What type of aeration system uses a piston-like action to drive hollow metal tines into the ground?

Core aerators utilize a piston-like action to drive hollow metal tines into the ground, extracting plugs of soil as they do so. This process is essential for promoting aeration and alleviating soil compaction, which can enhance water infiltration and improve root growth for grass and other vegetation. The hollow tines create spaces in the soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate more effectively, ultimately benefiting the health of the turf. This method is particularly valuable in maintaining athletic fields and golf courses where soil health is crucial for performance and playability.

In contrast, spike aerators simply puncture the soil without removing any core material, which tends to compact the surrounding soil further rather than alleviating compaction. Drum aerators usually involve a drum filled with soil or sand and are less common for aeration purposes. Liquid aerators apply a liquid solution to break down compacted soil but do not involve mechanical penetration into the ground. Thus, the core aerator's design and function make it the most effective choice for achieving optimal soil aeration through physical removal of soil cores.