I'm having a guy come in to do core aeration to the turf in the front so I
can
lay out compost and when I do dig it up, the clay soil will be softer to
work.
He's charging me 35 dollars! I couldn't rent a machine and do it myself for
that.

For those of us NOT so lucky to have this guy in our neighborhoods, I found a
foot core aerator I've used with much success at (believe it or not) HOME
DEPOT! Simple operation, similar to the edging tools, just step on it and it
cuts out a core about 1/2" diameter and 4" long. works WONDERS on my clay yard
as long as it's not too dry. Easy to use and easy to clean (I recommend saving
one of the metal plant stakes for cleaning out the holes when you're done.
does an awesome job).

Bonus is.... I can aerate all I want and it only cost me ~$20! It's already
paid for itself.

Just my 2 cents.........
Christine