Bowling Green FAQ 4: Why is our aerator leaving marks from its wheels?

The weight of an aerator is being borne by the tyres. Smaller diameter wheels with narrower tyres will have significantly increased ground pressure than a larger diameter wheel with broad tyres. If the surface is also on the softer side, particularly if there is a medium to deep layer of thatch and if aeration is carried out soon after irrigation or when the soil is moist to damp rather than being on the drier to moist side then this will also exacerbate the issue.

Try to keep off the green unless the surface and soil is drier and aim to firm up the surface at renovation time by double hollow-tining, generous scarification, and top-dressing.