An aeration tine includes a non-boronized elongated body including a first longitudinal end configured to support the tine relative to an aeration machine, and a second longitudinal end opposite the first longitudinal end, and a tapered nose attached to the second longitudinal end of the non-boronized elongated body, the tapered nose formed of a metal base treated by a boronization process such that the tapered nose has a an outer layer that is hardened relative to an inner portion of the metal base.
