There is disclosed a ground aeration device which forces aeration spikes into the soil without requiring ballast weight. The aeration device is comprised of a cylindrical roller having a plurality of spikes projecting therefrom, the spikes being aligned in a helical row which extends once around the circumference of the roller; support arms having the roller rotatably secured to one end; and mounting brackets which are adapted to mount the opposed ends of the support arms to the front of a lawn mower, the support arms being oriented toward the ground at an angle of between 30 and 60 degrees in relation to the horizon such that the spikes of the roller penetrate the underlying groundsurface.