If you’ve ever Googled “how to aerate a lawn UK” or “spike vs hollow-tine aeration,” you’ll have seen two main options. But which one is right for your lawn? Spoiler: most people choose the wrong one. In this post, we’ll break down the difference between spike and hollow-tine aeration, when to use each, and which works best for British lawns with our unique soil and weather challenges.
What’s the Difference Between Spike and Hollow-Tine Aeration?
Spike aeration uses solid tines to poke holes into the ground—like pushing a fork into the soil. It creates quick pathways for air and water but doesn’t remove any material. Hollow-tine aeration, on the other hand, removes small plugs of soil from the lawn. This reduces compaction more effectively and creates longer-lasting channels for roots to grow and breathe.
Why Hollow-Tine Aeration Wins in the UK
In the UK, many lawns sit on dense clay soils that compact easily underfoot. Spike aeration can actually make this worse by pushing soil sideways and increasing compaction over time. Hollow-tine aeration relieves pressure by physically removing soil and creating space for roots to expand. That’s why professionals almost always recommend hollow-tining for long-term lawn health—especially in high-traffic gardens or poorly draining areas.
When Spike Aeration Makes Sense
While hollow-tine is best for deep treatment, spike aeration can still be useful in the short term. For example, if you need a quick fix before an event, or you’re dealing with sandy or already well-aerated soil, spiking can help improve surface drainage temporarily. It’s also easier and faster to do with basic tools, making it popular for DIY.
Combining Both Methods (Optional but Powerful)
Some lawncare professionals use a combination of both methods—spiking for shallow, frequent treatment and hollow-tining once or twice a year for deeper results. However, if you can only do one, go with hollow-tine—especially if you want a noticeable and lasting improvement in lawn health.
FAQ: Spike vs Hollow-Tine
Is hollow-tine aeration messy? It can leave small plugs of soil on the surface, but they break down naturally in a week or two—or can be raked off. The results are worth it.
Can I use spike aeration during summer? Yes, but it’s best when the soil isn’t too dry or too wet. It works better on lighter soils that don’t compact easily.
Will hollow-tine damage my lawn? Not at all. It may look a little rough straight after treatment, but it helps your lawn recover and thrive in the long run.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
If your lawn feels compacted, puddles easily or just isn’t thriving, hollow-tine aeration is the smarter choice for UK conditions. It’s the method we use for all professional treatments because it gets real, lasting results. Spike aeration has its place—but for most homeowners, it’s simply not enough. 👉 Want to see what hollow-tine aeration can do for your lawn? Book a visit or request a free quote today.
