Overseeding & Aeration

Thicken Your Turf Grass With Annual Overseeding & Aeration

Do you long to have a healthy, lush lawn but instead have poor soil, improper drainage, or other turf issues? Annual turf grass aeration and overseeding can ensure the well-being of your turf. The process will reduce soil compaction and assist in thickening thin or bare areas of your lawn.

We recommend that your turf is watered 24 hours before our crews arrive to begin the aeration and overseeding process, however, we’re also happy to do that for you! Watering prior to the aeration process will maximize the depth at which the tines on the aeration machine can penetrate the soil. If you have contracted our five-step fertilization process, we also suggest doing your spring aeration before the final pre-emergent application is made. The cored holes will allow for root growth, but can also create a space for weed seeds to grow without another round of pre-emergent protection.

Overseeding

If you have an existing lawn with a few bare or thin patches, overseeding may be just the thing to take your lawn from mediocre to marvelous! Lawns that have not been overseeded can grow thin and unhealthy, making it much easier for weeds to take over.

WHAT IS OVERSEEDING?

Overseeding is the process of spreading additional grass seed over an existing lawn to create a fuller appearance.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO OVERSEED MY LAWN?

The overseeding process can be done in the spring or fall months. Depending on the weather, the optimal time for spring seeding is in mid-April through May, and mid-August through September for fall seeding.

THE OVERSEEDING PROCESS & FOLLOW-UP CARE

Typically, overseeding starts with lawn aeration to prep the ground. After aeration has been completed, a starter fertilizer will be applied. Then we’ll apply the grass seed – either Kentucky bluegrass or a Fescue blend (a sun and shade mix). Seed will be applied using a broadcast spreader. We will make two passes in opposite directions to ensure proper seed coverage.

The newly seeded area should be lightly watered as needed (typically once or twice a day) in order to keep the soil surface moist. Light and frequent watering are needed until the seedlings are rooted. Once they have taken root, the frequency of irrigation can be reduced.

There should be no foot traffic or mowing on the turf for two weeks following seeding. Mowing can resume when grass is at a height of two inches until new seedlings have been cut at least two times, typically four to six weeks after seeding.

After this, the mowing height can be raised in intervals over the next three weeks until a normal mowing height of three to three and a half inches is reached. Broadleaf herbicides shouldn’t be applied for four to six weeks after the area has been seeded.

Lawn Aeration

After ensuring the turf has been watered, our crews will mow your grass to a specific height to limit competition from established turf grass. Small areas of damage will also be raked up. Then, we’ll aerate the lawn.

WHAT IS AERATION?

Aeration is a process of coring the soil or puncturing holes measuring about two inches deep by a quarter of an inch wide equally across your turf. To do this, our crews use an aerator machine.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO AERATE MY LAWN?

We encourage aeration in the fall or spring.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AERATING MY LAWN?

Aeration will improve oxygenation, which will help new grass seed to grow faster and thicker. Aeration also helps to break up the soil and thatch (dead grasses that haven’t broken down) that have built up. By aerating and eliminating compaction, we allow more oxygen and water to permeate your soil. After aeration, our crews will leave the cores to break down naturally in your lawn. Other benefits of aeration include increases or improvements in:

  • Air circulation within the soil
  • Water intake
  • Fertilizer intake and use
  • Heat and drought tolerance
  • Resiliency and cushioning
  • Thatch breakdown

Book Your Lawn Care Services Today

Whether you need lawn aeration, overseeding, or just a consultation with our team to take a look at your yard, reach out to Wright Outdoor today to get the lawn of your dreams.