The Answer is yes it works and no it does not replace mechanical aeration. Liquid aeration is a relatively newer approach that involves applying a liquid product designed to break up compacted soil and improve its ability to absorb water, air, and nutrients.
Typically, these products contain natural soil conditioners such as microbes, surfactants, or other organic compounds that help to loosen the soil and promote root growth. The liquid is sprayed onto the surface of the lawn, and as it penetrates the soil, it helps to reduce compaction, improve soil structure, and enhance microbial activity. While liquid aeration can be a quick and easy option—especially for smaller lawns—it doesn’t create physical holes in the soil, so its impact is more subtle and gradual compared to mechanical aeration. Liquid aeration is often marketed as a low-cost, less invasive alternative, but its effectiveness can vary depending on the soil type, compaction level, and application consistency. While liquid aeration may help your soil retain more water in the short term, it will not last and you will need to reapply liquid aeration roughly each month.
On the other hand, mechanical aeration, or core aeration, is a more traditional method that physically removes plugs of soil from the ground, creating holes that allow for direct penetration of air, water, and nutrients. This method is considered the gold standard for aerating compacted lawns, particularly those with heavy clay soils or high foot traffic. Core aerators use rotating tines to extract small cylindrical plugs from the soil, creating deep, visible holes that improve root access to essential elements. Mechanical aeration offers immediate, noticeable results and is highly effective in relieving severe compaction. However, it can be more time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly, especially if renting or purchasing the equipment is involved. For lawns that require significant compaction relief and long-term soil health improvement, mechanical aeration remains the most effective choice, while liquid aeration may be useful as a supplementary treatment for light compaction or ongoing maintenance. We have seen good results with yearly mechanical aeration of the entire lawn and regularly using liquid aeration products in the areas of the lawn that are consistently heat stressed and dry.