and helps you achieve a lush, green lawn.
It contains an effective blend of effective ingredients that work collectively to loosen compacted soil, enhance nutrient uptake and promote root growth.
A bottle of the Turf Titan liquid lawn aerator can treat up to 8,000 square feet and is safe for both families and pets.
- This powerful liquid soil aerator and conditioner is specially formulated to loosen compacted soil and break down thatch layer, making it easier for your lawn to absorb essential nutrients and water.
Affiliate links and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: 2023-10-03
2. Petra Tools Liquid Lawn Aerator
The Petra Tools liquid lawn aerator slots in at the #2 position on my list of best liquid lawn aerators for several good reasons starting with its ability to help restore a vibrant green lawn.
It offers twofold benefits – loosens hard clay soil and accelerates nutrient uptake, oxygenation, penetration, and drainage.
The Petra Tools liquid lawn aerator contains humic and fulvic acid, which work together for long-term treatment of compacted soils.
- RESTORE VIBRANT GREEN LAWN & FLOWERS: PetraTools Chelated Liquid Iron is a concentrated solution that revitalizes healthy color & quality for lawns, flowers, vegetables, bushes & trees. It combats yellowing and improves plant color and quality fast.
- ULTIMATE DEEP GREEN BOOST: This iron supplement for plants contains high levels of bioavailable iron that helps your grass absorb and utilize the nutrient for maximum effectiveness. Liquid Iron uses sugar-based complexing technology for safer and more effective usage for both foliar and root applications.
- EDTA-FREE FORMULA: We formulated our chelated liquid iron for lawns to be healthy for the plants and surroundings, so it's completely EDTA free. Treat iron deficiencies and chlorosis and combat yellowing by strengthening roots and increasing the stress tolerance.
Affiliate links and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: 2023-10-03
3. Simple Lawn Solutions Liquid Soil Loosener
The Simple Lawn Solutions liquid soil loosener does just that, loosens compact soil and breaks apart the hardpan. It helps replenish nutrients in your lawn and improves overall soil and grass health.
As a bonus, the package also includes a 16-4-8 NPK lawn food, which is ready to use with a hose-end sprayer and covers up to 3,200 square feet.
- Liquid Fertilizer Lawn Food 16-4-8 NPK Lawn Food contains Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium and is perfect for maintaining a lush, green lawn, and for treating nutrient deficiencies.
- Our 16-4-8 Lawn Food comes with a ready-to-use hose end sprayer that applies the perfect ratio of product for lawn applications. Easy to use. Covers 3,200 square feet.
- Our Liquid Soil Loosener Helps Standing Water, Promotes Drainage: Increases nutrient availability by helping fertilizer reach the root zone. Improves water penetration. 32 ounce bottle
Affiliate links and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: 2023-10-03
Homemade Liquid Aerator
I recommend that you buy a tried and tested liquid aerator from your local garden center or online instead of making a homemade solution.
Liquid aeration products use dish soap as a surfactant but its concentration with the other ingredients is unknown. Just make sure that the soap you use doesn’t have any antibacterial stuff in it otherwise you could kill the beneficial microorganisms in your lawn.
When to Apply Liquid Aeration?
The best time to apply liquid aeration is in the spring or fall. This is typically the time when grass growth is at its best, which makes it easier for your lawn to recover. Check out my detailed article on the best time to aerate your lawn.
After applying the liquid aeration product properly, thoroughly water your turf immediately and for the next two weeks according to your regular watering schedule.
How Often Should You Use Liquid Aeration?
You can liquid aerate your lawn every two weeks if you need to. However, it’s best to wait for 2 – 3 weeks after the first application to get to the lawn’s root system before applying another round of liquid aerator product.
FAQs
Q. Is Liquid Aeration Just Soap?
A. Even though liquid aeration contains ammonium lauryl sulfate – the active ingredient in soap, it does contain other ingredients in its formulation such as but not limited to hydrogen peroxide.
Q. Do I Need to Water After Liquid Aeration?
A. Yes, you need to water your lawn thoroughly after liquid aeration so that the product can be absorbed by the roots as soon as possible.
Q. Does Liquid Lawn Aeration Work on Compacted Soil?
A. Liquid aeration is similar to core aeration in that it stimulates microbes and starts breaking down dense and compact soil.
Q. Can you Seed after Liquid Aeration?
A. You can overseed after liquid aeration. In fact, liquid aeration creates the perfect environment for overseeding your lawn. But make sure you have healthy soil in your lawn before overseeding.
Q. Is Liquid Aeration Safe for Dogs?
A. Most liquid aeration products are safe to use around kids and pets. However, it is best to read the manufacturer’s label to ensure it is safe to do so.
Final Thoughts
Liquid lawn aeration is the new kid on the block but is quickly becoming the preferred choice for many homeowners and a professional lawn aeration service.
Mechanical core aeration or traditional core aeration requires a fair bit of effort, but a liquid aeration product is such a solution that can be applied easily with just a handheld sprayer.
Hi, Alex Kuritz here. Growing up I remember that my family had one of the best lawns in the neighborhood. Richly green and lush. I did a lot as I grew up in terms of caring and tending for not only my family’s lawn but also my neighbors. I can say I have years of experience, and I am here to share it with you.