Aeration + Overseeding
What is Lawn Aeration?
The idea behind the aeration process is to allow your lawn to breathe. Performing this activity entails dealing with thatch. Some thatch is good as it can provide a protective layer against extreme temperatures and helps trap moisture in. However, too much thatch, more than one inch, can be harmful to the lawn and smother it. Lawn aeration also breaks up compacted soil, allowing water, air, and nutrients to permeate into the root zone. Aeration reduces soil compaction. A rock hard soil bed is not conducive to a great lawns and in our area most have a clay base soil that is very hard! Loose soil allows grass roots to plunge deeper into the soil to find vital water resources in times of stress.
Why Overseeding?
When a lawn is freshly aerated — with plugs of soil removed from the turf — the same tiny holes that allow water, air and nutrients to circulate also provide nests for grass seeds. This makes overseeding far more effective in clearing up bare patches, or simply evening out lawns.
Benefits of the Aeration + Overseeding Process:
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Aeration reduces thatch. Thatch is made up of grass stems and roots that accumulate faster than they breakdown. Excessive thatch creates an environment that is favorable to pests and disease.
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Aeration allows access to the root zone. By penetrating the soil, you’re allowing moisture, air, & food to the root zone where nutrients are absorbed.
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Aeration enhances seed germination. Seeds germinate easily in aerator holes as the holes provide them a place to hide.
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Overseeding introduces new grass seed to fill in bare or thin areas as well as thickens existing turf. Over time, grass plants reach their peak and need to be replaced. Different factors contribute to the breakdown of the grass including foot traffic, heat, lack of water, environmental conditions, pet waste, etc.
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Overseeding builds resistance to disease. By incorporating different blends of grass seed, you reduce your risk to diseases that can wipe out your entire lawn.
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Aeration and overseeding will help to reduce weeds. Opportunistic weeds germinate in areas where they can be successful. Crabgrass grows in thin areas, nutsedge pops up in thin/low spots, and broadleaf weeds spread where there is little desirable grass. The best defense is to have a thick lawn.
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Aeration and overseeding will immediately improve your lawn’s current appearance. If your lawn was attacked by fungus, insects, or animals, a core aeration and overseeding will help. You’ll be able to see seed germination in 10-21 days.
Our Process
We have spent several years in our test yards trying out different techniques and multiple machines. This year we will be using a state-of-the-art Stinger fully hydro stand on aeration machine. This machine allows us to get deep plugs. Our aeration services also includes two passes over your lawn, which helps alleviate more soil compaction. This method pulls more holes per square foot for great results on germination.
We understand that for overseeding it is not a one size fits all. We base the pounds of seed needed by the shape of your grass. In most cases we use 3/4 lbs per 1000 sq ft however in light lawns we use 5/6 lbs and in most new yards we recommend 10lbs per sq ft for at least 2 years. With these methods we have been able to get yards in good shape in a short period.
When should our clients expect us to offer this service?
In our area timing and weather are very important. We only book enough customers for a 4 week window because in this area that is about the stretch of good weather to do this. Aeration can be done any time but to get the most bang for your buck on seeding you have a much shorter window. Many companies start in August; however, most of the time the temps are still too high to perform this activity. Once the temp starts to drop, usually sometime in September but the soil temp stays warm that is the best time to do this service. We typically say Mid-September through Mid-Oct, but will wait for as close to ideal conditions as possible to schedule your visit.
Click the link above or call us to request a quote. No appointment necessary for a quote.