Spring Overseeding: Lawn Care DeKalb, IL Specialists’ Tips and Tricks
If you skipped fall overseeding, early spring is the second-best time to turn your lawn into a thick carpet of strong, thriving grass. Arguably, the best time for overseeding is September, but our lawn care DeKalb IL specialists are here to assure you that, if done right, spring overseeding can be equally efficient. All you need to keep in mind is that this seasonal activity should be done as early as possible, so the seedlings have enough time to germinate and establish strong roots until summer heat settles in. We have gathered a few lawn care DeKalb IL specialists and landscaping Sycamore IL experts to offer you a few pieces of advice on spring overseeding and its correct implementation.
1. Aeration and Overseeding Go Hand in Hand
You can plant new turf seeds directly, but you risk achieving poor results. Aeration is a complementary and preceding process which ensures the success of overseeding. It loosens up compact soil and solves issues like poor drainage or lack of proper absorption of nutrients. Aeration allows the new seeds to have a better soil contact. Also, through the core aeration process, you will make sure that sun rays and water reach deeper to the roots of the grass. Seedlings also need aeration holes to pick out from them when they finally germinate and start establishing roots.
2. Watering the Overseeded Lawn is of Utmost Importance
Spring is a good season to overseed a lawn if rain is present frequently. However, according to our lawn care DeKalb, IL specialists, you shouldn’t rely solely on rain. You need to water the lawn carefully once or twice a day. Always keep a 1/4 inch of the top soil moist to help the seeds thrive in due time. Many homeowners wonder how much time they have to spend watering the lawn daily until they can go back to the regular watering routine. Some landscaping Rockton, IL specialists consider that you should let the new grass reach its recommended mowing height and then resume your usual watering schedule.
3. Not Stressing the Lawn is Mandatory
Speaking about watering, you should be careful how you trample the lawn after you overseeded it. Physical stress can negatively impact the new seeds’ growth and may lead to disappointing results. You’d better use sprinklers until your lawn (old and new) reaches a level of strength which allows you to walk all over it. When it comes to stress, weed control is another issue you need to trade carefully. Spring is the perfect time for weeds to pop up their ugly heads, but under no circumstance should you treat the lawn with weed killers, herbicides or other chemicals as you risk killing the seedlings before they get a chance to grow.
Ask your local lawn care DeKalb IL specialists to help you with spring overseeding and to tell you what you should do afterwards to ensure the seedlings a healthy, strong development.