Lawn Aeration and Overseeding (late summer/ early fall)

Benefits

Here are some benefits of lawn aeration:

Helps break down thatch layer
Reduces compaction
Improves water and oxygen intake
Improves fertilization intake
Strengthens turf grass roots
Helps turf grass with heat and drought stress

Aeration and Overseeding

Aeration of the lawn is when an aeration machine pulls small cores out of the lawn. These cores will eventually decompose on the surface of the lawn and should not be picked up. These holes now allow water, nutrients, and fertilizer to be better taken up by the existing grassroots. This process also relieves compaction of the lawn.

Overseeding of the lawn is performed after/during aeration. When overseeing we are using a specific types of grass seed. The grass seed that is used is a turf type tall fescue blend that is designed specifically for our area.

Timing is very important when talking about aerating and overseeing. When the nights become cooler towards the end of the summer around August 10. Is when aeration and over seeding should start. Overseeding should stop around the last week of September. Spring aeration and overseeding should never be considered. The newly germinated grass in the spring does not have enough time to survive and get established before the summer heat. When performed at the end of the summer, it has all of fall time and next spring to establish its root system.

Other services to consider along with aeration over seeding at this time should be top dressing the bare areas with topsoil and heat treated straw.