How To Get A Lowes Lawn Aerator Rental Near You: Cost, Tips

Your lawn looks terrible and you know why. The grass is thin, water pools in spots after rain, and weeds seem to take over no matter what you do. You've heard that aerating can fix these problems, but buying an aerator for one or two uses per year makes no sense. That machine will sit in your garage collecting dust while you're out hundreds of dollars.

Renting an aerator from Lowes makes more sense for most homeowners. You get professional grade equipment for a fraction of the purchase price, use it when you need it, and return it the same day or week. No storage, no maintenance, no buyer's remorse. The catch is that not every Lowes location offers rental equipment, and the availability varies by area.

This guide walks you through the entire rental process. You'll learn how to find a Lowes rental center near you, what the equipment costs to rent, which aerator type works best for your lawn size, and how to use the machine safely. We'll also cover what to expect during pickup and return so you're never caught off guard.

What to know before you rent

Preparation saves you time and money at the rental counter. You need to verify that your local Lowes actually rents aerators, understand what equipment they stock, and bring the right documentation when you arrive. Skip these steps and you'll waste a trip or end up with the wrong machine for your lawn type.

Check your local availability

Not every Lowes location operates a rental center. The Lowes Rental website lets you search by zip code to find participating stores near you, but you should call ahead to confirm they have aerators in stock. Some locations only carry basic equipment like pressure washers and floor sanders. Others stock a full range of lawn equipment including both spike and plug aerators.

Know what aerator types Lowes offers

Most Lowes rental centers stock tow-behind plug aerators designed to attach to a riding mower or lawn tractor. These machines pull cylindrical plugs of soil from your lawn, creating deeper holes than spike models. Some locations may offer walk-behind aerators for smaller properties, but availability varies significantly by region. Call your local store to ask specifically which aerator models they rent and whether you need your own vehicle to tow the equipment.

Plug aerators work better than spike models for heavily compacted soil because they remove soil instead of just pushing it aside.

Step 1. Decide if renting fits your lawn

Renting only makes financial sense when you compare it against buying and owning. Your lawn size and aeration frequency determine whether a Lowes lawn aerator rental saves you money or costs more than purchasing your own equipment. You need to run the numbers before you drive to the store.

Calculate your lawn square footage

Measure your lawn to determine if renting makes sense. A quarter-acre lawn (roughly 10,900 square feet) takes about two to three hours to aerate with a rental machine. Properties larger than one acre may require multiple rental periods or become expensive enough that buying makes more financial sense. Walk your property with a measuring tape or use a property map to get accurate dimensions before deciding.

Compare rental cost to purchase price

Most homeowners only aerate once or twice per year, typically in spring for warm-season grass or fall for cool-season varieties. If you rent twice annually at $75 per rental session, you spend $150 yearly. A basic plug aerator costs $200 to $400, which means you break even after two to three years of ownership. Rental makes sense if you're uncertain about long-term commitment or you don't want to maintain equipment.

Renting costs less upfront but owning saves money after three years of regular use.

Step 2. Find a Lowes aerator rental near you

Finding a Lowes lawn aerator rental requires checking online availability first, then confirming by phone. The Lowes rental inventory varies by location, and their website doesn't always reflect real-time stock. You'll save yourself a wasted trip by taking two simple verification steps before you drive across town.

Use the Lowes Rental website

Visit lowes.com/l/shop/rental and enter your zip code in the search bar. The site displays rental centers within 50 miles of your location. Click on each store to view their equipment catalog and check if aerators appear in the lawn and garden category. Write down the store addresses and phone numbers for any location that lists aerators. The website also shows rental rates and basic equipment specifications, though these may not match what's actually available.

Verify equipment in person or by phone

Call the rental department directly using the number from the website. Ask these specific questions:

• Do you currently have plug aerators or spike aerators in stock?

• What is the rental rate for four hours, 24 hours, and weekly periods?

• What size tow hitch does the aerator require (if tow-behind)?

• Do you rent walk-behind models for smaller properties?

• Can I reserve the aerator for a specific date?

Reserving equipment by phone prevents situations where someone else rents your aerator right before you arrive.

Document answers before you hang up. Some stores require credit card holds or security deposits that the website doesn't mention.

Step 3. Understand cost and rental terms

Rental costs vary by location and rental duration. You'll pay more for a 24-hour rental than a four-hour window, and weekly rates offer better value if you have a large property. Understanding the payment structure and required documentation before you arrive prevents surprises at checkout and helps you budget accurately for the project.

Rental pricing by duration

Most Lowes locations offer three rental periods: four hours, 24 hours, and weekly. Expect to pay between $60 to $90 for a four-hour rental, $75 to $110 for 24 hours, and $250 to $350 for a full week. These prices apply to tow-behind plug aerators, which are the most common rental option. Walk-behind models typically cost $10 to $20 less per rental period.

Rental Period	Typical Cost Range
4 hours	$60 to $90
24 hours	$75 to $110
Weekly	$250 to $350

Book the shortest rental period that gives you enough time to complete your lawn, since you pay for unused hours regardless.

Required deposits and documentation

Lowes requires a valid credit card for equipment holds and a driver's license or government ID for verification. The store places a temporary authorization between $100 and $300 on your card, which releases after you return the equipment undamaged. Bring proof of your towing vehicle's hitch size if renting a tow-behind model to confirm compatibility before checkout.

Step 4. Use and return the aerator safely

Operating rental equipment requires attention to safety procedures and proper handling. Your Lowes lawn aerator rental comes with basic instructions, but you need to follow specific steps to avoid injury and equipment damage. The store charges repair fees for any damage beyond normal wear, so understanding safe operation protects both you and your wallet.

Operating the aerator correctly

Read the instruction manual attached to the equipment before you start the engine or attach it to your tractor. Water your lawn 24 hours before aerating so the soil is moist but not muddy, which allows the tines to penetrate properly without getting stuck. Make parallel passes across your lawn like you would when mowing, overlapping each pass by three to four inches to ensure complete coverage.

Aerating dry, hard soil damages the equipment and produces shallow holes that don't help your lawn.

Wear closed-toe shoes and safety glasses while operating the machine. Clear your lawn of sticks, rocks, and toys before you begin because these objects can jam the tines or become projectiles.

Return process and inspection

Return the aerator on time to avoid late fees that typically run $25 to $50 per hour. Spray off dirt and grass from the machine with a garden hose before loading it back on your trailer. The rental counter staff will inspect the equipment for damage when you return it, checking specifically for bent tines, broken belts, or hydraulic leaks.

Final thoughts

Renting a Lowes lawn aerator rental gives you professional equipment without the storage hassles or maintenance costs of ownership. You've learned how to verify local availability, calculate rental costs against your lawn size, and operate the machine safely from pickup to return. Following these steps helps you avoid wasted trips, unexpected fees, and equipment damage charges.

Aeration fixes compacted soil and improves water absorption, but it represents just one part of a complete lawn care strategy. Your grass also needs proper fertilization, weed control, and consistent maintenance to stay healthy year-round. Professional lawn care services handle all these tasks on a schedule tailored to your specific grass type and soil conditions.

Denton Lawn Care provides complete lawn treatment programs throughout Leander, including soil management, fertilization, and weed control that keeps your grass green without the rental equipment hassle.